KR102275982B1 - Charging connector locking apparatus for electric vehicle and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, comprising: a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle including a charging connector and a charging socket, comprising: a socket clasp formed in the charging socket to engage the connector clasp formed in the charging connector; a first actuator unit coupled to one side of the socket clasp to pull or push the socket clasp; a sensor unit for detecting whether the charging connector or the connector clasp approaches or engages the charging socket or the socket clasp; and a charging socket control unit for pulling or pushing the socket latch unit by driving the first actuator unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

Description

CHARGING CONNECTOR LOCKING APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

The present invention relates to a locking device for a charging connector for an electric vehicle and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to prevent a charging connector from being separated from a charging socket when charging an electric vehicle, and to a charging connector to a charging socket when charging of an electric vehicle is completed or charging is stopped It relates to a locking device for a charging connector for an electric vehicle and a method for controlling the same, which can be easily separated from the battery.

Typically, a charging connector is provided at the end of the charging gun connected to the charger installed in the electric vehicle charging station, and the charging connector provided in the charging gun is inserted and fastened into the inlet of the charging socket provided in the electric vehicle to charge the battery of the electric vehicle. .

In this way, when the charging connector is connected to the inlet to charge the electric vehicle's battery, it takes a long time compared to gasoline refueling of an internal combustion engine vehicle. For example, it may take at least 3-4 hours to charge depending on the charger.

Accordingly, when the user inserts and tightens the charging connector into the charging socket of the electric vehicle to start charging, the user leaves the vehicle (that is, the electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle) as it is, moves to a location, performs other tasks, and then returns to the vehicle when charging is completed. will return to this place. Therefore, there is a possibility that the charging connector is disconnected from the charging socket or the charging connector is stolen by any cause while the user is not near the vehicle.

Accordingly, a number of locking devices for fixing the mating state of the charging connector when the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket have been proposed.

However, since the previously proposed charging connector locks are focused on preventing the charging connector coupled to the charging socket from being released (that is, fixing the charging connector to the charging socket), when charging is completed or when charging is stopped. There is a problem in that the user's convenience is deteriorated, such as having to apply a certain force or more to separate the charging connector from the charging socket.

Therefore, when the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket for charging, it is safely and securely coupled, and also, when the charging is completed or the charging is stopped, when the charging connector is separated from the charging socket, the method can be easily separated without effort This is a necessary situation.

Background art of the present invention is disclosed in Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-1769647 (registered on Aug. 11, 2017, title of the invention: charging device assembly for electric vehicle).

According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is created to solve the above problems, and prevents the charging connector from being separated from the charging socket when charging of the electric vehicle, and when charging of the electric vehicle is completed or when charging is stopped, the charging connector is An object of the present invention is to provide a locking device for a charging connector for an electric vehicle and a method for controlling the same, which can be easily separated from a charging socket.

A charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention is a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle including a charging connector and a charging socket, and a socket clasp formed in the charging socket to couple the connector clasp formed in the charging connector. part; a first actuator unit coupled to one side of the socket clasp to pull or push the socket clasp; a sensor unit for detecting whether the charging connector or the connector clasp approaches or engages the charging socket or the socket clasp; and a charging socket control unit for pulling or pushing the socket latch unit by driving the first actuator unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

In the present invention, the sensor unit, as an approach detection sensor, detects an approach distance of the connector clasp from the socket clasp, and includes at least one of a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

In the present invention, the sensor unit is characterized in that it is implemented by including both the signal output unit and the signal receiving unit in the charging socket, or including the signal output unit in the charging connector and the signal receiving unit in the charging socket.

In the present invention, the charging connector includes a button part, and rotates the connector latch part upward or downward in response to the input of the button part, and is implemented to output a detection signal to the sensor part. .

In the present invention, the charging socket further includes a movable charging socket housing part, and the movable charging socket housing part protrudes toward the front of the charging socket housing through the second actuator part controlled by the charging socket control unit. It is characterized by embedding.

In the present invention, the movable charging socket housing part is formed at a position in contact with the upper part of the connector latch part coupled to the socket latch part, and when the movable charging socket housing part protrudes, even if the button part of the charging connector is input, the connector latch part is the upper part It is characterized in that it is constrained not to rotate with

In the present invention, when the fixed charging socket housing part is formed to replace the movable charging socket housing part, the fixed charging socket housing part is formed to be fixed at the position where the movable charging socket housing part protrudes in its protruding shape. do it with

In the present invention, the charging socket control unit, when the charging connector approaches the charging socket for coupling, embeds a movable charging socket housing part in the charging socket housing, and the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket to pull the socket clasp. It is characterized in that the movable charging socket housing part protrudes from the charging socket housing when (pulled).

