Charging device of vehicle, control method of charging device of vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

This invention discloses a vehicle charging device, a control method for the vehicle charging device, and a vehicle. The vehicle charging device includes: a first connector with a charging socket; a second connector with charging terminals, and multiple sub-charging terminals defining an installation space; and a drive locking pin, which is movable in the axial direction of the second connector and adapted to drive the multiple sub-charging terminals to move radially outward toward the second connector so that the charging terminals contact the charging socket. Thus, by cooperating with the drive locking pin, the first connector, and the second connector, poor contact between the first and second connectors can be avoided, as can the inability of the first and second connectors to make horizontal contact due to weight limitations. This prevents damage to the charging device, extends its service life, and prevents the vehicle from failing to charge properly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a vehicle charging device, a control method for the vehicle charging device, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, electric vehicles transmit power by connecting interface terminals and interface sockets. An electric lock device on the interface socket can achieve an anti-disengagement locking function (the extension of the locking pin can restrict the unlocking buckle action on the charging gun). However, due to manufacturing tolerances of the interface terminals and interface sockets themselves, poor contact will occur after direct insertion. Although the interface socket generally uses a spring structure to absorb the manufacturing tolerances, the spring structure will experience elastic failure over time, and poor contact will still occur.

[0003] Furthermore, due to the gap between the interface terminal and the interface socket, and the fact that the spring structure is easily deformed by force, when the charging cable used by the charging device is too heavy, the tail of the interface terminal will be tilted downward and the head will be tilted upward after the interface socket is plugged in. At this time, the interface terminal and the interface socket cannot make horizontal contact, and the contact area between the interface terminal and the interface socket will be reduced sharply. This will lead to an increase in the contact resistance between the interface terminal and the interface socket, which will cause the two ends of the interface to heat up sharply and damage it.

[0004] Furthermore, the locking pin of the electric lock device can only move downward normally when the interface terminal and the interface socket are properly engaged. When the tolerance between the interface terminal and the interface socket is large, and the cable used by the charging equipment is too heavy, the charging gun will slide outward after being engaged. At this time, the electric lock hole of the interface terminal and the electric lock hole of the interface socket will be misaligned, which will cause the locking pin of the electric lock device to not move downward normally, thus causing charging to fail. Alternatively, when the locking pin of the electric lock device moves downward normally, the sliding of the engaged charging gun outward will cause the locking pin to not retract normally, thus causing the charging gun nozzle to be unable to disengage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a vehicle charging device that can improve the service life of the charging device and prevent the vehicle from failing to charge properly.

[0006] The present invention further proposes a vehicle.

[0007] According to the control method of the vehicle charging device of the present invention, the charging device includes: a first connector having a charging socket; a second connector having a charging connector end, the charging connector end including a plurality of sub-charging connector ends, the plurality of sub-charging connector ends being arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction of the second connector and defining an installation space; and a drive locking pin, one end of the drive locking pin being inserted into the installation space from the end of the charging connector end away from the first connector and being movable in the axial direction of the second connector, wherein when the drive locking pin moves toward the first connector, the drive locking pin is adapted to drive the plurality of sub-charging connector ends toward the second connector. The method involves: radially outward movement to bring the charging connector into contact with the charging socket; at least one of the multiple sub-charging connectors has an inner surface configured as a guide slope; when the drive locking pin moves toward the free end of the charging connector, the multiple sub-charging connectors are driven to move radially outward toward the second connector by the engagement of the drive locking pin with the inner surface of the sub-charging connector; the method includes: acquiring the weight information of the charging device; and controlling the length by which the drive locking pin is inserted into the mounting space from the end of the charging connector away from the first connector according to the weight information, so that the central axis of the first connector is parallel to the central axis of the second connector.

[0008] According to the control method of the vehicle charging device of the present invention, by driving the locking pin, the first connector and the second connector to cooperate, the problem of poor contact between the first connector and the second connector can be avoided, and the problem of the first connector and the second connector not being able to make horizontal contact due to weight can also be avoided, thereby avoiding damage to the charging device, improving the service life of the charging device, and preventing the vehicle from failing to charge normally or the first connector and the second connector from failing to separate normally.

[0009] In some examples of the present invention, a plurality of the sub-charging plug terminals are sequentially contacted in the circumferential direction of the second plug member, and when the driving locking pin drives the plurality of the sub-charging plug terminals to move radially outward toward the second plug member, any two adjacent sub-charging plug terminals are spaced apart.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, the wall thickness of the sub-charging plug gradually increases from the end of the sub-charging plug away from the first plug to the free end near the first plug.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the second connector includes a sleeve that is sleeved on the outside of the charging connector, and the ends of the plurality of sub-charging connectors opposite to the sleeve are all connected to the sleeve.

[0012] According to the control method of the vehicle charging device of the present invention, the charging device further includes: a drive mechanism connected to the drive locking pin, the drive mechanism being adapted to drive the drive locking pin to move in the axial direction of the second connector; the drive mechanism includes: a first drive member and a first drive frame, the first drive frame being convexly connected to the first drive member, the first drive frame being fixedly connected to the drive locking pin, and the first drive member driving the drive locking pin to move in the axial direction of the second connector through the first drive frame.

[0013] In some examples of the present invention, the sleeve is provided with a clearance hole, through which the first drive frame passes and connects to the drive locking pin; the clearance hole extends in the axial direction of the second connector.

