JP2011243342A - Plug lock structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve security in a plug lock structure.SOLUTION: When a power supply plug 10 is inserted into an inlet 31 and an engaged pawl 16 is engaged with an engaging portion 21, a lock pin 55 is positioned on one side of the engaged pawl 16, which is the opposite side of the engaging portion 21. This position allows the lock pin 55 to restrict the movement of the engaged pawl 16 toward the opposite side of the engaging portion 21, in other words, the direction that the engagement is released. In this structure, a locking state, in which the removal of the power supply plug 10 from the inlet 31 is restricted, is automatically created by just inserting the power supply plug 10 into the inlet 31.

Description

  The present invention relates to a plug lock structure.

  In recent years, for the purpose of reducing the exhaust gas from vehicles to a small extent, each vehicle manufacturer has become very high in the development of electric vehicles. In an electric vehicle, each time the remaining amount of power of a battery, which is a power source of the vehicle, decreases, the battery must be charged at, for example, a home or a desk lamp. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, the vehicle is provided with an inlet that can be connected to a power supply plug connected to a commercial power source at home. Then, a power supply plug is connected to the inlet, and the vehicle battery is charged by transmitting power from the commercial power source to the vehicle.

  However, charging the battery requires a longer time than the gasoline supply of a gasoline car. Therefore, there are many cases where the vehicle is left for a long time after charging is started by connecting the power supply plug to the inlet. For this reason, for example, it is assumed that the power supply plug is removed from the vehicle that is being supplied with power and is attached to the inlet of another vehicle to be stolen, or the power supply plug itself is stolen.

  In view of this, a power plug locking structure that restricts unauthorized removal of the power plug connected to the inlet has been considered. For example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 9 has been studied as a lock structure of the power supply plug. The power supply plug is provided with a lock arm 101 that protrudes from the inside to the front end side. A locking claw 102 is formed at the tip of the lock arm 101. By operating the operation part provided in the power plug, the locking claw 102 can be displaced upward together with the lock arm 101.

  In addition, a locking portion 105 for locking the locking claw 102 is formed on the upper portion of the inlet 104. When the power plug is inserted into the inlet 104, the locking claw 102 is locked to the locking portion 105, whereby the extraction of the power plug from the inlet 104 is restricted. In this state, when the operation unit is operated, the locking claw 102 is displaced upward, so that the locking by the locking unit 105 is released, and the power supply plug can be extracted from the inlet 104.

  The lock structure 106 holds the locking claw 102 in a state of being locked to the locking portion 105. The lock structure 106 includes a motor 107, and the rotational motion of the output shaft of the motor 107 is converted into linear motion of the lock bar 108 by a conversion mechanism (not shown). As the motor 107 is driven, the lock bar 108 is positioned on the upper side of the locking claw 102 locked to the locking portion 105 to lock the power supply plug. In the locked state of the power supply plug, even when the operation portion is operated, the upward displacement of the locking claw 102 is restricted by the lock bar 108, so that the locking claw 102 is locked to the locking portion 105. Thus, the extraction of the power plug from the inlet 104 is restricted.

JP-A-9-161898

  By the way, in the lock structure, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the power supply plug is locked on the vehicle side. Here, in the configuration using the electronic key system, the predetermined condition is, for example, that the locking claw 102 is locked to the locking portion 105, and the user communicates with the electronic key carried by the user and the vehicle. Has been confirmed to exist around the vehicle.

  However, after the power plug is inserted into the inlet 104, it is necessary to determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied on the vehicle side. Therefore, the power plug is locked after the power plug is inserted. It took a certain time to do. Thus, there is a possibility that the power supply plug may be illegally extracted from the inlet due to the delay in the locked state.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a plug lock structure with improved security.

In the following, means for achieving the above object and its operational effects will be described.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a state where the power supply plug is inserted into the inlet fixed to the power supply target, the locking claw provided on the power supply plug is locked to the locking portion formed on the inlet. In this way, the power supply plug is prevented from coming off, and the locking claw is displaced to the side opposite to the locking part in conjunction with the operation of the operation part provided on the power supply plug. In the plug lock structure that restricts the operation of the locking claw through the operation of the operation portion in the plug holding mechanism that allows the power supply plug to be pulled out when the locked state is released, it is elastic only in a specific direction. The lock pin is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat, and to be engageable with the locking claw that is displaced in accordance with the insertion of the power supply plug into the inlet. When the locking claw is locked to the locking portion, the engagement state with the locking claw is released and the elastic claw is elastically returned to the original position. Its gist is that it is located on the side of the pawl opposite to the locking portion.