In the present invention, the charging socket further includes a communication unit capable of communicating with the user's designated mobile terminal or the vehicle key or smart key of the vehicle, and the user's designated portable terminal or the vehicle of the vehicle through the communication unit. It is characterized in that the charging socket control unit is implemented to control the first actuator unit and the second actuator unit only when communication is connected with the key or the smart key.

In the present invention, the first actuator unit and the second actuator unit may include a motor.

A control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention is a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle including a charging connector and a charging socket, wherein the socket clasp of the charging socket is in a pushed state. case, when the connector clasp of the charging connector is inserted into the socket clasp, the charging socket control unit drives the first actuator unit to pull the socket clasp; and when charging is stopped or charging is completed while charging is performed while the connector clasp is coupled to the socket clasp, the charging socket control unit drives the first actuator unit to push the socket clasp. It is characterized in that it contains;

In the present invention, in order to detect that the connector latch part is inserted into the socket latch part, the charging socket control unit detects a signal output from the signal output unit of the charging connector through a sensor unit formed in the charging socket, and outputs the signal The unit is characterized in that it outputs a designated signal in response to an input of the button unit formed in the charging connector.

In the present invention, when the socket latch part is in a pull state, when the connector latch part approaches the socket latch part, the charging socket control part drives the first actuator part to push the socket latch part It is characterized in that it further includes ;.

In the present invention, in order to detect that the connector latch unit approaches the socket latch unit, the charging socket control unit detects a signal output from the signal output unit of the charging connector through a sensor unit formed in the charging socket, and outputs the signal The unit is characterized in that it outputs a designated signal in response to an input of the button unit formed in the charging connector.

In the present invention, after the step of pulling the socket clasp, when the charging socket control unit detects a signal output from the signal output unit formed in the connector clasp of the charging connector through the sensor unit, whether the current charging is performed checking; As a result of the check, when the signal output from the signal output unit is detected and the electric vehicle charging is currently performed, the charging socket control unit stops charging and drives the first actuator unit to push the socket latch unit step; characterized in that it further comprises.

In the present invention, as a result of the check, if the current charging is not performed when the signal output from the signal output unit is detected, the charging socket control unit checks whether the socket latch unit is in a pull state, and the socket latch If the additional pull (pull) state, driving the first actuator unit to push the socket clasp, when the signal output from the signal output unit is detected, the current charging is not performed, and the socket clasp is pulled ( pull) if not in the state, maintaining the push state as it is; characterized in that it further comprises.

In the present invention, when the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket and charging is completed or charging is stopped while charging the electric vehicle is performed, the charging socket control unit drives the first actuator unit to push the socket latch unit. ) to make the charging connector easily detachable from the charging socket; checking whether the connector clasp is separated from the socket clasp; as a result of the check, when the connector clasp is separated from the socket clasp, driving the first actuator unit to push or pull the socket clasp to switch to a default state; and if as a result of the check, the connector clasp is not separated from the socket clasp, maintaining the socket clasp in a pushed state.

In the present invention, when the connector latch part approaches the socket latch part, the charging socket control unit checks whether the state of the movable charging socket housing unit is in a pull state; When the mobile charging socket housing part is in a pull state, the pull state is maintained, and when the mobile charging socket housing part is not in the pull state, a second actuator part is driven to pull the mobile charging socket housing part (pull) step; and driving the second actuator unit to push the movable charging socket housing unit when the connector latch unit is coupled to the socket latch unit as the charging connector approaches further.

In the present invention, when the state of the movable charging socket housing part is in the push state, it means that the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket and charging is performed, and the charging is completed or the charging is stopped. In this case, the charging socket control unit driving the second actuator unit to pull the movable charging socket housing unit; characterized in that it further comprises.

In the present invention, the mobile charging socket housing unit is formed at a position in contact with the upper portion of the connector clasp coupled to the socket clasp, and when the mobile charging socket housing unit protrudes, even if the button unit formed in the charging connector is input, the connector clasp portion It is characterized in that it is constrained so as not to rotate upward.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention prevents the charging connector from being separated from the charging socket during charging of the electric vehicle, and allows the charging connector to be easily separated from the charging socket when charging of the electric vehicle is completed or charging is stopped.