[0014] According to the control method of the vehicle charging device of the present invention, the charging device further includes: a drive locking ring, the drive locking ring being sleeved on the outside of the charging plug terminal, and the drive locking ring being movable in the axial direction of the second plug member, the drive locking ring being used to drive the plurality of sub-charging plug terminals to reset.

[0015] According to the control method of the vehicle charging device of the present invention, the charging device further includes: a drive mechanism connected to the drive lock ring, the drive mechanism being adapted to drive the drive lock ring to move in the axial direction of the second connector; the drive mechanism includes: a second drive member and a second drive frame, the second drive frame being convexly connected to the second drive member, the second drive frame being fixedly connected to the drive lock ring, and the second drive member driving the drive lock ring to move in the axial direction of the second connector through the second drive frame.

[0016] In some examples of the present invention, the control method of the vehicle charging device further includes: a first limiting mounting plate and a second limiting mounting plate, wherein the first limiting mounting plate is sleeved on the outside of each first plug-in; the second limiting mounting plate is sleeved on the outside of each second plug-in; the second drive frame passes through the second limiting mounting plate; the second limiting mounting plate is provided with a guide groove, the guide groove being used to guide and limit the second drive frame.

[0017] In some examples of the present invention, the drive locking pin includes a drive head and a rod portion, the drive head being disposed at the end of the rod portion facing the first connector, and the drive head being adapted to drive a plurality of the sub-charging connectors to move radially outward toward the second connector.

[0018] The vehicle according to the present invention includes a vehicle controller for executing a control method for a vehicle charging device as described above.

[0019] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of the first connector, the second connector, and the drive locking pin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of the first connector and the second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a control method for a vehicle charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] Charging device 100;

[0030] First connector 10; charging socket 11; drive locking ring 20;

[0031] Second connector 30; charging connector 31; sub-charging connector 32; installation space 33; guide slope 34; sleeve 35; clearance hole 36;

[0032] Drive lock pin 40; drive head 41; rod 42;

[0033] Drive mechanism 50; drive box 51; first drive frame 52; first connecting rod 53; second connecting rod 54; third connecting rod 55; second drive frame 56; fourth connecting rod 57; fifth connecting rod 58; sixth connecting rod 59; seventh connecting rod 60; base plate 61;

[0034] First limiting mounting plate 70; second limiting mounting plate 71; first assembly hole 72; second assembly hole 73; guide groove 74;

[0035] Vehicle 200. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0037] The following is for reference. Figures 1-7 The present invention describes a charging device 100 for a vehicle 200 and a control method for the charging device of the vehicle 200.

[0038] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the charging device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first connector 10, a second connector 30, and a drive locking pin 40. The first connector 10 is provided with a charging socket 11, and the second connector 30 is provided with a charging plug end 31. The charging plug end 31 may include a plurality of sub-charging plug ends 32. The plurality of sub-charging plug ends 32 are arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction of the second connector 30 and define an installation space 33. It should be noted that the charging socket 11 is provided on the first connector 10, the charging plug end 31 is provided on the second connector 30, and the plurality of sub-charging plug ends 32 can jointly constitute the charging plug end 31. In the circumferential direction of the second connector 30, the plurality of sub-charging plug ends 32 can be arranged sequentially, and the plurality of sub-charging plug ends 32 can jointly define the installation space 33.

[0039] One end of the drive locking pin 40 is inserted into the mounting space 33 from the end of the charging connector 31 away from the first connector 10, and the drive locking pin 40 can move in the axial direction of the second connector 30. When the drive locking pin 40 moves toward the first connector 10, it is adapted to drive a plurality of sub-charging connectors 32 to move radially outward toward the second connector 30 so that the charging connector 31 contacts the charging socket 11. It should be explained that in Figure 1As shown in the left-right direction, one end of the drive locking pin 40 is adapted to be inserted into the mounting space 33 from the right end of the charging plug 31. The drive locking pin 40 located in the mounting space 33 can move in the axial direction of the second plug 30. When the drive locking pin 40 moves toward the first plug 10 (i.e., when the drive locking pin 40 moves to the left), the drive locking pin 40 can drive multiple sub-charging plugs 32 to move toward the radially outward direction of the second plug 30 (i.e., the drive locking pin 40 can drive multiple sub-charging plugs 32 to move toward the axial direction away from the second plug 30 and along the radial direction of the second plug 30). When the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 move toward the radially outward direction of the second plug 30, the charging plug 31 can be completely fitted with the inner surface of the charging socket 11, so that the central axis of the first plug 10 is parallel to the central axis of the second plug 20, and the anti-disengagement locking function of the charging device 100 can be realized.

[0040] The first connector 10 or the second connector 30 can be installed on the vehicle 200. When the first connector 10 is installed on the vehicle 200, the second connector 30 can be installed on the charging equipment (charging gun). The following is a specific explanation using the case where the first connector 10 is installed on the vehicle 200 as an example.

[0041] When the vehicle 200 needs to be charged, the second connector 30 can be plugged into the first connector 10, that is, the charging connector 31 can be inserted into the charging socket 11. After the charging connector 31 is inserted into the charging socket 11, the drive locking pin 40 can move toward the first connector 10. During the process of the drive locking pin 40 moving toward the first connector 10, the drive locking pin 40 can drive multiple sub-charging connectors 32 to move toward the radially outward side of the second connector 30. When the multiple sub-charging connectors 32 move toward the radially outward side of the second connector 30, the charging connector 31 can be completely attached to the inner surface of the charging socket 11, thereby realizing charging. Compared with the prior art, the charging device 100 of this application can ensure a tight fit between the charging plug 31 and the charging socket 11 during the charging process, which can avoid the problem of poor contact between the charging plug 31 and the charging socket 11 and extend the service life of the charging device 100. Preferably, the number of sub-charging plugs 32 can be set to 4, but the number of sub-charging plugs 32 is not limited to 4. The number of sub-charging plugs 32 can be designed according to actual needs.

