Electric vehicle charging port protection structure and automatic closing method of charging port cover

Abstract

The application discloses an electric vehicle charging port protection structure and a charging port cover automatic closing method, and the electric vehicle charging port protection structure is suitable for the integrated arrangement of at least two charging ports and comprises a charging port cover, a dust cover and a sliding rail, wherein the dust cover is connected with the sliding rail and can slide on the sliding rail; the sliding rail is arranged along the arrangement direction of the charging ports, and the dust cover can cover at least one charging port by sliding; and the charging port cover is arranged at the outermost layer and can cover all the charging ports. According to the integrated arrangement of the charging ports, the sliding type charging port dust cover is designed, the charging port is opened or closed in the sliding mode, interference on the closing of the charging port is avoided, and then the automatic closing control of the charging port cover can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric vehicle charging technology, and in particular to a protective structure for an electric vehicle charging port and a method for automatically closing the charging port cover. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] According to national standards, charging sockets are divided into two types: DC sockets and AC sockets. Currently, there are two layout schemes:

[0004] The first option is to place the AC charging port and the DC charging port separately in two locations on the vehicle, with a charging port cover installed in each location. The second option is to integrate the AC charging port and the DC charging port on a single flange panel, in which case the two charging ports share a single charging port cover, saving design costs.

[0005] In existing technologies, especially for integrated charging port layouts, dust covers are required at the charging port locations for protection. This is because without dust covers, the charging port covers will open when the vehicle is charging, exposing all the charging ports and making it impossible to effectively protect them.

[0006] The dust cover has two opening structures: a flip-top opening structure and a press-type opening structure. The charging port cover is located outside the dust cover and is also known as the vehicle exterior cover. When the vehicle is charging, the dust cover needs to be manually opened before the charging gun can be inserted. After charging is complete, because the closing of the charging port cover interferes with the opening of the dust cover, the dust cover needs to be manually closed before the charging port cover can be closed. Therefore, automatic closing control of the charging port cover is not possible. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention proposes a protective structure for an electric vehicle charging port and an automatic closing method for the charging port cover. The charging port cover also serves as a dust cover, avoiding potential interference from the dust cover when the charging port cover is closed, thereby achieving automatic closing control of the charging port cover.

[0008] In some implementations, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0009] A protective structure for an electric vehicle charging port, suitable for situations where at least two charging ports are integrated, includes: a charging port cover, a dust cover, and a slide rail. The dust cover is connected to the slide rail and can slide on the slide rail. The slide rail is arranged along the charging port arrangement direction, and the dust cover can slide to cover at least one charging port.

[0010] The charging port cover is located on the outermost layer and can cover all charging ports.

[0011] As one implementation, a locking element is provided on the slide rail, and the position of the locking element corresponds to the charging port; when the dust cover slides to the position of the locking element, it can cover the corresponding charging port.

[0012] In one embodiment, the locking element includes an elastic element, the lower end of which is connected to a locking block, and the upper end of which is fixed. The bottom ends of the locking block are respectively provided with inwardly inclined slopes. Under normal conditions, the locking block is within the slide rail and can block the sliding of the dust cover. When the dust cover continues to slide towards the locking element under external force, it can lift the locking block through the slopes, thereby allowing the locking block to clear the slide rail channel and enabling the dust cover to continue sliding. After the dust cover slides past the locking element's position, the dust cover separates from the locking block, and the locking block falls back into the slide rail under the action of the elastic force.

[0013] As one implementation, the charging port includes a DC charging port and an AC charging port.

[0014] As one implementation, the dust cover has a handle on its surface.

[0015] As one implementation, the charging port cover can be opened via voice control, touch screen control, key button, or by touching a sensor location.

[0016] As one implementation scheme, the charging port cover can be automatically closed based on conditions such as whether the vehicle is currently receiving a charging connection signal, whether there is a key signal, and whether there is torque output.

