Protective cover for electric vehicle charging connector

Abstract

This protective cover for an electric vehicle charging connector comprises: a main body having an accommodating groove in which a connector pin can be accommodated; a dummy pin which extends, inside the accommodating groove, along the formation direction of the accommodating groove, and can be fitted to the connector pin by male-female fitting; and a metal nanoparticle film coated on a surface of the dummy pin, wherein plasmons are formed on a surface of the connector pin by an evanescent wave generated by the total reflection of light, passing through the dummy pin, at an interface between the dummy pin and air.

Description

Protective cover for electric vehicle charging connector

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a protective cover for an electric vehicle charging connector. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a protective cover for a charging connector formed at one end of a charging cable for charging a battery included in an electric vehicle.

[0002] As the adoption of electric vehicles expands, charging infrastructure is increasing; however, the durability and lifespan of charging connector pins are emerging as critical technical challenges. In particular, charging connectors face the problem of accelerated degradation due to various environmental factors.

[0003] The causes of degradation of the aforementioned charging connector can be classified into environmental usage factors and operating condition factors. Environmental usage factors include changes in temperature and humidity in outdoor environments, exposure to corrosive atmospheric pollutants (e.g., acid rain, fine dust, etc.), and the accumulation of surface contaminants due to repeated use in daily environments where it is difficult to maintain cleanliness.

[0004] Meanwhile, operating conditional factors include mechanical wear caused by physical contact resulting from repeated insertion and removal, deterioration due to oxidation reactions caused by the rise in surface temperature as it is difficult to suppress heat generated by high current despite the use of low-resistance metals, increased contact resistance due to the aforementioned surface damage, and difficulty in avoiding surface damage caused by arc generation during the initial movement of high power.

[0005] In order to solve the problems caused by the aforementioned factors, methods such as mechanically protecting the connector, surface treating the connector pins, or controlling the usage environment are being considered.

[0006] However, protective devices that simply mechanically safeguard the connector are unsuitable for removing moisture already accumulated on the connector due to environmental factors such as weather, and technologies for extending connector lifespan through surface treatment are inevitably limited in their use due to environmental issues associated with wear-resistant metals like chromium and the high cost of platinum group elements.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of environmental control methods, the cost required to implement a moisture-removing environment is high, and there is a burden of continuous additional expenditure due to maintenance costs.

[0008] Therefore, existing methods require complex structures and high manufacturing costs, and there are still problems where efficient protection is difficult.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention provide a protective cover for a charging connector of an electric vehicle that can efficiently suppress damage that may occur to the charging connector of an electric vehicle.

[0010] A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector according to embodiments of the present invention for solving the above technical problem comprises a main body having a receiving groove formed therein capable of receiving a connector pin, a dummy pin extending along the direction of formation of the receiving groove inside the receiving groove and capable of being fastened to the connector pin in a male-female fastening manner, and a metal nanoparticle film coated on the surface of the dummy pin, wherein a plasmon is formed on the surface of the connector pin by an annihilating wave generated by total internal reflection of light passing through the interior of the dummy pin at the interface between the dummy pin and air.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dummy pin may be made of a material having a light transmittance of 30% or more and a refractive index of 1.1 or more with respect to visible light.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dummy pin may be selected from at least one of the group of light-transmitting materials consisting of silica, silicon, transparent urethane, PMMA, and polycarbonate.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the metal nanoparticle film may include titanium dioxide nanoparticles that cause a photocatalytic reduction reaction when the plasmon is generated.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a light guide portion disposed at the rear end of the receiving groove and guiding incident light incident from the outside to the dummy pin may be further included.

[0015] Here, the light guide may include a polarizing film that polarizes the incident light into p-polarization.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, a light source that generates LED light and is disposed at the rear end of the receiving groove may be further included. Here, the light may have a wavelength of 450 to 550 nm.

[0017] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, by stabilizing the electronic structure of the connector using the evanescent wave generated during total reflection of light passing through a dummy pin functioning as a light guide and the resulting surface plasmon phenomenon, oxidation occurring during storage is fundamentally prevented.

[0018] In particular, surface plasmons induced by evanescent waves form a local electromagnetic field on the metal surface, which can effectively remove contaminants accumulated on the connector surface and suppress electrostatic generation, thereby preventing dust adsorption.

[0019] Meanwhile, since the generation of extinguishing waves through the light guide unit is achieved using ambient light, a sustainable protection system that does not require a separate power supply or energy supply can be implemented.

[0020] Figure 1 is a graph illustrating the principle of surface plasmon generation by evanescent waves.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a protective cover for an electric vehicle charging connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is a rear view of the protective cover for the electric vehicle charging connector of Figure 2.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an electric vehicle charging connector equipped with the protective cover of FIG. 2.

[0024] FIGS. 5a to 5c are cross-sectional views illustrating examples of the dummy pin of FIG. 2.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0026] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0027] In describing each drawing, similar reference numerals were used for similar components.