1 is an exemplary view showing a schematic configuration of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an exemplary view showing a schematic configuration of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view schematically showing a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is an exemplary view schematically showing a side cross-section for explaining a method of coupling a charging socket and a charging connector of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is an exemplary diagram schematically showing a side cross-section of a charging socket of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an exemplary view for explaining a method of coupling a socket clasp and a connector clasp of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this process, the thickness of the lines or the size of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. In addition, the terms to be described later are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

1 is an exemplary view showing a schematic configuration of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a socket latch unit 110 , a first actuator unit 120 , a sensor unit 130 , and a charging socket control unit. It includes a charging socket 100 including a 140, and the charging connector 200 coupled to the charging socket 100 is a connector clasp 210, a signal output unit 220, a button unit 230, and a charging connector control unit 240 .

One side of the socket clasp unit 110 is formed in the form of a hook, and one side of the charging connector 200 is coupled to the connector clasp unit 210 formed in the form of a hook.

The first actuator part 120 is coupled to the other side of the socket clasp part 110 to pull or push the socket clasp part 110 . For example, the first actuator unit 120 includes a motor.

The sensor unit 130 detects whether the charging connector 200 approaches the charging socket 100 . More specifically, it is detected whether the connector clasp 210 approaches the socket clasp 110 .

For example, the sensor unit 130 is an approach detection sensor, and may include a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. In this case, the detection distance may be adjusted.

In addition, the sensor unit 130 includes both a signal output unit (eg, an infrared output unit, an ultrasonic output unit, a laser output unit, etc.) and a signal reception unit (eg, an infrared receiver, an ultrasonic receiver, a laser receiver, etc.) for approach detection. can be configured to In addition, as another example, the signal output unit (eg, an infrared output unit, an ultrasonic output unit, a laser output unit, etc.) is formed in the charging connector 200 (see 220 of FIG. 1 ), and a signal receiving unit (eg, an infrared receiving unit, It may be configured to include only an ultrasonic receiver, a laser receiver, etc.).

The charging socket control unit 140 may drive the first actuator unit 120 based on the result detected by the sensor unit 130 to pull or push the socket latch unit 110 ( push).

The charging connector control unit 240 controls the signal output unit 220 (eg, an infrared output unit, an ultrasonic output unit, a laser output unit, etc.) in response to an input of the button unit 230 to control a corresponding signal (eg, an infrared output unit, an ultrasonic output unit, a laser output unit, etc.). : Infrared signal, ultrasonic signal, laser signal, etc.) can be output.

The signal output unit 220 is formed on one side (a direction corresponding to the sensor unit when coupled to the charging socket) of the connector clasp unit 210 .

The button part 230 rotates upward or downward in order to couple one side (a part formed in a hook shape, see FIG. 6 ) of the connector clasp part 210 to the socket clasp part 110 .

2 is an exemplary view showing a schematic configuration of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a movable charging socket housing part 150 and a second actuator part 160 in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1 . , and a communication unit 170 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the movable charging socket housing unit 150 protrudes or is embedded in the front of the charging socket housing 151 by the second actuator unit 160 (eg, a motor), and if the When the mobile charging socket housing part 150 is built into the charging socket housing 151 (see FIG. 6 (a)), the connector clasp 210 is easily coupled to the socket clasp 110 without being caught. When the mobile charging socket housing part 150 protrudes forward of the charging socket housing 151 after the connector latch part 210 is coupled to the socket latch part 110 (( in FIG. 6 ) b)), even when the user inputs the button 230, the connector clasp 210 is fixed so as not to rotate upward. That is, the movable charging socket housing part 150 makes the coupling firm so that the connector latch part 210 coupled to the socket latch part 110 is not separated (that is, the coupling is not arbitrarily released) when protruding. , so that the connector clasp 210 is easily coupled without being caught in the socket clasp 110 when built-in.

However, in another embodiment, the movable charging socket housing part 150 may not be formed, but instead the charging socket housing 151 may be fixedly formed at the position where the movable charging socket housing part 150 is formed. Of course, in this case as well, as in the case in which the movable charging socket housing part 150 is protruded, so that the connector latch part 210 coupled to the socket latch part 110 is not separated (that is, the coupling is not arbitrarily released). The effect of strengthening the bond can be obtained.

The communication unit 170 performs wired/wireless communication with the user's designated mobile terminal TM1 or the vehicle key (or smart key) TM2 of the corresponding vehicle. The communication unit 170 is capable of communication only at a specified distance (eg, within several meters), and when communication is connected with the user's designated mobile terminal (TM1) or the vehicle key (or smart key) (TM2) of the vehicle, the user means that it is within a specified distance (eg, within several meters) from the vehicle.