[0017] As one implementation scheme, it detects whether the vehicle receives a charging connection signal. If so, in response to the charging connection signal, it keeps the charging port cover open at all times and controls the vehicle not to output torque.

[0018] If not, check if the vehicle receives a key signal. If a key signal is received and the vehicle has torque output, the charging port cover will automatically close. If no key signal is received, the charging port cover will automatically close and will not respond to the opening control of the charging port cover.

[0019] As one implementation scheme, if no charging connection signal is received, but a key signal is received, and the vehicle has no torque output, the following logical judgment is made:

[0020] When the charging connection signal changes from connected to disconnected, the charging port cover will automatically close after a set time.

[0021] After detecting that the charging port cover has changed from closed to open, wait for a set time. If no charging connection signal is received after the set time, the charging port cover will automatically close.

[0022] In other embodiments, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0023] A method for automatically closing a charging port cover for an electric vehicle includes:

[0024] Detect whether the vehicle receives a charging connection signal. If so, in response to the charging connection signal, always keep the charging port cover open and control the vehicle not to output torque.

[0025] If not, check if the vehicle receives a key signal. If a key signal is received and the vehicle has torque output, the charging port cover will be closed automatically. If no key signal is received, the charging port cover will be closed automatically and no response will be made to the opening control of the charging port cover.

[0026] If no charging connection signal is received, but a key signal is received, and the vehicle has no torque output, the following logic is applied:

[0027] When the charging connection signal changes from connected to disconnected, the charging port cover will automatically close after a set time.

[0028] After detecting that the charging port cover has changed from closed to open, wait for a set time. If no charging connection signal is received after the set time, the charging port cover will automatically close.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0030] (1) In view of the integrated charging port, the present invention designs a sliding charging port dust cover, which opens or closes the charging port by sliding, without interfering with the closing of the charging port, thereby realizing automatic closing control of the charging port cover.

[0031] (2) The present invention designs an automatic closing control strategy for the charging port cover. It automatically controls the closing of the charging port cover according to different vehicle conditions, avoids the charging port cover being forgotten to be closed due to human negligence, prevents water from entering the charging port or scratches, and ensures automatic and effective protection of the charging port.

[0032] Other features 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

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the electric vehicle charging port and dust cover in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a side view of the electric vehicle charging port and dust cover in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the locking component structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the structural relationship between the dust cover, charging port cover, and charging gun in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Among them, 1. charging device, 2. AC charging port, 3. DC charging port, 4. dust cover, 5. flange panel, 6. charging indicator light, 7. mounting hole, 8. slide rail, 9. slide column, 10. clearance hole, 11. charging port cover, 12. charging gun, 13. locking component, 14. locking block, 15. spring. Detailed Implementation

[0038] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0039] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] In one or more embodiments, a protective structure for an electric vehicle charging port is disclosed, suitable for situations where at least two charging ports are integrated. In this case, only one charging port cover is needed to cover both charging ports simultaneously, saving design costs. Figures 1-3 Specifically, the system includes: a flange panel 5 integrating AC and DC charging ports mounted on the charging device 1; the charging device 1 is assembled with the electric vehicle body components via mounting holes 7, thus fixing it to the electric vehicle. The AC charging port 2 and DC charging port 3 are arranged horizontally, each with a clearance hole 10 at the top. The clearance hole 10 provides space for the locking mechanism of the charging gun 12 when it is inserted, preventing interference during charging. The charging device 1 is equipped with a charging indicator light 6. The front end of the AC charging port 2 assembly connects to the AC charging gun, and the rear end connects to the on-board charger, used to input AC power from the AC charging pile to the on-board charger, which then converts the AC power to charge the power battery. The front end of the DC charging port 3 connects to the DC charging gun, and the rear end directly connects to the high-voltage power battery of the electric vehicle, used to directly output DC power from the DC charging pile to the power battery for charging.