  According to this configuration, when the power supply plug is inserted into the inlet, the locking claw is locked to the locking portion. At this time, the lock pin is located on the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw. Thereby, a lock pin regulates the movement to the opposite side to the latching | locking part of a latching claw, ie, the direction where a latching state is cancelled | released. Specifically, when the operation portion of the power supply plug is operated, the locking claw presses the lock pin in a direction different from the specific direction that is the forward and backward direction. Here, the lock pin can be displaced only in a specific direction. Therefore, the lock pin is not displaced by the force applied from the locking claw, and the locking claw is held in the locked state by the locking portion. Therefore, the extraction of the power plug from the inlet is restricted. Thus, the lock state in which the extraction of the power plug from the inlet is automatically restricted can be achieved simply by inserting the power plug into the inlet. Therefore, the security of the plug lock structure can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the plug lock structure according to the first aspect, the housing includes a housing that elastically holds the lock pin so that the lock pin can protrude toward the locking claw, and an actuator that displaces the housing. The actuator is configured such that the lock pin can be positioned on the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw via the housing and to the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw. The gist of this is to displace between two positions with a position that allows the displacement.

  According to this configuration, the power plug can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state in which extraction from the inlet is allowed by displacing the positions of the housing and the lock pin through the actuator. Specifically, in the locked state, the lock pin is located on the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw and restricts displacement in the direction in which the locking claw is released. In this state, the actuator displaces the lock pin through the housing to a position allowing displacement in the direction of releasing the locking state of the locking claw. Thereby, it is possible to release the locking state of the locking claw through the operation unit, and the power supply plug can be pulled out from the inlet.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the plug lock structure according to the second aspect, the housing is disposed on the power supply target side with respect to the locking claw locked to the locking portion, and the lock pin The gist of this is to advance and retreat along the axial direction of the inlet.

  According to this configuration, the housing is located on the power supply target side of the locking portion. Therefore, the housing can be provided at a position overlapping the locking portion when viewed from the axial direction of the inlet, and the plug lock structure can be configured more compactly when viewed from the same direction.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the plug lock structure according to the second or third aspect, a locking hole for inserting the locking claw from the outside to the locking portion side is formed, and the plug lock structure The actuator is installed on the power supply target side with respect to the housing.

  According to this configuration, the actuator is installed at a position away from the power supply target side, that is, from the power supply plug side with respect to the housing. For this reason, for example, the attack to the actuator by the tool etc. via the locking hole can be suppressed.

  According to the present invention, security can be improved in the plug lock structure.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the charging system and hybrid type vehicle in this embodiment. The disassembled perspective view of the lock structure in this embodiment. Sectional drawing of the inlet and lock | rock structure before insertion of the electric power plug in this embodiment. Sectional drawing of the inlet and lock | rock structure in insertion of the electric power plug in this embodiment. Sectional drawing of the inlet and lock structure of the lock state in this embodiment. Sectional drawing of the inlet of the unlocked state in this embodiment, and a lock structure. Sectional drawing of the lock structure of the locked state in other embodiment. Sectional drawing of the lock structure of the locked state in other embodiment. Sectional drawing of the conventional lock structure.

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hybrid vehicle 1 includes a hybrid system 3 that uses a combination of an engine and a motor as a drive source for the drive wheels 2. The hybrid system 3 has a mode in which only the engine power is mechanically transmitted to the drive wheels 2, a mode in which power is generated by the engine power and a motor is driven, and the drive wheels 2 are directly driven by both the engine and the motor. There are various modes: a driving mode and a mode in which only the motor is driven without using the engine.

  The hybrid system 3 is connected to a battery 4 that supplies electric power to the motor. The battery 4 is not only charged with the electric power generated by the power of the engine, but can be charged with the electric power from the external power supply 61 of the vehicle 1.

  The vehicle 1 is equipped with an electronic key system 70 that enables the door to be locked and unlocked without the driver actually operating the vehicle key, for example. The electronic key system 70 includes an electronic key 80 that performs wireless communication with the vehicle 1.

  The vehicle 1 is provided with a verification ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 71 that performs verification of the electronic key 80 and the ID code of the vehicle 1. The verification ECU 71 includes a memory 71a in which an ID code is stored as a unique key code. An external LF (Low Frequency) transmitter 72, an in-vehicle LF transmitter 73, and a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) receiver 74 are connected to the verification ECU 71. The LF transmitter 72 outside the vehicle is embedded in each door of the vehicle 1 and transmits a signal in the LF band outside the vehicle. The in-vehicle LF transmitter 73 is buried under the in-vehicle floor and transmits an LF band radio signal in the vehicle. The UHF receiver 74 is embedded in the vehicle and receives a radio signal in the UHF band.

  On the other hand, the electronic key 80 is provided with a communication control unit 81. The communication control unit 81 includes a memory 81a in which a unique ID code is stored. The communication control unit 81 is connected to an LF reception unit 82 that receives an LF band radio signal and a UHF transmission unit 83 that transmits a UHF band radio signal in accordance with a command from the communication control unit 81.