Accordingly, when the charging socket control unit 140 controls the first actuator unit 120 and the second actuator unit 160 , the user's designated mobile terminal TM1 or the vehicle of the corresponding vehicle through the communication unit 170 . The first actuator unit 120 and the second actuator unit 160 may be controlled only when communication with the key (or smart key) TM2 is connected. Such a function (ie, a function of controlling the first and second actuator units only when communication is connected) can be set through an option.

At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the components 110 to 170 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be selectively combined according to embodiments.

3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to the present embodiment includes a charging socket 100 and a charging connector 200 .

The charging socket 100 is mounted on a vehicle and is electrically connected to a battery (not shown) installed inside the vehicle. The charging connector 200 is electrically connected to the charging socket 100 to transmit electricity. The charging connector 200 is connected to an end of a charging cable installed in an electric charging station or the like.

The charging socket 100 includes a charging socket housing 151 , an inlet part 153 , a socket latch part 110 , and a cover 154 . The charging socket housing 151 is mounted on a vehicle and accommodates the inlet part 153 therein. On one side of the charging socket housing 151, a guide rail 152 for enabling the socket clasp 110 to move is installed. A pair of guide rails 152 are installed to be spaced apart from each other so that the socket clasp 110 is movable in the charging socket housing 152 . The width between the spaced apart guide rails 152 is formed to correspond to the width of the socket clasp 110 .

The inlet part 153 is accommodated in the charging socket housing 151 and is electrically connected to the vehicle's battery. The inlet part 153 is electrically connected to the connector terminal part 253 of the charging connector 200 to receive electricity.

The socket clasp 110 is retractably installed in the charging socket housing 151 and is connected to the connector clasp 210 of the charging connector 200 .

The socket clasp 110 is connected to the connector clasp 210 , so that the connection between the charging socket 100 and the charging connector 200 may be firmly maintained. In addition, the socket clasp 110 may be connected to or released from the charging connector 200 while protruding and protruding from the charging socket housing 151 .

The socket latch part 110 is connected to the first actuator part 120 (eg, a motor) through the shaft rotation part 112 . The first actuator unit 120 is fixedly mounted on one side of the charging socket housing 151 . The first actuator part 120 pivots the shaft rotation part 112 to push or pull the socket latch part 110 .

One end of the shaft rotation unit 112 is rotatably connected to the first actuator unit 120 , and receives power from the first actuator unit 120 to rotate the shaft. A socket clasp 110 is screwed to the other end of the shaft rotating part 112 . A screw thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft rotating part 112 to push or pull the socket clasp part 110 according to the rotation direction.

A screw thread corresponding to the thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft rotation part 112 is formed on the inner surface of the socket latch part 110 to be screwed with the end of the shaft rotation part 112 . The socket clasp 110 is moved along the guide rail 152 formed in the charging socket housing 151 with respect to the rotation of the shaft pivot 112 , and is connected to the connector clasp 210 . The socket clasp 110 is formed in the shape of a hook at the end of the connector clasp 210, and the portions in contact with each other are formed in the shape of a straight flat surface (see FIG. 6).

The socket clasp 18 is in contact with the guide rails 152 disposed on both sides, the rotation is limited by the rotation of the shaft rotation part 112 , and is moved along the longitudinal direction of the shaft rotation part 112 . The socket clasp 18 advances (or pushes) or moves backward (or pull) along the longitudinal direction of the shaft rotation part 112 by rotation of the shaft rotation part 112 according to the formation direction of the screw thread (see FIG. 6 ). ). In this case, the moving direction may be changed according to the direction of formation of the screw thread in the shaft rotating part 112 and the socket clasp part 110 .

The cover 154 is rotatably hinged to the charging socket housing 151 , and the exposure of the inlet part 153 is determined by opening and closing the cover 154 . The cover 154 is formed in a size capable of covering the inlet portion 153 .

The charging connector 200 includes a charging connector housing 251 , a connector terminal unit 253 , and a connector latch unit 210 .

The charging connector housing 251 is equipped with a connector terminal part 253 on one side, and rotatably accommodates the connector latch part 210 in an internal space.

A button part 230 is formed on one side of the charging connector housing 251 .

The connector terminal part 253 is mounted on one side of the charging connector housing 251 and is electrically connected to the inlet part 153 . Electricity of the electric charging station is transmitted to the inlet part 153 through the connector terminal part 253 .