[0028] In the attached drawings, the dimensions of the structures are depicted enlarged compared to the actual dimensions to ensure clarity of the invention.

[0029] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0030] For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component.

[0031] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0032] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0034] Figure 1 is a graph illustrating the principle of surface plasmon generation by evanescent waves.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, an evanescent wave occurs when total internal reflection takes place, which is a phenomenon that physically achieves 100% efficiency along with superconductivity. That is, under the conditions for total internal reflection, the refractive index (n1) of medium I is greater than the refractive index (n2) of medium II, and the angle of incidence (θ iIf ) is greater than the critical angle, the incident light is not refracted toward medium II, but is reflected back into the interior of medium I at the interface between medium I and medium II.

[0036] In the case of Fig. 1(a), when total internal reflection occurs, the angle of refraction (θ) of light, which is an electromagnetic wave t As ) takes a value greater than 90 degrees, the angle of incidence (θ i 100% of the energy of the incident light is reflected back into the interior of medium I from the XZ plane to the origin, and a non-conductive rapid extinction wave is generated in the Z direction perpendicular to the reflection plane.

[0037] The field of the extinction wave generated by the extinction wave (Fig. 1(a) Ev Field) is the region of existence where the electromagnetic wave that contributed to total internal reflection exists, and generally, the distance D in Fig. 1(a) approximates the wavelength λ of the electromagnetic wave. Therefore, due to its characteristics, the extinction wave exists only within a certain range and rapidly extinguishes as the distance from the surface increases.

[0038] Meanwhile, if a metal ion is present within the extinguishing wavelength of the above-mentioned extinguishing wave, it forms a cation-electron pair, which is called a plasmon. The above-mentioned plasmon can have a positive effect on the charging connector of a copper-based electric vehicle.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a protective cover for an electric vehicle charging connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the protective cover for an electric vehicle charging connector of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an electric vehicle charging connector on which the protective cover of FIG. 2 is mounted.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a protective cover (100) for an electric vehicle charging connector according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (110) having a receiving groove (115) formed therein that can accommodate a connector pin, a dummy pin (130), and a nanoparticle film (150).

[0041] A plasmon can be formed on the surface of the connector pin (22, FIG. 4) by the extinction wave generated by total reflection of light passing through the interior of the dummy pin (130) at the interface between the dummy pin (130) and air.

[0042] The above plasmon can induce free electron oscillations and homogenize surface electron density, that is, stabilize surface potential by alleviating local electron deficiency / excess phenomena.

[0043] In addition, the above plasmon can delay the rate of oxide film formation by increasing the binding energy of surface electrons and reducing reactivity with oxygen.

[0044] Meanwhile, the above plasmon can increase wear resistance through nanoscale surface modification, thereby increasing the mechanical strength of the connector pin.

[0045] The above main body (10) has a receiving groove (115) formed therein that can accommodate a connector pin (22).

[0046] The above receiving groove (115) may have a diameter capable of receiving a connector pin (22) formed in the connector.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, if the connector (20) is of the DC Combo Connector (CCS: Combined Charging System) type, the connector (20) may include first connector pins (21) for AC charging on the upper side and second connector pins (22) for DC charging on the lower side.

[0048] The second connector pins (22) may include positive, negative, and ground pins as three poles.

[0049] The above second connector pins (22) are for rapid charging using direct current, and a problem may occur in which oxidation is accelerated along with heat generation due to high current charging.

[0050] Accordingly, the protective cover (100) of the present invention can prevent damage to the second connector pins (22) in particular.

[0051] Meanwhile, the connector (20) is not limited to a DC combo connector and may include other types of connectors.

[0052] The above dummy pin (130) extends into the interior of the receiving groove (115) along the direction of formation of the receiving groove (115).

[0053] Additionally, the dummy pin (130) may be extended parallel to the extension direction of the connector pins (22) included in the connector.

[0054] The above dummy pin (130) can be connected to the above connector pin (22) in a male-female connection manner.

[0055] That is, if a hollow is formed in the connector pin (22), the dummy pin (130) can be connected to the connector pin (22) through the hollow.

[0056] Alternatively, if a hollow is not formed in the connector pin (22), a hollow may be formed in the dummy pin (130). This allows the dummy pin (130) and the connector pin (22) to be firmly connected to each other.

[0057] A metal nanoparticle film (150) is coated on the surface of the dummy pin (130). The metal nanoparticle film (150) may include titanium dioxide nanoparticles that cause a photocatalytic reduction reaction when the plasmon is generated.

[0058] Therefore, the metal nanoparticle film (150) can further stabilize the plasmon generation conditions that occur when in contact with the copper surface of the connector pin (22).

[0059] The metal nanoparticle film (150) may have a thickness in the range of 1 to 1,000 nm.

[0060] The metal nanoparticle film (150) can be formed by dispersing the titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the surface of the dummy pin.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dummy pin (130) may have a light transmittance of 30% or more with respect to visible light.