[0042] In this embodiment, a slide rail 8 is provided at the bottom of the charging port, and a dust cover 4 is connected to the slide rail 8. The dust cover 4 can slide on the slide rail 8 via a sliding post 9. The slide rail 9 is arranged along the charging port arrangement direction, and the dust cover 4 can slide to cover at least one charging port. The charging port cover is provided on the outermost layer and can cover all charging ports. When charging, the charging port cover 11 is opened, the dust cover 4 is slid to the position of the charging port that is not being charged, and the charging port is covered. The charging gun 12 is inserted into another charging port. In this way, neither charging port is exposed to the outside, and water ingress or scratches will not occur.

[0043] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the dust cover 4 has a twist handle, which can be used for the hand to grip when operating the dust cover, making it easier to apply force when sliding.

[0044] In this embodiment, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dust cover adopts a sliding structure design. The dust cover can slide by moving the sliding column on the dust cover in the slide rail. In addition, a locking element 13 is provided on the slide rail at the position corresponding to the charging port to lock the dust cover at that position. When the dust cover slides to the position of the locking element, it can cover the corresponding charging port.

[0045] Combination Figure 3 The locking member 13 includes an elastic member, the lower end of which is connected to the locking block, and the upper end of which is fixed; the bottom ends of the locking block are respectively provided with inwardly inclined slopes.

[0046] In this embodiment, the elastic element is a double spring 15. The lower end of the double spring 15 is connected to the locking block 14, and the upper end of the double spring 15 is fixed to the fixing member. Under normal conditions, the locking block 14 is in the slide rail and can block the sliding of the dust cover. When the dust cover 4 continues to slide toward the locking member under the action of external force, the locking block can be lifted by pushing the inclined surface at the bottom of the locking block 14, thereby compressing the spring and allowing the locking block to make way for the slide rail channel, so that the dust cover can continue to slide. After the dust cover slides past the position of the locking member, the dust cover separates from the locking block, and the locking block falls back into the slide rail under the action of elastic force, which plays a stopping role.

[0047] It should be noted that the inclined surface given in this embodiment is in the form of an arc surface, and those skilled in the art can set it to other inclined surface forms as needed.

[0048] The charging process in this embodiment is as follows:

[0049] The car owner prepares to charge the vehicle, parks it in a suitable location for the charging port, and opens the charging port cover.

[0050] After opening the charging port cover, pull the AC charging gun into the appropriate insertion position of the charging port, place the dust cover on the DC charging port position, and insert the AC charging gun into the AC charging port for physical connection.

[0051] After the charging gun is correctly physically connected to the AC charging port, the charging pile wakes up the BMS (Battery Management Module) and the charger module through the connection port. The modules exchange information, such as fault status, charging current confirmation, and charging gun specification confirmation. At the same time, the BCM (Body Control Module) locks the charging gun. After the correct interaction is completed, the charger starts charging and sends the charging status and charging current status to the network. The charging pile supplies power to the vehicle through the vehicle interface, and the charging indicator light on the charging device flashes green to indicate to the user that charging is in progress.

[0052] Once charging is complete, the charging process ends. Upon receiving the end-of-charge signal, the charger sends a charging end signal to the BMS, charging pile, and BCM. The BMS disconnects the vehicle circuit. Upon receiving the charging end message, the charging pile stops AC power supply. Upon receiving the charging end message, the BCM unlocks the electronic lock on the charging device and powers on the charging indicator light, flashing red to indicate to the user that charging is complete or there is a malfunction.

[0053] After charging is complete and the electronic lock is unlocked, the charging gun is unplugged. The charger detects that the charging connection signal is disconnected and sends a charging connection disconnection signal. At this time, the dust cover is in the non-charging insertion position, so there is no need to slide the dust cover position, reducing the user's operation steps. The vehicle also does not need to judge the dust cover signal; the vehicle automatically judges and closes the charging port cover.