The connector clasp 210 is rotatably installed in the inner space of the charging connector housing 251 . The connector clasp 210 is detachably connected to the socket clasp 110 of the charging socket 100 .

The connector clasp portion 210 is formed to be rotatable based on the rotation center of the body. The rotation center portion is formed in the shape of a rod installed in the charging connector housing 251, and the body of the connector clasp portion is rotatably connected to the rotation center portion.

The connector clasp 210 is formed in the form of a hook connectable to the socket clasp 110 , and portions in contact with each other are formed in the form of straight, straight surfaces (see FIG. 6 ).

The button part 230 is formed on the other side of the body of the connector latch part 210, and enables the connector latch part 210 to rotate. The button part 230 is exposed to the outside of the charging connector housing 251 . As the button unit 230 is pressed, the end portion (a portion formed in a hook shape) of the connector latch unit 210 rotates upward, and when the button unit 230 is not pressed, the connector latch unit 210 by a spring ) (the part formed in the shape of a hook) rotates downward.

The connector clasp portion 210 and the button portion 230 may be formed to include an insulating material that does not conduct electricity, thereby preventing a user's electric shock accident. For example, the insulating material includes a material such as plastic or rubber.

4 is an exemplary diagram schematically showing a side cross-section for explaining a method of coupling a charging socket and a charging connector of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the present invention. It is an exemplary view schematically showing a side cross-section of a charging socket of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a method of coupling the socket clasp and the connector clasp of the charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention It is an example shown to do this.

As shown in this figure, when the charging connector 200 approaches the charging socket 100, the socket clasp 110 is pushed (see Fig. 6 (a)), whereby the user can use the charging connector ( 200) by pressing the button part 230 to rotate the connector latch part 210 upward, and then push the charging connector 200 into the charging socket 100 (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, when the connector terminal part 253 is coupled to the inlet part 153, the user releases the press of the button part 230 to rotate the connector latch part 210 downward (refer to (a) of FIG. 6). .

When the connector clasp 210 is rotated downward as described above, the shape of the hook at the end becomes a position corresponding to the shape of the hook at the end of the socket clasp 110, and the sensor unit 130 detects it. Accordingly, the charging socket control unit 140 drives the first actuator unit 120 to pull and couple the socket latch unit 110 (see (b) of FIG. 6 ).

At this time, when the charging connector 200 approaches the charging socket 100 for coupling, the movable charging socket housing part 150 may be built into the charging socket housing 151 (FIG. 5(a)). ), see Fig. 6 (a)), on the contrary, when the socket latch part 110 is pulled, the movable charging socket housing part 150 may protrude from the charging socket housing 151 ( Figure 5 (b), see Figure 6 (b)),

7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a charging connector for an electric vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a locking device, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for explaining a control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle according to

Referring to FIG. 7 , when the socket clasp 110 is in a push state (S101), when the connector clasp 210 is inserted (Yes of S102), the charging socket control unit 140 is a first actuator By driving the unit 120, the socket latch unit 110 is pulled (S103) (refer to FIG. 6(b)).

Accordingly, electric vehicle charging is performed in a state in which the connector clasp 210 is firmly coupled to the socket clasp 110 (S104).

When charging is stopped or charging is completed while charging the electric vehicle as described above (Yes in S105), the charging socket control unit 140 drives the first actuator unit 120 to close the socket latch unit 110. It is pushed (S106) (see Fig. 6 (a)).

Accordingly, it is possible to easily disengage the connector clasp 210 from the socket clasp 110 .

However, in this case, the default state of the socket clasp 110 may be a pull state rather than the push state. Therefore, a method of coupling the connector clasp 210 to the socket clasp 110 when the socket clasp 110 is in a pull state will be described with reference to FIG. 8 .

8, when the socket clasp 110 is in the pull state (S201), when the connector clasp 210 approaches (Yes of S202), the charging socket control unit 140 is 1 The actuator part 120 is driven to push the socket latch part 110 (S203) (refer to FIG. 6(a)).

As described above, when the socket clasp 110 is in a pushed state, the processes S101 to S106 described with reference to FIG. 7 are performed in the same manner thereafter.

On the other hand, in order to detect that the connector latch part 210 is inserted in step S102 of FIG. 7 or to detect that the connector latch part 210 approaches in step S202 of FIG. 8, the charging socket control unit 140 is A signal output from the signal output unit 220 formed in the connector latch unit 210 may be detected through the sensor unit 130 .