[0042] Furthermore, when the drive locking pin 40 moves toward the first connector 10, the drive locking pin 40 can drive multiple sub-charging connectors 32 to move radially outward toward the second connector 30. At this time, the charging connector 31 and the charging socket 11 are tightly fitted, and a corresponding frictional force is generated between the charging connector 31 and the charging socket 11. The distance that the drive locking pin 40 moves toward the first connector 10 can be controlled by the vehicle controller, thereby ensuring that the frictional force between the charging connector 31 and the charging socket 11 is balanced with the weight of the charging device. This can prevent the charging connector 31 and the charging socket 11 from not being able to make horizontal contact due to weight, and can also achieve the purpose of locking the charging connector 31 and the charging socket 11, thereby improving the performance of the charging device 100.

[0043] Furthermore, existing technologies typically achieve locking between the charging connector and the charging socket by limiting the locking pin or by extending the locking pin itself. When the tolerance between the charging connector and the charging socket is large and the cable used by the charging device is too heavy, the locking pin may be in a semi-connected state, which can easily lead to locking failure. This can prevent the vehicle 200 from charging normally, and the locking pin may also fail to return to its original position after locking, resulting in the charging connector and the charging socket not being able to separate properly. In this application, by driving the locking pin 40 to drive multiple sub-charging connectors 32 to move radially outward toward the second connector 30, the charging connector 31 and the charging socket 11 can be tightly fitted to achieve the charging process of the vehicle 200, thus avoiding the phenomenon that the vehicle 200 cannot charge normally. Alternatively, by driving the locking pin 40 to drive multiple sub-charging connectors 32 to move radially inward toward the second connector 30, the phenomenon that the charging connector 31 and the charging socket 11 cannot separate properly can be avoided, ensuring the reliable use of the charging device 100.

[0044] Therefore, by driving the locking pin 40, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 to cooperate, the problem of poor contact between the first connector 10 and the second connector 30 can be avoided. It can also be avoided that the first connector 10 and the second connector 30 cannot make horizontal contact due to weight. This can prevent damage to the charging device 100, improve the service life of the charging device 100, and prevent the vehicle 200 from failing to charge normally or the first connector 10 and the second connector 30 from failing to separate normally.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of sub-charging connectors 32 sequentially contact the second connector 30 in the circumferential direction. When the driving locking pin 30 drives the plurality of sub-charging connectors 32 to move radially outward toward the second connector 30, any two adjacent sub-charging connectors 32 can be spaced apart. It should be noted that the number of sub-charging connectors 32 is set to be multiple, and the plurality of sub-charging connectors 32 can be arranged in the circumferential direction of the second connector 30, and the plurality of sub-charging connectors 32 can sequentially contact the second connector 30 in the circumferential direction, that is, both ends of each sub-charging connector 32 are in contact with the sub-charging connector 32. When the driving locking pin 30 drives the plurality of sub-charging connectors 32 to move radially outward toward the second connector 30, any two adjacent sub-charging connectors 32 can move radially outward toward the second connector 30 and be spaced apart. This arrangement can ensure the reliable operation of the charging device 100.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner surface of at least one of the multiple sub-charging connectors 32 can be configured as a guide slope 34. When the driving locking pin 40 moves toward the free end of the charging connector 31, the multiple sub-charging connectors 32 can be driven to move radially outward toward the second connector 30 by the engagement of the driving locking pin 40 with the inner surface of the sub-charging connector 32. It should be noted that the number of sub-charging connectors 32 is set to multiple, and the inner surface of at least one of the multiple sub-charging connectors 32 can be configured as a guide slope 34. In the direction away from the first connector 10 to the direction closer to the first connector 10 (i.e., in... Figure 3 As shown in the left-right direction (from the right side to the left side of the sub-charging plug 32), the guide slope 34 can gradually extend towards the axis of the sub-charging plug 32. When the drive locking pin 40 moves towards the free end of the charging plug 31 (i.e., when the drive locking pin 40 moves towards the left side of the charging plug 31), the drive locking pin 40 engages with the inner surfaces of the multiple sub-charging plugs 32, driving the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 to move radially outward towards the second plug member 30, so that... The charging plug 31 is completely fitted with the inner surface of the charging socket 11. Preferably, the inner surfaces of the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 can all be set as guide slopes 34. This setting can guide the movement of the drive locking pin 40, ensuring that the drive locking pin 40 can move along the axial direction of the sub-charging plug 32. It can also ensure that the drive locking pin 40 can reliably drive the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 to move radially outward toward the second plug 30, thereby ensuring that the charging plug 31 and the inner surface of the charging socket 11 can be tightly fitted.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the wall thickness of the sub-charging plug 32 can gradually increase from the end of the sub-charging plug 32 away from the first plug 10 to the free end near the first plug 10. It should be explained that in Figure 3 As shown in the left-right direction, from the right end of the sub-charging connector 32 to the left end of the sub-charging connector 32, the wall thickness of the sub-charging connector 32 can gradually increase. This can also be understood as the distance from the inner surface to the outer surface of the sub-charging connector 32 gradually increasing from the right end to the left end of the sub-charging connector 32. Furthermore, it should be noted that the outer contour of the charging connector 32 can be constructed as a circle. Figure 3 As shown in the left-right direction, when looking at the charging plug 32 from the left or right end, the outer contour of the charging plug 32 is circular, that is, the outer surfaces of multiple sub-charging plugs 32 are located on the same circumference. In the radial direction of the charging plug 31, the cross-section of the charging plug 31 is circular, which can also be understood as the charging plug 31 being constructed as a cylinder. With this configuration, when the drive locking pin 40 moves toward the free end of the charging plug 31, it can drive multiple sub-charging plugs 32 to gradually move toward the radial outer side of the second plug 30, which can avoid the problem of poor contact between the first plug 10 and the second plug 30.