  The verification ECU 71 forms an out-of-vehicle communication area around the vehicle 1 by intermittently transmitting an LF band request signal Srq from the out-of-vehicle LF transmitter 72. The outside communication area is formed around the vehicle. When the electronic key 80 enters the communication area outside the vehicle, the electronic key 80 receives the request signal Srq via the LF receiver 82. When the communication control unit 81 recognizes the request signal Srq received via the LF reception unit 82, the communication control unit 81 sends the UHF band ID code signal Sid including the ID code registered in its own memory 81a to the UHF transmission unit 83. Call through. When the verification ECU 71 receives the ID code signal Sid via the UHF receiver 74, the verification ECU 71 performs ID verification (external verification) between the ID code registered in its own memory 71a and the ID code included in the ID code signal Sid. When verification outside the vehicle is established, the verification ECU 71 permits or executes locking / unlocking of the vehicle door by a door lock device (not shown).

  When the verification ECU 71 recognizes that the driver has boarded after the vehicle door is unlocked after the vehicle verification has been established and the vehicle door is unlocked, the verification ECU 71 transmits a request signal Srq from the in-vehicle LF transmitter 73 this time. An in-vehicle communication area is formed throughout. Similarly to the above, when entering the in-vehicle communication area, the electronic key 80 transmits an ID code signal Sid. When the verification ECU 71 receives the ID code signal Sid via the UHF receiver 74, the verification ECU 71 performs ID verification (in-vehicle verification) between the ID code registered in its own memory 71a and the ID code included in the ID code signal Sid. The verification ECU 71 permits the start of the hybrid system 3 when the in-vehicle verification is established.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the battery 4 mounted on the vehicle 1 is charged by a plug-in charging system 60. The charging system 60 includes a power supply plug 10 that is connected to an external power supply 61 such as a house or a desk lamp via a connection cable 12. The power supply plug 10 can be connected to the vehicle 1. AC power is supplied from the external power supply 61 to the vehicle 1 through the power supply plug 10. The connection cable 12 is provided with a charge switch 62 that is operated when charging is started. When the power switch 10 is connected to the vehicle 1 and the charging switch 62 is turned on or off, a signal to that effect is output to the vehicle 1 via the power plug 10.

  An inlet 31 is attached to the vehicle 1 as a connection destination of the power supply plug 10. The inlet 31 is a connector part into which the power supply plug 10 is inserted, and is provided, for example, on the side surface of the vehicle body. The inlet 31 is provided with a lock structure 41 to be described later. The lock structure 41 automatically locks the power supply plug 10 inserted into the inlet 31. The locked state is a state where the extraction of the power supply plug 10 from the inlet 31 is restricted. These are electrically connected by inserting the power supply plug 10 into the inlet 31. The AC power sent from the inlet 31 is converted into DC power by the converter 6, and this DC power is supplied to the battery 4. Thereby, the battery 4 is charged.

  The vehicle 1 is provided with a charging ECU 75 that performs control related to charging. The charging ECU 75 can communicate with the verification ECU 71 via an in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) not shown. The charging ECU 75 can confirm the result of ID verification in the verification ECU 71 through the communication. In addition, the inlet 31 is provided with a detection sensor 40 that detects whether or not the power supply plug 10 is inserted therein. The charging ECU 75 can recognize that the power supply plug 10 has been inserted into the inlet 31 through the detection result of the detection sensor 40. When the charging ECU 75 recognizes that the verification outside the vehicle has been established and that the power supply plug 10 has been inserted into the inlet 31, the charging ECU 75 enters a chargeable state. In this state, when the charge ECU 75 receives a signal indicating that the charge switch 62 is turned on via the power supply plug 10 and the inlet 31, the charge ECU 75 starts power supply to the battery 4 through the control of the converter 6.

  The lock structure 41 includes a solenoid 42. The charge ECU 75 performs control to switch the energization state of the solenoid 42. When the solenoid 42 is energized, the power plug 10 is unlocked and unlocked. In the unlocked state, the power supply plug 10 can be extracted from the inlet 31. Further, a release switch 76 is provided in the vicinity of the inlet 31 in the vehicle 1. When the release switch 76 is operated, a signal to that effect is output to the charging ECU 75. When the charging ECU 75 recognizes that the release switch 76 has been operated in a state in which it is confirmed that the vehicle outside verification has been established, the charging ECU 75 energizes the solenoid 42 and switches the power supply plug 10 to the unlocked state. As a result, the power supply plug 10 can be extracted from the inlet 31.

Next, specific configurations of the power supply plug 10, the inlet 31, and the lock structure 41 will be described with reference to FIGS.
<Power supply plug>
As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical fitting portion 14 that is inserted into the inlet 31 is formed inside the power supply plug 10. The fitting portion 14 protrudes from the tip of the power supply plug 10. A plurality of connection terminals (not shown) for electrically connecting the power supply plug 10 to the inlet 31 are provided inside the fitting portion 14. The connection terminal includes a power terminal that is connected to the external power supply 61 via a power line and serves as a power transmission path, and a control terminal that is connected to the charging switch 62 via a signal line and serves as a communication path for signals therefrom. . The connection cable 12 is formed by covering these power lines and signal lines with an insulator.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a lock arm 18 extending in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the power supply plug 10 is provided inside the power supply plug 10. The lock arm 18 is rotatable about a rotation shaft 17 located substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction. A locking claw 16 is formed at the tip of the lock arm 18. An operation portion 19 that is exposed to the outside of the power supply plug 10 is formed at the end of the lock arm 18 opposite to the locking claw 16. The locking claw 16 is formed with a bent portion 16a whose tip is bent downward.