It is assumed that the signal output unit 220 outputs a specified signal (eg, an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, a laser signal, etc.) when the user inputs the button unit 230 of the charging connector 200 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , when the charging socket control unit 140 detects a signal output from the signal output unit 220 formed in the connector clasp unit 210 through the sensor unit 130 (Yes of S301 ), the current It is checked whether the electric vehicle charging is performed (S302).

According to the result of the check (S302), when the signal output from the signal output unit 220 of the connector latch unit 210 is detected, if the current electric vehicle charging is performed (Yes in S302), the charging socket control unit 140 ) stops charging (S303), and drives the first actuator unit 120 to push the socket latch unit 110 (S304) (see Fig. 6(a)).

In addition, as a result of the check (S302), when the signal output from the signal output unit 220 of the connector latch unit 210 is detected, if the current electric vehicle charging is not performed (No in S302), the charging socket control unit 140 ) checks whether the socket clasp 110 is in a pull state (S305), and when the socket clasp 110 is in a pull state (example of S305), the first actuator part 120 is driven to The socket clasp 110 is pushed (S304) (refer to (a) of FIG. 6).

However, when the signal output from the signal output unit 220 of the connector clasp 210 is detected, the current electric vehicle charging is not performed (No in S302), and the socket clasp 110 is in a pull state. If not (No in S305, that is, if the socket latch 110 is in a push state), the state is maintained as it is (see Fig. 6 (a)).

Accordingly, the charging socket control unit 140 continuously maintains the socket latch unit 110 in a pushed state when charging of the electric vehicle is completed or when charging is stopped, thereby allowing the user to connect the charging connector 200 to the charging socket ( 100) so that it can be easily separated from

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 10 , when the charging connector 200 is coupled to the charging socket 100 to perform charging of an electric vehicle (S401), if charging is completed or charging is stopped (Yes of S402), the charging socket The control unit 140 drives the first actuator unit 120 to push the socket clasp unit 110 (S403) (see Fig. 6 (a)), so that the user can connect the charging connector 200 It makes it easy to detach (or disengage) from the charging socket 100 .

And the charging socket control unit 140 checks whether the connector clasp 210 is separated from (or uncoupled from) the socket clasp 110 (S404).

For example, the charging socket control unit 140 may detect the distance of the connector latch unit 210 through the sensor unit 130 to check whether the connector is in the coupled state or the separated state.

As a result of the check (S404), when the connector clasp 210 is separated (or uncoupled) from the socket clasp 110 (Yes in S404), the charging socket control unit 140 is the first actuator unit ( 120) to push or pull the socket clasp 110 to switch to a default state (S405).

As a result of the check (S404), if the connector latch part 210 is not separated (or uncoupled) from the socket latch part 110 (NO in S404), the charging socket control unit 140 is the socket latch part ( 110) is maintained in a push state (S406).

As shown in FIG. 10, after charging is completed or charging is stopped, the charging connector 200 can be easily separated (or uncoupled) from the charging socket 100 by pushing the socket clasp 110. In the state, the user must disconnect (or disconnect) the charging connector 200 within a specified time, but there are cases where the charging connector 200 is not disconnected (or disconnected) depending on the user's situation. At this time, if the charging connector 200 is not disconnected even after a specified time, in this embodiment, the charging socket control unit 140 prevents erroneous recognition that the charging connector 200 is coupled to perform charging, By continuously maintaining the socket clasp 110 in a pushed state, the user can easily detach the charging connector 200 from the charging socket 100 at any time by the user.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, when pushing or pulling the socket clasp 110 in order to couple or release the charging connector 200 to the charging socket 100 , the charging connector 200 ) to facilitate the coupling and separation and to support the firmly maintaining the coupled state, the movable charging socket housing part 150 may be additionally formed to protrude or be embedded in the front of the charging socket housing 151 . There is (see Fig. 5).

11, when the connector latch part 210 approaches the socket latch part 110 (example of S501), the charging socket control unit 140 determines that the state of the movable charging socket housing unit 150 is full ( pull) is checked (S502).

As a result of the check (S502), if the movable charging socket housing part 150 is in a pull state (Yes in S502), the state is maintained as it is (S503), and the movable charging socket housing part 150 is pulled If it is not in the (pull) state (No in S502), the charging socket control unit 140 drives the second actuator unit 160 to pull the movable charging socket housing unit 150 (S504) (Fig. 6(a)).