[0048] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As some embodiments of the present invention, protrusions may be provided on multiple sub-charging plug terminals 32 in the direction from the end of the sub-charging plug terminal 32 away from the first plug member 10 to the free end near the first plug member 10. Figure 3 As shown in the left-right direction, the protrusions provided on the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 extend from the right end of the sub-charging plug 32 to the left end of the sub-charging plug 32. The inner surface of the protrusions can be gradually positioned closer to the axis of the charging plug 31. When the drive locking pin 40 is facing the free end of the charging plug 31 (i.e., at the...), Figure 3 When the sub-charging plug 32 moves in the left-right direction (from the right side to the left side of the sub-charging plug 32), the locking pin 40 is driven to contact the inner surface of the boss, which can drive the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 to gradually move towards the radial outer side of the second plug 30, thereby avoiding the problem of poor contact between the first plug 10 and the second plug 30.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the second connector 30 may include a sleeve 35, which can be sleeved on the outside of the charging connector 31. The ends of the multiple sub-charging connectors 32 opposite to the sleeve 35 can be connected to the sleeve 35. It should be noted that the sleeve 35 can be sleeved on the outside of the charging connector 31, and the sleeve 35 can be fixedly connected to the charging connector 31. Furthermore, the ends of the multiple sub-charging connectors 32 opposite to the sleeve 35 can be fixedly connected to the sleeve 35. This arrangement can ensure that the connection between the charging connector 31 and the sleeve 35 is firm and can prevent separation between the charging connector 31 and the sleeve 35.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the charging device 100 may further include a drive mechanism 50, which can be connected to the drive locking pin 40. The drive mechanism 50 is adapted to drive the drive locking pin 40 to move in the axial direction of the second connector 30. It should be explained that the end of the drive locking pin 40 away from the first connector 10 can be connected to the drive mechanism 50. The drive mechanism 50 can provide power for the axial movement of the drive locking pin 40 in the second connector 30. That is, the drive mechanism 50 can drive the drive locking pin 40 to move in the axial direction of the second connector 30. This arrangement can provide power for the movement of the drive locking pin 40, ensure that the drive locking pin 40 can move reliably in the axial direction of the second connector 30, and also achieve the working effect of the drive locking pin 40 reciprocating in the axial direction of the second connector 30.

[0051] As some embodiments of the present invention, the drive mechanism 50 can be communicatively connected to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller can control the distance that the drive locking pin 40 moves toward the first connector 10 by controlling the drive mechanism 50. In this way, the vehicle controller can control the distance that the drive locking pin 40 moves by the drive mechanism 50, thereby ensuring that the friction between the charging plug end 31 and the charging socket 11 is balanced with the weight of the charging device, and avoiding the inability of the charging plug end 31 and the charging socket 11 to make horizontal contact due to weight.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the drive mechanism 50 may include a first drive member and a first drive frame 52. The first drive frame 52 can be driven to the first drive member and can be fixedly connected to the drive locking pin 40. The first drive member can drive the drive locking pin 40 to move in the axial direction of the second connector 30 through the first drive frame 52. It should be noted that the first drive member and the first drive frame 52 can be driven to move, that is, the first drive member can drive the first drive frame 52 to move. The first drive frame 52 can be fixedly connected to the end of the drive locking pin 40 away from the first connector 10. The first drive member can drive the drive locking pin 40 to move in the axial direction of the second connector 30 by driving the first drive frame 52 to move. This arrangement allows the drive locking pin 40 to move reliably in the axial direction of the second connector 30 by the first drive member, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually drive the drive locking pin 40 in the axial direction of the second connector 30. This facilitates user operation of the charging device 100 and improves the user experience.

[0053] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the first drive frame 52 may include a first connecting rod 53, a second connecting rod 54, and a third connecting rod 55. It should be explained that the first connecting rod 53, the second connecting rod 54, and the third connecting rod 55 can collectively constitute the first drive frame 52. One end of the first connecting rod 53 can be connected to the first drive component for transmission, and the other end of the first connecting rod 53 can be fixedly connected to one end of the second connecting rod 54. The other end of the second connecting rod 54 can be fixedly connected to one end of the third connecting rod 55, and the other end of the third connecting rod 55 can be fixedly connected to the drive locking pin 40. Preferably, the first connecting rod... The axis of the first connecting rod 53 can be parallel to the axis of the charging plug 31, the axis of the second connecting rod 54 can be perpendicular to the axis of the first connecting rod 53, and the axis of the third connecting rod 55 can be perpendicular to both the axis of the first connecting rod 53 and the axis of the second connecting rod 54. This arrangement can reliably transmit the power output by the first driving member to the driving locking pin 40. When the first driving member drives the first driving frame 52 to move in the axis of the charging plug 31, it can be ensured that the first driving frame 52 moves together with the driving locking pin 40 in the axis of the charging plug 31.