A biasing spring 15 is provided between the lock arm 18 and the inner peripheral surface of the power supply plug 10. The biasing spring 15 is provided between the rotating shaft 17 and the locking claw 16 in the power supply plug 10. Therefore, the urging spring 15 urges the lock arm 18 clockwise about the rotation shaft 17. Usually, the locking claw 16 is maintained at the initial position in a state where the biasing spring 15 is extended. Since there is a gap between the lock arm 18 and the inner peripheral surface of the power supply plug 10, the locking claw 16 can rotate leftward about the rotation shaft 17 against the elastic force of the biasing spring 15. . That is, when the operating portion 19 is pressed, the locking claw 16 is displaced upward from the initial position shown in FIG. 3 around the rotation shaft 17 against the elastic force of the biasing spring 15. When the force is released, it returns to the initial position by the elastic force of the biasing spring 15.
<Inlet>
As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical insertion port 33 is formed in the inlet 31. The insertion port 33 is formed so that the fitting portion 14 of the power supply plug 10 can be inserted. A connection terminal (not shown) is provided inside the insertion port 33. The connection terminal is connected to the converter 6 via a power line and serves as a power transmission path from the external power supply 61, or connected to the charging ECU 75 via a signal line and controlled as a signal communication path from the charging switch 62. Provide terminals.

  When the fitting portion 14 is inserted into the insertion port 33, the connection terminal of the fitting portion 14 and the connection terminal of the insertion port 33 are electrically connected. That is, in this state, power from the external power supply 61 can be supplied to the battery 4 via the power line, and a signal from the charging switch 62 can be output to the charging ECU 75 via the signal line.

As shown in FIG. 3, a rectangular locking portion 21 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion port 33. The locking portion 21 includes an inclined surface 21 a that increases in height with respect to the peripheral surface of the insertion port 33 toward the proximal end side (right side in FIG. 3) of the insertion port 33, and the peripheral surface of the insertion port 33. And a locking surface 21b that is substantially perpendicular thereto. The inclined surface 21a is formed on the power supply plug 10 side, and the locking surface 21b is formed on the vehicle 1 side. As will be described in detail later, when the power supply plug 10 is inserted into the inlet 31, the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking portion 21. A detection sensor 40 that detects the approach of the locking claw 16 is provided on the right side of the locking portion 21 in the inlet 31. The detection sensor 40 outputs a signal corresponding to the approach of the locking claw 16 to the charging ECU 75. Based on the detection result of the detection sensor 40, the charging ECU 75 recognizes whether or not the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking portion 21 and, in turn, whether or not the power supply plug 10 is inserted into the inlet 31. it can. Note that the locking claw 16 and the locking portion 21 and the like correspond to a plug holding mechanism that restricts the power plug 10 from being pulled out from the inlet 31.
<Lock structure>
As shown in FIG. 3, the lock structure 41 is provided in a case 35 formed integrally with the upper portion of the inlet 31. A locking hole 46 into which the locking claw 16 is inserted is formed in the side wall of the case 35 on the power supply plug 10 side.

  The lock structure 41 includes a lock unit 50 in addition to the solenoid 42 described above. In this example, the solenoid 42 is a suction type solenoid. As shown in FIG. 2, the solenoid 42 includes a rod-shaped plunger 44 protruding from the main body 43. A biasing spring 45 is provided on the outer periphery of the plunger 44. On the peripheral surface on the distal end side of the plunger 44, two locking rods 47 projecting to the opposite sides are provided. The urging spring 45 is positioned between the outer surfaces of both the locking rods 47 and the main body 43, and keeps the plunger 44 protruding from the distal end side via the both locking rods 47 by its own elastic force. The main body 43 of the solenoid 42 is installed in the case 35 on the most vehicle side (the right side in FIG. 3) on the peripheral surface of the inlet 31. The plunger 44 extends toward the power supply plug 10 along the axial direction of the inlet 31.

  In a state where the solenoid 42 is not energized, the plunger 44 protrudes due to the elastic force of the biasing spring 45. When the solenoid 42 is energized, the plunger 44 is drawn into the main body 43 against the elastic force of the urging spring 45, and when the energization is released again, the plunger 44 protrudes toward the distal end side by the elastic force of the urging spring 45. . That is, the state in which the plunger 44 is pulled into the main body 43 is maintained only during a period in which the energization of the solenoid 42 is continued.