[0054] In this embodiment, the charging port cover is opened via voice control, touchscreen control, key button, or touch-sensitive location. After receiving the opening command, the BCM (Body Controller) supplies power to the charging port cover's rotating shaft motor, which then starts to electrically open the charging port cover. These methods are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0055] For the charging port cover closing control, the automatic closing control is achieved based on judgment conditions such as whether the vehicle is currently receiving a charging connection signal, whether there is a key signal, and whether there is torque output; the specific judgment logic is as follows:

[0056] Detect whether the vehicle receives a charging connection signal. If so, in response to the charging connection signal, always keep the charging port cover open and control the vehicle not to output torque.

[0057] If not, check if the vehicle receives a key signal. If a key signal is received and the vehicle has torque output, the charging port cover will be automatically closed. If no key signal is received, the charging port cover will be automatically closed and no response will be made to the opening control of the charging port cover.

[0058] If no charging connection signal is received, but a key signal is received, and the vehicle has no torque output, the following logic is applied:

[0059] ① When the normal charging state ends, the charging state changes from charging to charging finished, and the charging connection changes from connected to disconnected, the BCM will automatically close the charging port cover after a set time (e.g., 10 seconds).

[0060] ② For the first charge (no connection signal within 1 hour), there should be a delay before the charging port cover opens. If there is still no charging connection signal after 10 minutes, the charging port cover will automatically close. This prevents the charging port from automatically closing if the user has other things to do (such as answering a phone call) while preparing to charge.

[0061] In this embodiment, there is no need to cover the dust cover after unplugging the charging gun. The vehicle can automatically close the external charging port cover, reducing manual operation steps. If the user forgets to operate the device, the vehicle will automatically close the charging port cover if no charging operation has been performed within a set period, avoiding the risk of scratches and water ingress. Furthermore, the dust cover is designed to slide, so it will not interfere with the closing of the charging port cover.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] In one or more embodiments, a method for automatically closing an electric vehicle charging port cover is disclosed, comprising:

[0064] Detect whether the vehicle receives a charging connection signal. If so, in response to the charging connection signal, always keep the charging port cover open and control the vehicle not to output torque.

[0065] If not, check if the vehicle receives a key signal. If a key signal is received and the vehicle has torque output, the charging port cover will be automatically closed. If no key signal is received, the charging port cover will be automatically closed and no response will be made to the opening control of the charging port cover.

[0066] If no charging connection signal is received, but a key signal is received, and the vehicle has no torque output, the following logic is applied:

[0067] When the charging connection signal changes from connected to disconnected, the charging port cover will automatically close after a set time.

[0068] For the first charge (if no connection signal is received within 1 hour), there should be a delay before the charging port cover opens. If there is still no charging connection signal after 10 minutes, the charging port cover will automatically close. This prevents situations where the charging port automatically closes because the user is about to charge but has other things to do (such as answering a phone call).

[0069] In addition to being applicable to the protective structure in Embodiment 1, the method of this embodiment can also be applied to a single charging port, where only a charging port cover is provided without a dust cover.

[0070] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle charging port protection structure, suitable for at least two charging port integrated arrangement, characterized in that, The application relates to a charging port cover, a dust cover and a sliding rail, wherein the dust cover is connected with the sliding rail and can slide on the sliding rail. The sliding rail is arranged along the arrangement direction of the charging ports, and the dust cover can cover at least one charging port by sliding; the charging port cover is arranged on the outermost layer and can cover all the charging ports. According to current judgment conditions of whether the vehicle receives a charging connection signal, whether there is a key signal and whether there is torque output, automatic closing control of the charging port cover is realized. If the vehicle receives the charging connection signal, the charging port cover is always kept in an open state in response to the charging connection signal, and the vehicle is controlled not to output torque. If the vehicle does not receive the charging connection signal, whether the vehicle receives the key signal is detected; if the vehicle receives the key signal and the vehicle has torque output, the charging port cover is automatically closed; if the vehicle does not receive the key signal, the charging port cover is automatically closed and opening control of the charging port cover is not responded. If the vehicle does not receive the charging connection signal and receives the key signal, but the vehicle has no torque output, the following logical judgment is performed: When the charging connection signal changes from connection to disconnection, the charging port cover is automatically closed after a set time; After the charging port cover changes from the closed state to the open state, a set time is waited; if the charging connection signal is still not received after the set time, the charging port cover is automatically closed. The sliding rail is provided with a locking member, the position of the locking member corresponds to the charging port; when the dust cover slides to the position of the locking member, the dust cover can cover the corresponding charging port.