[0054] It should be explained that the first drive frame 52 can be, but is not limited to, the structural type described in the above embodiments. The actual structure of the first drive frame 52 can be adjusted as needed. For example, the first drive frame 52 can also adopt an oblique connection structure or other structures that can drive the drive locking pin 40 to move together in the axial direction of the charging plug terminal 31.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the sleeve 35 can be provided with a clearance hole 36. After the first drive frame 52 passes through the clearance hole 36, it can be connected to the drive locking pin 40. It should be noted that the sleeve 35 can be provided with a clearance hole 36, which can be a through hole. The clearance hole 36 can be formed by machining. Part of the structure of the first drive frame 52 passes through the clearance hole 36 and is fixedly connected to the drive locking pin 40. Preferably, the third connecting rod 55 can pass through the clearance hole 36 and be fixedly connected to the drive locking pin 40. This arrangement can realize the connection between the first drive frame 52 and the drive locking pin 40, and can save the manufacturing material of the sleeve 35. It can make the structure of the charging device 100 compact. In addition, the clearance hole 36 can guide the first drive frame 52 and stabilize the movement of the first drive frame 52 and the drive locking pin 40.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the clearance hole 36 can extend along the axial direction of the second connector 30. It should be explained that the sleeve 35 is provided with the clearance hole 36, which can extend along the axial direction of the second connector 30. When the driving member drives the driving locking pin 40 to move toward the first connector 10 through the first driving frame 52, the clearance hole 36 can guide the first driving frame 52, ensuring that the driving locking pin 40 moves along the axial direction of the charging connector 31. It can also prevent the sleeve 35 from obstructing the movement of the first driving frame 52. This arrangement can prevent the movement direction of the driving locking pin 40 from being at an angle with the axial direction of the charging connector 31, thereby ensuring that the driving locking pin 40 can drive multiple sub-charging connectors 32 to move evenly toward the radially outer side of the second connector 30.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the charging device 100 may further include: a drive locking ring 20, which can be sleeved on the outside of the charging plug terminal 31, and the drive locking ring 20 can move in the axial direction of the second plug member 30. The drive locking ring 20 is used to drive multiple sub-charging plug terminals 32 to reset. It should be noted that the drive locking ring 20 can be provided on the outside of the charging plug terminal 31, and the drive locking ring 20 can move in the axial direction of the second plug member 30. The drive locking ring 20 can limit the multiple sub-charging plug terminals 32. When the drive locking pin 40 moves toward the first plug member 10, the drive locking ring 20 can move in a direction away from the first plug member 10 (i.e., in...). Figure 2As shown in the left and right directions, when the drive locking pin 40 moves to the left, the drive locking ring 20 moves to the right. When the drive locking pin 40 moves away from the first connector 10, the drive locking ring 20 can move towards the first connector 10 (when the drive locking pin 40 moves to the right, the drive locking ring 20 moves to the left). When the vehicle 200 needs to be charged, by moving the drive locking ring 20 away from the first connector 10, it can prevent the multiple sub-charging connectors 32 from being unable to move radially outward towards the second connector 30 due to the limiting effect of the drive locking ring 20. Furthermore, when the vehicle 200 has finished charging, that is, when the charging connector 31 needs to be separated from the charging socket 11, by moving the drive locking ring 20 towards the first connector 10, the multiple sub-charging connectors 32 can be reset (retracted) by the drive locking ring 20. That is, the charging plug 31 can be restored to its cylindrical shape (restored to its initial state) by driving the locking ring 20, so that the charging plug 31 can be properly separated from the charging socket 11, and the charging plug 31 can be easily separated from the charging socket 11, thus realizing the unlocking function of the charging device 100 and making it easy to pull out the second plug 30.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be noted that the charging plug 31 can be made of metal. When the charging plug 31 is made of metal, as the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 move radially outward toward the second plug 30 multiple times, the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 are not easy to return to their unmoved state, that is, the charging plug 31 is not easy to return to its cylindrical shape. By setting the drive locking ring 20, the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 can be limited, and the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 can be returned to their unmoved state, that is, the charging plug 31 can be returned to its cylindrical shape. Thus, the service life of the charging plug 31 can be improved.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inner side of the drive locking ring 20 may be in contact with the outer side of the charging plug 31. In this way, after charging is completed, the drive locking ring 20 can be used to reset the multiple sub-charging plugs 32. Alternatively, the inner side of the drive locking ring 20 may not be in contact with the outer side of the charging plug 31. When the distance traveled by the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 is very short, the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 do not need to be reset by the drive locking ring 20. When the distance traveled by the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 is large, the outer side of the multiple sub-charging plugs 32 may be in contact with the inner side of the drive locking ring 20. In this case, the drive locking ring 20 can be used to reset the multiple sub-charging plugs 32, thereby realizing the unlocking function between the first plug 10 and the second plug 20, which makes it convenient for the user to pull out the second plug 20.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the charging device 100 may further include a drive mechanism 50, which can be connected to the drive locking ring 20. The drive mechanism 50 is adapted to drive the drive locking ring 20 to move in the axial direction of the second connector 30. It should be explained that the drive locking ring 20 can be connected to the drive mechanism 50, and the drive mechanism 50 can provide power for the drive locking ring 20 to move in the axial direction of the second connector 30. That is, the drive mechanism 50 can drive the drive locking ring 20 to reciprocate in the axial direction of the second connector 30. This arrangement can provide power for the movement of the drive locking ring 20 and can ensure that the drive locking ring 20 can move reliably in the axial direction of the second connector 30.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the drive mechanism 50 may further include: a second drive member and a second drive frame 56. The second drive frame 56 is transmissively connected to the second drive member and is fixedly connected to the drive locking ring 20. The second drive member can drive the drive locking ring 20 to move in the axial direction of the second connector 30 through the second drive frame 56. It should be noted that the second drive member and the second drive frame 56 are transmissively connected, meaning the second drive member can drive the second drive frame 56 to move. The second drive frame 56 is fixedly connected to the drive locking ring 20. The second drive member can drive the drive locking ring 20 to move in the axial direction of the second connector 30 by driving the second drive frame 56 to move. This arrangement ensures that the drive locking ring 20 can reliably move in the axial direction of the second connector 30 by driving the second drive member to drive the drive locking ring 20 to move.