  The lock unit 50 is displaced as the plunger 44 moves back and forth. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, convex portions 58 extending in the same direction are formed on both side surfaces of the housing 51 of the lock unit 50 that extend in the axial direction of the plunger 44. As indicated by broken lines in FIG. 3, recesses 35 a extending in the left-right direction are formed on two inner surfaces of the case 35 that face each other via the lock unit 50. In FIG. 3, only one recess 35a is shown. A convex portion 58 is slidably fitted into the concave portion 35a. Thereby, the lock unit 50 can be displaced in the left-right direction along the recess 35a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of connecting portions 52 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 51 on the solenoid 42 side so as to be separated in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 52 is formed in a substantially L shape that extends from the outer surface of the housing 51 to the plunger 44 side and is bent perpendicularly to the front side in FIG. The connecting portion 52 is provided corresponding to the locking rod 47 of the plunger 44. A U-shaped groove 53 is formed on the distal end surface of the bent portion of the connecting portion 52. The groove 53 is formed so as to penetrate the connecting portion 52 in the arrangement direction of the groove 53. A locking rod 47 is fitted in each groove 53. In this state, the plunger 44 is positioned between the two connecting portions 52, and the locking rod 47 is held by the connecting portion 52. Since the advancing / retreating direction of the plunger 44 and the forming direction of the groove 53 are orthogonal, the fitting relationship between the connecting portion 52 and the locking rod 47 is not canceled by the displacement of the plunger 44. Accordingly, the lock unit 50 is displaced in conjunction with the plunger 44 via the connecting portion 52.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a lock pin 55 is provided inside the housing 51, and a front end portion 56 of the lock pin 55 is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the housing 51 on the power supply plug 10 side. Specifically, the lock pin 55 includes a thick plate-like base portion 54 located inside the housing 51. The base portion 54 has a shape in which each side surface is in contact with a side surface extending in the left-right direction inside the housing 51. That is, the base portion 54 slides in the left-right direction on the inner surface of the housing 51.

  The distal end portion 56 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending toward the locking hole 46 on the surface of the base portion 54 on the power supply plug 10 side. A through hole 51a is formed in the surface of the housing 51 on the power supply plug 10 side so that the tip 56 can be inserted in the axial direction. The tip 56 is inserted into the through hole 51a from the inside. When the base portion 54 is displaced in the left-right direction inside the housing 51, the distal end portion 56 projects from the housing 51 toward the distal end side or retracts into the housing 51.

  A coil-shaped spring 57 is provided between the surface of the base portion 54 opposite to the tip portion 56 and the inner surface of the housing 51 on the solenoid 42 side. The spring 57 urges the lock pin 55 toward the power supply plug 10 via the base portion 54. The displacement of the lock pin 55 toward the power supply plug 10 is restricted by the base portion 54 coming into contact with the peripheral edge portion of the through hole 51 a of the housing 51.

  In addition, an inclined surface 56a is formed in a portion of the tip portion 56 on the inlet 31 side in such a manner that the thickness in the vertical direction of the tip portion 56 decreases toward the tip. The inclined surface 56 a is formed along the shape of the back surface (upper surface) of the locking claw 16.

  Next, the operation of the lock structure 41 when the power supply plug 10 is inserted into the inlet 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the state where the power supply plug 10 is not inserted into the inlet 31, the solenoid 42 is not energized.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the locking claw 16 enters the locking hole 46 as the fitting portion 14 approaches the insertion port 33. When the fitting portion 14 of the power plug 10 is inserted into the insertion port 33, the bent portion 16a of the locking claw 16 climbs the locking portion 21 via the inclined surface 21a. As the locking claw 16 climbs the inclined surface 21 a, the lock arm 18 rotates leftward about the rotation shaft 17 against the urging force of the urging spring 15.

  As indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, when the power supply plug 10 is further pushed into the insertion port 33 and the bent portion 16 a is positioned on the upper surface of the locking portion 21, the bent portion 16 a Abuts the tip surface. When the power supply plug 10 is further pushed from the state in contact with the tip 56, the bent portion 16a is displaced to the right together with the lock pin 55 against the urging force of the spring 57, as shown in FIG. At this time, the lock unit 50 itself is not displaced, and the distal end portion 56 is drawn into the housing 51 as the base portion 54 is displaced to the right in the housing 51.

  Further, when the power supply plug 10 is pushed in, the bent portion 16a passes through the upper surface of the locking portion 21 and exceeds the locking surface 21b as shown in FIG. At this time, the urging force of the urging spring 15 causes the lock arm 18 to rotate rightward, and the locking claw 16 is displaced downward. Thereby, the bent portion 16 a of the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking surface 21 b of the locking portion 21. Along with the downward displacement of the locking claw 16, the contact state between the bent portion 16 a and the distal end surface of the distal end portion 56 is eliminated, and the distal end portion 56 is moved toward the power supply plug 10 by the elastic force of the spring 57. Protruding. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the back surface of the bent portion 16 a comes into contact with the inclined surface 56 a of the tip portion 56. At this time, the locking claw 16 locked to the locking portion 21 is in a state of being pressed from above by the tip portion 56. This state is a locked state in which the extraction of the power supply plug 10 from the inlet 31 is restricted.