Accordingly, the charging connector 200 is in a state that can be easily coupled to the charging socket 100 , and the charging connector 200 is further approached and the connector clasp 210 is inserted (coupled) into the socket clasp 110 . ) (example of S505), the charging socket control unit 140 drives the second actuator unit 160 to push the movable charging socket housing unit 150 (S506) ((b) of FIG. 6). Reference).

12, when the movable charging socket housing unit 150 is in a push state (eg, when the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket and charging is performed) (S601) (( in FIG. 6 ) b)), when charging is completed or charging is stopped (Yes in S602), the charging socket control unit 140 drives the second actuator unit 160 to release the movable charging socket housing unit 150 ( pull) (S603) (refer to (a) of FIG. 6).

As described above, in this embodiment, when pushing or pulling the socket clasp 110 in order to couple or release the charging connector 200 to the charging socket 100 , the mobile charging By additionally forming the socket housing part 150 to protrude or embed the charging socket housing 151 in the front, the charging connector 200 facilitates coupling and disengagement and also supports to firmly maintain the coupled state. (see FIG. 6).

As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings, but this is merely exemplary, and various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom by those of ordinary skill in the art. will understand the point. Therefore, the technical protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the following claims. Implementations described herein may also be implemented as, for example, a method or process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Although discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (eg, discussed only as a method), implementations of the discussed features may also be implemented in other forms (eg, as an apparatus or a program). The apparatus may be implemented in suitable hardware, software and firmware, and the like. A method may be implemented in an apparatus such as, for example, a processor, which generally refers to a computer, microprocessor, processing device, including an integrated circuit or programmable logic device, or the like. Processors also include communication devices such as computers, cell phones, portable/personal digital assistants ("PDAs") and other devices that facilitate communication of information between end-users.

100: charging socket
110: socket clasp
120: first actuator unit
130: sensor unit
140: charging socket control unit
150: mobile charging socket housing unit
160: second actuator unit
170: communication department
200: charging connector
210: connector clasp
220: signal output unit
230: button part
240: charging connector control unit

Claims (20)