[0062] Therefore, incident light from the outside can pass through the interior of the dummy pin (130).

[0063] Meanwhile, the above dummy pin (130) may be made of a material having a refractive index of 1.1 or higher.

[0064] Therefore, incident light passing through the interior of the dummy pin (130) can undergo total reflection at the interface between the dummy pin (10) and the outside air.

[0065] That is, since the dummy pin (130) is made of a material having a refractive index of 1.1 or higher, whereas air has a refractive index of 1.0, total reflection can effectively occur when the incident light passing through the dummy pin (130) is greater than the critical angle.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dummy pin (130) may comprise silica, silicon, transparent urethane, PMMA, or polycarbonate.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, a light guide portion (160) may be further included, which is disposed at the rear end of the receiving groove (115) and guides incident light incident from the outside to the dummy pin (130).

[0068] At this time, the light guide part (160) may include a polarizing film that polarizes the incident light into p-polarized light.

[0069] The above p-polarized light is light having an electric field vibrating in a direction parallel to the plane of incidence, and the p-polarized light has an electric field vector that coincides with the direction of dipole vibration at the medium boundary.

[0070] Therefore, the coupling between electrons and photons is increased, so the aforementioned annihilation wave can have a greater intensity.

[0071] At this time, the polarizing film is positioned so that the p-polarization direction is perpendicular to the surface of the dummy pin.

[0072] The above polarizing film may have a transmittance of 45% or more and a polarization degree of 99.9% or more.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 5b and 5c, a light source (170) that generates LED light and is positioned at the rear end of the receiving groove (115) may be additionally provided.

[0074] At this time, the LED light may have a wavelength of 450 to 550 nm.

[0075] That is, blue light with a wavelength of 450 nm is effective for plasmon excitation from nanoparticles by possessing relatively high energy, and furthermore, can form evanescent waves of relatively high intensity.

[0076] Meanwhile, yellow-green light with a wavelength of 550 nm has a relatively deep penetration depth, so it can form a wide protection area for the connector pins by plasmons.

[0077] FIGS. 5a to 5c are cross-sectional views illustrating examples of the dummy pin of FIG. 2.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5a, external natural light is incident into the dummy pin (131) and totally reflected.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5b, an LED light source (170) is placed at one end of a dummy pin (132).

[0080] The LED light emitted from the above LED light source (170) can be totally reflected through the interior of the dummy pin.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5c, the dummy pin (133) has a hollow (135) formed inside it. A connector pin can be inserted into the hollow (135) and connected.

[0082] Meanwhile, an LED light source (170) is placed at one end of the dummy pin (133). LED light emitted from the LED light source (170) can be totally reflected through the interior of the dummy pin (133).

[0083] According to embodiments of the present invention, transmitted light passing through a dummy pin is totally reflected to form an annihilation wave, and a plasmon is generated on the surface of a connector pin located within the wavelength of the annihilation wave.

[0084] Therefore, the field of the annihilation wave is the region of existence where electromagnetic waves contributing to total internal reflection exist, and if metal ions exist within the annihilation wavelength of the annihilation wave, a plasmon containing the metal ion's cation and electron pair is formed.

[0085] The above plasmon can have a positive effect on the charging connector of an electric vehicle made of a metal material such as copper.

[0086] The protective cover for an electric vehicle charging connector according to embodiments of the present invention can be applied not only to DC combo charging connectors but also to DC CHAdeMO charging connectors and AC charging connectors.

[0087] Furthermore, the protective cover for the connector can also be applied to a stand that can temporarily hold the connector.

Claims

1. A main body having a receiving groove formed therein to accommodate a connector pin; A dummy pin extending along the direction of formation of the receiving groove inside the above-mentioned receiving groove and capable of being fastened to the connector pin in a male-female fastening manner; and A metal nanoparticle film coated on the surface of the above dummy pin; comprising, A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector, characterized by being configured such that a plasmon is formed on the surface of the connector pin by an extinction wave generated by total internal reflection of light passing through the interior of the dummy pin at the interface between the dummy pin and air.

2. A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the dummy pin is made of a material having a light transmittance of 30% or more with respect to visible light and a refractive index of 1.1 or more.

3. A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, wherein the dummy pin is selected from at least one of the group of light-transmitting materials consisting of silica, silicone, transparent urethane, PMMA, and polycarbonate.

4. A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal nanoparticle film comprises titanium dioxide nanoparticles that cause a photocatalytic reduction reaction upon plasmon generation.

5. A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, further comprising a light guide portion disposed at the rear end of the receiving groove and guiding incident light incident from the outside to the dummy pin.

6. A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector, wherein, in claim 5, the light guide part further comprises a polarizing film that polarizes the incident light into p-polarization.

7. A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, further comprising a light source that generates LED light and is disposed at the rear end of the receiving groove.

8. A protective cover for an electronic vehicle charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the light has a wavelength of 450 to 550 nm.

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