  That is, in this locked state, when the operation portion 19 is pressed, an upward force is applied to the distal end portion 56 via the locking claw 16. Here, although the front-end | tip part 56 can be displaced in the left-right direction via the base part 54 in the housing 51, it cannot be displaced in the up-down direction. Therefore, the tip 56 restricts the upward displacement of the locking claw 16. For this reason, the operation part 19 cannot be pushed down and the latching state of the latching claw 16 cannot be released. Thus, the power supply plug 10 can be automatically locked by simply inserting the power supply plug 10 into the inlet 31. Therefore, for example, the power plug 10 can be locked more quickly than when the power plug 10 is locked on the condition that the power plug 10 is inserted into the inlet 31. Can be improved. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to energize the solenoid 42 when the power supply plug 10 is locked, for example, the power supply plug 10 can be reliably locked even when the electric system fails. In addition, it is possible to reduce power consumption related to locking of the power supply plug 10.

  As described above, the charging ECU 75 can recognize that the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking portion 21 through the detection sensor 40. Here, when the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking part 21, the power plug 10 is inserted into the inlet 31 and the power plug 10 is locked. That is, the charging ECU 75 can recognize that the power supply plug 10 has been locked through the detection sensor 40. Then, the charging ECU 75 recognizes that the power supply plug 10 is in a locked state, and then recognizes that the vehicle outside verification is established, then enters a chargeable state. In this chargeable state, the charging ECU 75 starts charging the battery 4 when receiving a signal indicating that the charging switch 62 is turned on.

  When the charging of the battery 4 is completed, the release switch 76 is operated. When the charging ECU 75 recognizes that the release switch 76 has been operated in a state in which it is confirmed that the vehicle outside verification has been established, the charging ECU 75 energizes the solenoid 42. When the solenoid 42 is energized, the lock unit 50 is pulled to the right side through the plunger 44 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 56 is spaced apart from the back surface of the bending part 16a. Accordingly, the distal end portion 56 gradually returns to the state of protruding from the housing 51 by the elastic force of the spring 57. Eventually, the base portion 54 comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the through hole 51a in the housing 51, and the lock unit 50 is displaced to the right until the tip portion 56 at this time is out of the operating range of the bent portion 16a. This state is an unlocked state in which the power supply plug 10 can be pulled out from the inlet 31. In the unlocked state, the distal end portion 56 does not hinder the upward displacement of the locking claw 16 accompanying the operation of the operation portion 19. In other words, the pull-in amount of the plunger 44 and the installation position of the lock unit 50 are adjusted so that the distal end portion 56 does not hinder the displacement of the locking claw 16. When the operation unit 19 is pressed in the unlocked state, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, the locking claw 16 is displaced upward, so that the locking state of the locking claw 16 is released. While maintaining this state, the power plug 10 can be pulled out of the inlet 31 by pulling the power plug 10 toward the front side.

  The charging ECU 75 stops energization of the solenoid 42 after a lapse of a certain time from when the locking claw 16 is released from the locked state through the detection sensor 40. This predetermined time is set to the time required for the power plug 10 to be completely pulled out of the inlet 31 from the operation of the operation unit 19 for releasing the locked state. By pulling out the power supply plug 10, as shown in FIG. 3, the plunger 44 returns to the protruding state, and the distal end portion 56 is positioned above the locking portion 21.

As described above, according to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the power supply plug 10 is inserted into the inlet 31, the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking portion 21. At this time, the lock pin 55 is located on the side opposite to the locking portion 21 of the locking claw 16. Thereby, the lock pin 55 restricts the movement of the locking claw 16 in the direction opposite to the locking portion 21, that is, in the direction of releasing the locking state. Specifically, when the operation unit 19 of the power supply plug 10 is operated, the locking claw 16 presses the lock pin 55 in a direction different from the forward / backward direction. Therefore, the lock pin 55 is not displaced and is kept in a state where the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking portion 21, and the extraction of the power supply plug 10 from the inlet 31 is restricted. Thereby, only by inserting the power supply plug 10 into the inlet 31, a locked state in which the extraction of the power supply plug 10 from the inlet 31 is automatically restricted can be achieved. Unlike the case where a predetermined locking operation is performed after the insertion of the power supply plug 10 is detected, the locked state is set at the same time as the insertion of the power supply plug 10 is completed. Therefore, removal of the power supply plug 10 and the like in a short time after the power supply plug 10 is attached is suppressed. Further, the power supply plug 10 can be reliably locked even when the electric system fails on the vehicle side. Therefore, the security in the lock structure 41 can be improved.

In addition, since the solenoid 42 is not energized in the locked state, the power consumption related to the locking of the power supply plug 10 can be reduced.
Furthermore, the power supply plug 10 can be locked only by the lock unit 50. Therefore, the lock structure 41 can have a simpler configuration.