[0062] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the second drive frame 56 may include: a fourth connecting rod 57, a fifth connecting rod 58, a sixth connecting rod 59, and a seventh connecting rod 60. It should be explained that the fourth connecting rod 57, the fifth connecting rod 58, the sixth connecting rod 59, and the seventh connecting rod 60 can collectively constitute the second drive frame 56. One end of the fourth connecting rod 57 can be connected to the second drive component for transmission, and the other end of the fourth connecting rod 57 can be fixedly connected to one end of the fifth connecting rod 58. The number of sixth connecting rods 59 can be set to two; one end of one sixth connecting rod 59 can be fixedly connected to the middle position of the fifth connecting rod 58, and the other end of the other sixth connecting rod 59 can be fixedly connected to the other end of the fifth connecting rod 58. Furthermore, the two sixth connecting rods 59... Figure 2The projections in the vertical direction shown can coincide, and the number of seventh connecting rods 60 can also be set to two. One end of the two seventh connecting rods 60 can be fixedly connected to the other end of the two sixth connecting rods 59, and the other end of the two seventh connecting rods 60 can be fixedly connected to the drive locking ring 20. Furthermore, two of the seventh connecting rods 60 are in... Figure 2 The projections shown in the vertical direction can coincide. Preferably, the axial direction of the fourth connecting rod 57 can be parallel to the axial direction of the charging plug terminal 31, the axial direction of the fifth connecting rod 58 can be perpendicular to the axial direction of the first connecting rod 53, the axial direction of the sixth connecting rod 59 can be perpendicular to both the axial directions of the fourth connecting rod 57 and the fifth connecting rod 58, and the axial direction of the seventh connecting rod 60 can be parallel to the axial direction of the charging plug terminal 31. This arrangement can ensure that the second drive frame 56 can move along the axial direction of the charging plug terminal 31 with the drive locking ring 20.

[0063] It should be explained that the second drive frame 56 can be, but is not limited to, the structural type described in the above embodiments. The actual structure of the second drive frame 56 can be adjusted as needed. For example, the second drive frame 56 can also adopt an oblique connection structure or other structures that can drive the drive lock ring 20 to move together in the axial direction of the charging plug end 31.

[0064] As some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drive mechanism 50 may further include a drive box 51 and a base plate 61. The drive component can be disposed within the drive box 51, and the drive box 51 can be disposed on the base plate 61. Both the first and second drive components can be drive motors. It should be noted that the first and second drive components can respectively drive the drive locking ring 20 and the drive locking pin 40. Both the first and second drive components can rotate forward or backward to achieve the reciprocating motion of the drive locking ring 20 and the drive locking pin 40. Furthermore, both the first and second drive components can rotate forward or backward to achieve the drive locking ring 20 and the drive locking pin 40 moving in opposite directions. Specifically, when the vehicle is charging, the first drive component can rotate forward or backward to drive the drive locking pin 40 in opposite directions. Figure 1 As shown in the left-side movement, the second drive member can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to drive the drive locking ring 20 toward... Figure 1 As shown in the right-hand movement, when the vehicle charging is finished, the first drive component can rotate in either reverse or forward to drive the drive lock pin 40 toward... Figure 1 As shown in the right-side movement, the second drive member can rotate in either reverse or forward to drive the drive locking ring 20 toward... Figure 1 The movement on the left is shown.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first driving member and the second driving member can be configured as a single driving motor, that is, the driving locking ring 20 and the driving locking pin 40 are driven by a single motor. When a single driving motor is configured, a transmission gear can be provided in the driving box 51. The transmission gear can be connected to the driving motor for transmission, thereby enabling the driving locking ring 20 and the driving locking pin 40 to move in opposite directions. Specifically, when the driving motor rotates forward, the driving locking pin 40 can move in the opposite direction. Figure 1 The leftward movement shown simultaneously drives the locking ring 20 to move towards... Figure 1 As shown in the right-hand movement, when the drive motor reverses, the drive locking pin 40 can move towards... Figure 1 The movement to the right, as shown, simultaneously drives the locking ring 20 to move towards... Figure 1 The left-side movement shown in the figure can be configured in terms of the arrangement, quantity, and position of the drive mechanism 50, drive motor, and transmission gears, according to actual needs. The description in this application is only one embodiment and does not mean that this application is limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the charging device 100 may further include: a first limiting mounting plate 70 and a second limiting mounting plate 71. The first limiting mounting plate 70 may be sleeved on the outside of each first plug-in 10, and the second limiting mounting plate 71 may be sleeved on the outside of each second plug-in 30. It should be explained that the first limiting mounting plate 70 may be provided with the same number of first mounting holes 72 as the first plug-in 10. Each first plug-in 10 may pass through the first mounting holes 72 provided on the first limiting mounting plate 70. The second limiting mounting plate 71... The device can be provided with the same number of second mounting holes 73 as the second connector 30. Each second connector 30 can be inserted into the second mounting hole 73 provided on the second limiting mounting plate 71. The first mounting hole 72 and the second mounting hole 73 can be formed by machining. The first limiting mounting plate 70 and the second limiting mounting plate 71 can respectively protect and support the first connector 10 and the second connector 30. This arrangement can prevent the charging device 100 from being damaged by bumps during use.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the second drive frame 56 can pass through the second limiting mounting plate 71. It should be noted that the second limiting mounting plate 71 can also be provided with guide grooves 74. The number of guide grooves 74 can be the same as the number of seventh connecting rods 60. The seventh connecting rods 60 pass through the guide grooves 74. The number of guide grooves 74 can be set to twice the number of drive locking rings 20. The seventh connecting rods 60 can pass through the guide grooves 74 of the second limiting mounting plate 71 and be fixedly connected to the drive locking rings 20. That is, multiple seventh connecting rods 60 can pass through multiple guide grooves 74 and be fixedly connected to the drive locking rings 20. The guide grooves 74 can be formed by machining. The guide grooves 74 can guide and limit the second drive frame 56. This setting can avoid the movement direction of the drive locking rings 20 from being at an angle with the axis of the charging plug terminal 31, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the movement direction of the drive locking rings 20. It can also prevent the second drive frame 56 from deforming due to long-term use, thereby ensuring the reliable operation of the drive locking rings 20.