A charging connector lock for an electric vehicle comprising a charging connector and a charging socket, comprising:
a socket clasp formed in the charging socket to engage the connector clasp formed in the charging connector;
a first actuator unit coupled to one side of the socket clasp to pull or push the socket clasp;
a sensor unit for detecting whether the charging connector or the connector clasp approaches or engages the charging socket or the socket clasp; and
A charging socket control unit for pulling or pushing the socket latch unit by driving the first actuator unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit;
The charging connector is
charging connector control;
signal output unit; and a button unit;
The charging connector control unit,
Controls the signal output unit according to the input of the button unit to output one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal to the sensor unit,
The signal output unit,
Doedoe formed in the connector clasp, when coupled to the charging socket, is formed in a direction corresponding to the sensor unit,
The sensor unit,
By detecting a signal output from the signal output unit formed in the connector clasp, it is detected whether the connector clasp is approached or coupled to the charging socket or the socket clasp,
When the connector clasp approaches the socket clasp,
The charging socket control unit,
Check whether the state of the movable charging socket housing part is in the pull state,
When the mobile charging socket housing part is in a pull state, the pull state is maintained, and when the mobile charging socket housing part is not in the pull state, a second actuator part is driven to pull the mobile charging socket housing part (pull) it,
When the charging connector approaches and the connector latch part is coupled to the socket latch part, the second actuator part is driven to push the movable charging socket housing part;
It means that the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket and is in the charging performance state.
The charging socket control unit,
A charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that by driving a second actuator unit to pull the movable charging socket housing unit.
According to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit,
As an approach detection sensor,
Detects an approach distance of the connector clasp from the socket clasp,
A charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, comprising at least one of a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.
According to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit,
include both a signal output and a signal receiver in the charging socket, or
A charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that the signal output unit is included in the charging connector and the signal receiving unit is included in the charging socket.
delete According to claim 1, wherein the charging socket,
It further comprises a movable charging socket housing unit;
The charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that the movable charging socket housing unit protrudes or is built in the front of the charging socket housing through a second actuator unit controlled by the charging socket control unit.
The method of claim 5, wherein the mobile charging socket housing portion,
It is formed at a position in contact with the upper portion of the connector clasp coupled to the socket clasp,
When the movable charging socket housing part protrudes,
A charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that even if the button part of the charging connector is input, the connector latch part is restrained so as not to be rotated upward.
6. The method of claim 5,
When a fixed charging socket housing part is formed to replace the movable charging socket housing part,
The fixed charging socket housing unit,
The charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that the movable charging socket housing part is fixedly formed at a protruding position in its protruding shape.
According to claim 5, wherein the charging socket control unit,
When the charging connector approaches the charging socket for mating, the mobile charging socket housing part is embedded in the charging socket housing,
When the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket and the socket clasp is pulled, the charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that the movable charging socket housing protrudes from the charging socket housing.
According to claim 1, wherein the charging socket,
Further comprising; a communication unit capable of communicating with the user's designated mobile terminal or the vehicle key or smart key of the vehicle;
The charging socket control unit is implemented to control the first actuator unit and the second actuator unit only when communication is connected with the user's designated mobile terminal or the vehicle key or smart key of the vehicle through the communication unit. Charging connector lock.
The method of claim 9, wherein the first actuator unit and the second actuator unit,
A charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, comprising: a motor.
A method of controlling a charging connector lock for an electric vehicle including a charging connector and a charging socket, the method comprising:
When the socket latch part of the charging socket is in a push state, when the connector latch part of the charging connector is inserted into the socket latch part, the charging socket control unit drives the first actuator unit to pull the socket latch unit; and
When charging is stopped or charging is completed while charging is performed while the connector clasp is coupled to the socket clasp, the charging socket control unit drives the first actuator unit to push the socket clasp; including,
The charging connector is
charging connector control;
signal output unit; and a button unit;
The charging connector control unit,
Controls the signal output unit according to the input of the button unit to output one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal to the sensor unit,
The signal output unit,
Doedoe formed in the connector clasp, when coupled to the charging socket, is formed in a direction corresponding to the sensor unit,
The sensor unit,
By detecting a signal output from the signal output unit formed in the connector clasp, it is detected whether the connector clasp is approached or coupled to the charging socket or the socket clasp,
When the connector clasp approaches the socket clasp,
The charging socket control unit,
checking whether the state of the mobile charging socket housing unit is in a pull state;
When the mobile charging socket housing part is in a pull state, the pull state is maintained, and when the mobile charging socket housing part is not in the pull state, a second actuator part is driven to pull the mobile charging socket housing part (pull) step; and
When the charging connector is further approached and the connector latch part is coupled to the socket latch part, driving the second actuator part to push the movable charging socket housing part; further comprising,
It means that the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket and is in the charging performance state, and when the state of the movable charging socket housing part is in the push state, and when the charging is completed or charging is stopped,
The charging socket control unit,
Driving the second actuator unit to pull the movable charging socket housing unit; the control method of the charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle further comprising a.
delete 12. The method of claim 11,
When the socket clasp is in a pull state,
When the connector latch part approaches the socket latch part, the charging socket control unit drives the first actuator part to push the socket latch part; .
delete According to claim 11, After the step of pulling the socket clasp,
when the charging socket control unit detects a signal output from the signal output unit formed in the connector latch unit of the charging connector through the sensor unit, checking whether the current charging is performed;
As a result of the check, when the signal output from the signal output unit is detected and the electric vehicle charging is currently performed, the charging socket control unit stops charging and drives the first actuator unit to push the socket latch unit The control method of the charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that it further comprises;
The method according to claim 15, wherein, as a result of the check, when the signal output from the signal output unit is not in the current charging performance state,
The charging socket control unit checks whether the socket latch unit is in a pull state, and if the socket latch unit is in a pull state, drives the first actuator unit to push the socket latch unit,
When the signal output from the signal output unit is detected, if the current charging is not performed and the socket latch unit is not in the pull state, maintaining the push state as it is; characterized by further comprising: A control method for a charging connector lock for an electric vehicle.
The method according to claim 11, wherein when the charging connector is coupled to the charging socket and charging is completed or charging is stopped while charging the electric vehicle is performed,
The charging socket control unit,
driving the first actuator unit to push the socket latch unit to make the charging connector easily detachable from the charging socket;
checking whether the connector clasp is separated from the socket clasp;
as a result of the check, when the connector clasp is separated from the socket clasp, driving the first actuator unit to push or pull the socket clasp to switch to a default state; and
As a result of the check, if the connector clasp is not separated from the socket clasp, maintaining the socket clasp in a pushed state.
delete delete The method of claim 11, wherein the mobile charging socket housing portion,
It is formed at a position in contact with the upper portion of the connector clasp coupled to the socket clasp,
When the movable charging socket housing part protrudes,
A control method of a charging connector locking device for an electric vehicle, characterized in that even if the button part formed in the charging connector is input, the connector latch part is restrained so as not to rotate upward.

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