  (2) The power supply plug 10 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by displacing the positions of the housing 51 and the lock pin 55 through the solenoid 42. Specifically, in the locked state, the lock pin 55 protruding from the housing 51 is positioned on the back side of the locking claw 16 and restricts displacement in a direction to release the locking state of the locking claw 16. . In this state, the solenoid 42 is displaced via the housing 51 to a position where the lock pin 55 is out of the operating range of the locking claw 16, that is, a position allowing displacement in the direction to release the locking state of the locking claw 16. Let Thereby, the latching claw 16 can be displaced to the opposite side to the latching portion 21, and the power supply plug 10 can be pulled out from the inlet 31.

  (3) The lock unit 50 is located on the vehicle 1 side of the locking portion 21. Further, the solenoid 42 is located on the vehicle 1 side of the lock unit 50. That is, the housing 51 and the solenoid 42 are provided at a position overlapping the locking portion 21 when viewed from the axial direction of the inlet 31. For this reason, when the inlet 31 is seen from the axial direction, it is suppressed that the lock unit 50 and the case 35 become larger than the size of the inlet 31 in the specific direction. Such compacting of the lock structure 41 when viewed from the axial direction of the inlet 31 is particularly beneficial from the following viewpoints. The inlet 31 is provided in a charging port formed in a concave shape on the side of the vehicle. The size of the charging port is determined in advance, and changing the size of the charging port itself for the lock structure 41 is not realistic. Thus, by arranging the elements of the lock structure 41 in the axial direction of the inlet 31, the inlet 31 including the lock structure 41 suitable for the size of the charging port can be formed.

  (4) The solenoid 42 is installed in the vehicle 1 side with respect to the housing 51, ie, the position spaced apart from the vehicle outer side. For this reason, for example, the attack on the solenoid 42 by a tool or the like from the outside of the vehicle via the locking hole 46 can be suppressed.

In addition, the said embodiment can be implemented with the following forms which changed this suitably.
In the above embodiment, the charging ECU 75 energizes the solenoid 42 from the time when the release switch 76 is recognized until the power supply plug 10 is pulled out from the inlet 31 in a state in which it is confirmed that the vehicle outside verification is established. Was. Here, if the solenoid 42 is continuously energized for a long time, there is a risk of generating heat. Therefore, the charging ECU 75 includes a timer and measures the energization time through the timer. When the energization time exceeds a certain time, the charging ECU 75 may stop energization until the temperature of the solenoid or the like decreases. That is, the predetermined time is set to a time when the temperature of the solenoid is expected to decrease. After a certain time has elapsed, the solenoid 42 is energized again.

  In the above embodiment, as the electronic key system, a so-called operation free key system is adopted, which is performed between the electronic key 80 and the vehicle 1 through exchange of the request signal Srq and the ID code signal Sid. However, a wireless key system in which a request signal is transmitted from the electronic key 80 to the vehicle 1 in one direction may be adopted as long as ID verification between the electronic key 80 and the vehicle 1 is possible. Furthermore, the electronic key system may be omitted. In this case, for example, when the vehicle door is locked by a mechanical key, the power supply plug 10 is brought into a locked state. Then, when the vehicle door is unlocked by the mechanical key, the power supply plug 10 is unlocked. That is, the lock state of the power supply plug 10 is switched according to the locking / unlocking state of the vehicle door. In this configuration, for example, a new switch that can switch between the first mode and the second mode is provided in the vicinity of the inlet 31. The switch is, for example, a push-type switch, and the mode is switched in the charging ECU 75 for each operation. When in the first mode, the charging ECU 75 switches the lock state of the power supply plug 10 in conjunction with the locking / unlocking state of the vehicle door. Further, when in the second mode, the charging ECU 75 does not link the lock state of the power supply plug 10 with the locking / unlocking state of the vehicle door. That is, when the user wants to switch only the locking / unlocking state of the vehicle door, the switch is set to the second mode. This improves convenience.

  The configuration for switching the lock state of the power supply plug 10 based on the locking / unlocking state of the vehicle door as described above is not limited to the case where the mechanical key is employed, but is also employed in the electronic key system and the wireless key system of the above embodiment. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, the detection sensor 40 is a proximity sensor. However, if it is possible to monitor whether or not the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking portion 21, for example, a detection sensor 40 is used. Also good. The pressure sensor is provided at a position to be pressed when the locking claw 16 is locked to the locking portion 21.

  In the above embodiment, the solenoid 42 is a suction type solenoid. However, as long as the plunger 44 can be moved back and forth, it is not limited to the suction type and is not limited to the solenoid. For example, a self-holding solenoid or a motor may be employed. When a motor is employed, it is necessary to configure a conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the output shaft into the linear motion of the plunger.

  Furthermore, an actuator such as the solenoid 42 may be omitted. Even in this case, when the power plug 10 is inserted into the inlet 31 by the lock unit 50 as in the above embodiment, the power plug 10 can be locked. Switching from the locked state to the unlocked state is performed manually, for example. In other words, an operation unit that is linked to the lock unit 50 is provided at a position where the user can operate, and the operation unit is operated, so that the distal end portion 56 is engaged with the locking claw 16 in the locked state via the lock unit 50. The power supply plug 10 can be unlocked by being separated. For security reasons, the operation unit is preferably provided inside the vehicle.