[0068] If the material of the second drive frame 56 has high strength, the guide groove 74 may not be required.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the drive locking pin 40 may include a drive head 41 and a rod portion 42. The drive head 41 may be disposed at the end of the rod portion 42 facing the first connector 10. The drive head 41 is adapted to drive a plurality of sub-charging connectors 32 to move radially outward toward the second connector 30. It should be explained that the drive head 41 and the rod portion 42 can together constitute the drive locking pin 40. The end of the rod portion 42 facing the first connector 10 may be provided with the drive head 41, that is, at... Figure 4 In the left-right direction shown, a drive head 41 can be provided on the left side of the rod 42. The drive head 41 can drive multiple sub-charging plugs 32 to move radially outward toward the second plug 30. This arrangement can ensure that the drive locking pin 40 can reliably drive multiple sub-charging plugs 32 to move radially outward toward the second plug 30, thereby making the arrangement of the drive locking pin 40 more reasonable.

[0070] As some embodiments of the present invention, the mechanism for driving the drive locking pin 40 and the drive locking ring 20 is not limited to using a drive motor, but can also be driven by other means, such as using electromagnetic drive to drive the lock pin 40 and the drive locking ring 20. The drive locking pin 40 and the drive locking ring 20 can be directly powered by the coil in both forward and reverse directions, so that the drive locking pin 40 and the drive locking ring 20 move along the axial direction of the charging plug terminal 31.

[0071] Figure 6 A flowchart of a control method for a vehicle charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the control method includes the following steps:

[0072] S1. Obtain the weight information of the charging equipment. It should be noted that, regardless of whether it is DC charging or AC charging, the weight information of the charging equipment can be transmitted through PWM wave duty cycle or CAN message. The weight range corresponding to different charging equipment can be defined by using the currently available PWM wave duty cycle range. The weight information of the charging equipment can be directly transmitted using CAN message, and the vehicle controller can receive the weight information of the charging equipment.

[0073] It should be explained that obtaining the weight information of a charging device includes, but is not limited to, the methods described above. For example, the weight information of the charging device can also be obtained by adding a pressure sensing device to the charging port for measurement.

[0074] S2, based on the weight information, the length by which the drive locking pin is inserted into the installation space from the end of the charging connector furthest from the first connector, so that the central axis of the first connector is parallel to the central axis of the second connector. It should be explained that the vehicle controller can control the length by which the drive locking pin is inserted into the installation space from the end of the charging connector furthest from the first connector, based on the weight information of the charging device, so that the central axis of the first connector is parallel to the central axis of the second connector, thereby realizing the anti-disengagement locking function of the charging device.

[0075] The driving time and travel factor of the driving lock pin can be adjusted according to the structure of the driving component and the driving lock pin. Preferably, the travel factor can be calibrated by dividing the actual tested travel of the driving lock pin by the driving time of the driving lock pin, that is, travel factor = travel of the driving lock pin ÷ driving time of the driving lock pin.

[0076] The friction factor between the charging socket and the charging plug after the multiple sub-charging plugs move radially outward toward the second plug can be calibrated by dividing the actual tested friction force between the charging socket and the charging plug by the travel of the driving lock pin, i.e., friction factor = friction force ÷ travel of the driving lock pin.

[0077] When the first connector and the second connector are inserted, the charging socket comes into contact with the charging connector end. The vehicle controller can obtain the weight information of the charging device based on the interaction with the charging device. Based on the weight information of the charging device, the vehicle controller can control the length by which the drive locking pin is inserted into the installation space from the end of the charging connector end away from the first connector.

[0078] Specifically, the weight a of the charging device, the friction d between the charging socket and the charging connector, the friction factor m, the stroke c of the driving lock pin, the time b for the driving component to drive the driving lock pin, and the stroke factor n can satisfy the following: the weight a of the charging device = the friction d between the charging socket and the charging connector (i.e., the weight of the charging device and the friction between the charging socket and the charging connector are balanced), the friction d between the charging connectors = the stroke c * friction factor m of the driving lock pin, and the stroke c = the time b * stroke factor n of the driving component to drive the driving lock pin.