2. The electric vehicle charging port shield structure of claim 1, wherein, The locking member comprises an elastic member, the lower end of the elastic member is connected with a locking block, and the upper end of the elastic member is fixed; the bottom of the locking block is provided with inwardly inclined inclined surfaces at both ends; in a normal state, the locking block can block the sliding of the dust cover in the sliding rail; when the dust cover continues to slide to the locking member under the action of external force, the locking block can be lifted through the inclined surfaces, so that the locking block leaves the sliding rail channel, and the dust cover continues to slide; after the dust cover slides past the position of the locking member, the dust cover is separated from the locking block, and the locking block falls back into the sliding rail under the action of the elastic force.

3. The electric vehicle charging port shield structure of claim 2, wherein, The charging port comprises a direct-current charging port and an alternating-current charging port.

4. The electric vehicle charging port shield structure of claim 1, wherein, The surface of the dust cover is provided with a handle.

5. The electric vehicle charging port shield structure of claim 1, wherein, The charging port cover is opened through voice control, touch screen control, key button or touch sensing position.

6. The electric vehicle charging port shield structure of claim 1, wherein, The application relates to a charging port cover, a dust cover and a sliding rail, wherein the dust cover is connected with the sliding rail and can slide on the sliding rail.

7. A method for automatically closing the charging port cover of an electric vehicle, using the electric vehicle charging port protection structure according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The sliding rail is arranged along the arrangement direction of the charging ports, and the dust cover can cover at least one charging port by sliding; the charging port cover is arranged on the outermost layer and can cover all the charging ports. According to current judgment conditions of whether the vehicle receives a charging connection signal, whether there is a key signal and whether there is torque output, automatic closing control of the charging port cover is realized. If the vehicle receives the charging connection signal, the charging port cover is always kept in an open state in response to the charging connection signal, and the vehicle is controlled not to output torque. If the vehicle does not receive the charging connection signal, whether the vehicle receives the key signal is detected; if the vehicle receives the key signal and the vehicle has torque output, the charging port cover is automatically closed; if the vehicle does not receive the key signal, the charging port cover is automatically closed and opening control of the charging port cover is not responded. If the vehicle does not receive the charging connection signal and receives the key signal, but the vehicle has no torque output, the following logical judgment is performed: When the charging connection signal changes from connection to disconnection, the charging port cover is automatically closed after a set time; After the charging port cover changes from the closed state to the open state, a set time is waited; if the charging connection signal is still not received after the set time, the charging port cover is automatically closed. The sliding rail is provided with a locking member, the position of the locking member corresponds to the charging port; when the dust cover slides to the position of the locking member, the dust cover can cover the corresponding charging port. The locking member comprises an elastic member, the lower end of the elastic member is connected with a locking block, and the upper end of the elastic member is fixed; the bottom of the locking block is provided with inwardly inclined inclined surfaces at both ends; in a normal state, the locking block can block the sliding of the dust cover in the sliding rail; when the dust cover continues to slide to the locking member under the action of external force, the locking block can be lifted through the inclined surfaces, so that the locking block leaves the sliding rail channel, and the dust cover continues to slide; after the dust cover slides past the position of the locking member, the dust cover is separated from the locking block, and the locking block falls back into the sliding rail under the action of the elastic force. The charging port comprises a direct-current charging port and an alternating-current charging port. The surface of the dust cover is provided with a handle. The charging port cover is opened through voice control, touch screen control, key button or touch sensing position.

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