  In the above embodiment, the solenoid 42 is provided on the vehicle 1 side of the lock unit 50 in the insertion / extraction direction of the power supply plug 10. However, the position of the solenoid 42 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the solenoid 42 may be provided at a position adjacent to the lock unit 50 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion / extraction direction. In this configuration, the same operation as in the above embodiment is performed until the power supply plug 10 is brought into the locked state. When the power plug 10 is unlocked, the lock unit 50 is displaced in the vertical direction, to the right in FIG. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 56 of the lock unit 50 is displaced to the right side to the position which does not interfere with the latching claw 16, and it will be in an unlocked state.

  In the above embodiment, the lock unit 50 is provided on the vehicle 1 side of the locking claw 16 in the locked state. However, the installation position of the lock unit 50, that is, the forward / backward direction of the distal end portion 56 is not limited to this. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the lock unit 50 may be provided so that the distal end portion 56 advances and retracts in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the locking claws 16. In this case, the locking claw 16 displaces the upper surface of the locking portion 21 while pushing the distal end portion 56 to the left. And when the latching claw 16 is latched by the latching part 21, the front-end | tip part 56 protrudes to the upper part of the latching claw 16. FIG. In this state, the upward displacement of the locking claw 16 is restricted, and the power supply plug 10 can be locked. In this configuration, the solenoid 42 may be provided on the left side of the lock unit 50 in FIG. 8 or on the back side of the lock unit 50 in FIG. When the solenoid 42 is provided on the left side of the lock unit 50, the solenoid 42 displaces the lock unit 50 to the left side to bring it into an unlocked state. When the solenoid 42 is provided on the back side of the paper surface of the lock unit 50, the solenoid 42 displaces the lock unit 50 to the back side of the paper surface to bring it into an unlocked state.

  In the above embodiment, the power supply target is a hybrid vehicle, but the power supply target may be an electric vehicle. Further, the power supply target is not limited to the vehicle as long as power is supplied through the power supply plug 10.

Next, the technical idea that can be grasped from the embodiment will be described together with the effects.
(A) In the plug lock structure according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the actuator is a suction type solenoid including a plunger connected to the housing, and the suction type solenoid is in a non-energized state. The plunger protrudes by the urging force of the urging means that urges itself toward the locking claw, so that the lock pin is located on the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw, and in the energized state, By displacing the plunger against the biasing force of the biasing means toward the main body side of the suction type solenoid, the lock pin is displaced to the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw via the housing. Plug lock structure that displaces to the allowable position.

  According to this configuration, it is only necessary to energize the suction type solenoid only when the power plug is unlocked. Therefore, the power consumption related to the lock of the power supply plug can be reduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 2 ... Drive wheel, 3 ... Hybrid system, 10 ... Power supply plug, 16 ... Locking claw, 21 ... Locking part, 31 ... Inlet, 41 ... Lock structure, 42 ... Solenoid, 44 ... Plunger, 50 ... Lock unit, 51 ... housing, 55 ... lock pin, 56 ... tip, 60 ... charging system, 70 ... electronic key system, 71 ... verification ECU, 75 ... charging ECU, 80 ... electronic key.

Claims (4)

In a state where the power supply plug is inserted into the inlet fixed to the power supply target, the power supply plug is prevented from coming off by a locking claw provided on the power supply plug being locked to a locking portion formed on the inlet. On the other hand, the engagement state of the engagement claw is released through the displacement of the engagement claw to the opposite side of the engagement portion in conjunction with the operation of the operation unit provided on the power supply plug. In the plug lock structure that regulates the operation of the locking claw through the operation of the operation portion in the plug holding mechanism that enables the power plug to be pulled out by
A lock pin provided so that it can be elastically advanced and retracted only in a specific direction and can be engaged with the engaging claw that is displaced with the insertion of the power supply plug into the inlet;
The lock pin is pushed away in the specific direction through the engagement with the locking claw, and the engagement state with the locking claw is released when the locking claw is locked to the locking portion. The plug lock structure which is elastically returned to the original position by being located and is located on the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw. In the plug lock structure according to claim 1,
A housing that elastically holds the lock pin so as to protrude toward the locking claw;
An actuator for displacing the housing,
The actuator is configured such that the lock pin can be positioned on the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw via the housing and to the side opposite to the locking portion of the locking claw. Plug lock structure that is displaced between two positions with a position that allows the displacement of The plug lock structure according to claim 2,
The housing is installed on the power supply target side with respect to the locking claw locked to the locking portion,
The lock pin has a plug lock structure that advances and retracts along the axial direction of the inlet. In the plug lock structure according to claim 2 or 3,
A locking hole for inserting the locking claw from the outside to the locking portion side is formed, and a case for covering the plug lock structure is provided.
The actuator is a plug lock structure installed on the power supply target side with respect to the housing.

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