[0079] Based on the above, we can conclude that a = b * n * m, meaning the relationship between the time b for the driving component to drive the locking pin and the weight a of the charging device is b = a / (m * n), and the relationship between the stroke c for the driving locking pin and the weight a of the charging device is c = a / m. Therefore, we can see that the stroke c for the driving locking pin is directly proportional to the weight a of the charging device.

[0080] Therefore, the vehicle controller can adjust the timing of the drive mechanism's drive locking pin by obtaining the weight information of the charging device, so as to achieve a balance between the weight of the charging device and the friction between the charging socket and the charging connector, thereby improving the performance of the charging device.

[0081] As some embodiments of the present invention, the upper limit of the friction force between the charging socket and the charging connector can be set according to the user's needs. This can avoid the first connector from becoming charged when it is separated from the second connector due to the friction force between the charging socket and the charging connector being too small, and can also avoid the material properties of the charging device being damaged due to the friction force between the charging socket and the charging connector being too large. It can also avoid the problem of difficulty in forcibly separating the first connector from the second connector in a fault state.

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, the vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the charging device 100 of the above embodiment. By providing a drive locking pin 40, a first connector 10 and a second connector 30, the problem of poor contact between the first connector 10 and the second connector 30 can be avoided. It can also prevent the first connector 10 and the second connector 30 from not being able to make horizontal contact due to weight reasons. This can prevent damage to the charging device 100, improve the service life of the charging device 100, and prevent the vehicle 200 from failing to charge normally.

[0083] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0084] In the description of this invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0085] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0086] In the description of this invention, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0087] In the description of this invention, the terms "above," "over," and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicating that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0088] Other configurations of the present invention, such as ... and ..., and operations, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0089] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0090] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for a vehicle charging device, characterized in that, The charging device includes: The first connector is provided with a charging port; The second connector has a charging connector, which includes multiple sub-charging connectors. The multiple sub-charging connectors are arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction of the second connector and define an installation space. A drive locking pin is provided, one end of which is inserted into the mounting space from the end of the charging plug terminal away from the first plug member and can move in the axial direction of the second plug member. When the drive locking pin moves toward the first plug member, it is adapted to drive a plurality of the sub-charging plug terminals to move radially outward toward the second plug member so that the charging plug terminal contacts the charging socket. At least one of the multiple sub-charging plugs has an inner surface configured as a guide slope. When the drive locking pin moves toward the free end of the charging plug, the multiple sub-charging plugs are driven to move toward the radially outward side of the second plug by the cooperation of the drive locking pin with the inner surface of the sub-charging plug. The method includes: Obtain the weight information of the charging device; The length by which the drive locking pin is inserted into the mounting space from the end of the charging connector away from the first connector, based on the weight information, is controlled so that the central axis of the first connector is parallel to the central axis of the second connector.

2. The control method for the vehicle charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of sub-charging connectors are in sequential contact with each other in the circumferential direction of the second connector. When the driving locking pin drives the plurality of sub-charging connectors to move radially outward toward the second connector, any two adjacent sub-charging connectors are spaced apart.

3. The control method for the vehicle charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the sub-charging connector gradually increases from the end of the sub-charging connector furthest from the first connector to the free end near the first connector.

4. The control method for the vehicle charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second connector includes a sleeve, which is sleeved on the outside of the charging connector, and the ends of the plurality of sub-charging connectors opposite to the sleeve are all connected to the sleeve.

5. The control method for the vehicle charging device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The charging device further includes: a driving mechanism, which is connected to the driving locking pin and is adapted to drive the driving locking pin to move in the axial direction of the second connector; The driving mechanism includes a first driving member and a first driving frame. The first driving frame is connected to the first driving member in a transmission manner. The first driving frame is fixedly connected to the driving locking pin. The first driving member drives the driving locking pin to move in the axial direction of the second connector through the first driving frame.

6. The control method for the vehicle charging device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sleeve is provided with a clearance hole, and the first drive frame passes through the clearance hole and is connected to the drive locking pin; The clearance hole extends in the axial direction of the second connector.

7. The control method for the vehicle charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The charging device further includes a drive locking ring, which is sleeved on the outside of the charging plug and is movable in the axial direction of the second plug. The drive locking ring is used to drive the multiple sub-charging plugs to reset.

8. The control method for the vehicle charging device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The charging device further includes: a driving mechanism, which is connected to the driving lock ring and is adapted to drive the driving lock ring to move in the axial direction of the second connector; The driving mechanism includes: a second driving member and a second driving frame, the second driving frame being connected to the second driving member in a transmission manner, the second driving frame being fixedly connected to the driving lock ring, and the second driving member driving the driving lock ring to move in the axial direction of the second connector through the second driving frame.

9. The control method for the vehicle charging device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The charging device further includes: a first limiting mounting plate and a second limiting mounting plate, wherein the first limiting mounting plate is sleeved on the outside of each of the first plug-in components; The second limiting mounting plate is sleeved on the outside of each of the second plug-in components; The second drive frame passes through the second limiting mounting plate; The second limiting mounting plate is provided with a guide groove, which is used to guide and limit the second drive frame.

10. The control method for the charging device of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The drive locking pin includes a drive head and a rod portion. The drive head is located at the end of the rod portion facing the first connector. The drive head is adapted to drive a plurality of the sub-charging connectors to move radially outward toward the second connector.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a vehicle controller, which is used to perform the control method as described in claim 1.

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