A control system and method for a charging cover plate

Abstract

This invention discloses a control system and method for a charging cover. The control system includes a control terminal, a cover motor, an unlocking sensor, and a controller. The control terminal outputs an opening signal. The cover motor unlocks the locking mechanism of the charging cover according to a first drive signal and drives the charging cover to open according to a second drive signal. The unlocking sensor outputs an unlocking signal when the locking mechanism is unlocked. The controller outputs the first drive signal when it receives the opening signal and determines whether it has received the unlocking signal. The controller de-energizes the cover motor when it does not receive the unlocking signal and outputs the second drive signal when it receives the unlocking signal. This control system unlocks the locking mechanism via the cover motor and then drives the cover motor to open only after unlocking is complete. This prevents damage to the cover motor caused by continuous power supply, thereby improving the service life of the charging cover opening and closing control system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of charging cover control, and more particularly to a control system and method for a charging cover. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing prevalence of vehicle electrification, users mostly open and close the charging port cover manually during charging, resulting in more frequent contact with the cover compared to the fuel filler cap. Manual operation can easily damage or malfunction the charging port cover due to poor operating habits and insufficient control of the force applied. Some manufacturers use electromechanical controls for automatic opening and closing of the charging port cover, but practical experience has shown that these covers generally have a shorter lifespan in terms of opening and closing control.

[0003] Therefore, how to improve the service life of the charging cover opening and closing control system is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a control system and method for a charging cover, which can improve the service life of the charging cover opening and closing control system.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention provide the following solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a charging cover, the system comprising:

[0007] Controller;

[0008] The control terminal is connected to the first input terminal of the controller. The control terminal is used to output at least an opening signal of the charging cover to the controller, wherein the charging cover is a cover that opens or closes the charging port of the object being charged.

[0009] The cover plate motor is connected to the output of the controller. The cover plate motor is used to unlock the locking mechanism of the charging cover according to the first drive signal and to drive the charging cover to open according to the second drive signal.

[0010] The unlocking sensor is connected to the second input terminal of the controller. The unlocking sensor is used to output an unlocking signal to the controller when the locking mechanism completes the unlocking process.

[0011] The controller is used to output a first drive signal when an open signal is received, and to determine whether an unlock signal is received; the controller is also used to control the cover motor to power down if no unlock signal is received; and to output a second drive signal if an unlock signal is received.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the control terminal includes:

[0013] An activation button is installed on the first pressing area of ​​the charging cover near the vehicle interior. The output end of the activation button is connected to the first input end. The activation button is used to output an activation signal to the first input end. The first pressing area is the area where a preset pressure is applied to the outer surface of the charging cover to trigger the activation button.

[0014] The closing button is installed on the second pressing area of ​​the charging cover near the vehicle interior. The output end of the closing button is connected to the third input end of the controller. The closing button is used to output a closing signal to the third input end. The second pressing area is the area where the closing button is exposed when the charging cover is opened to a preset distance.

[0015] The controller is also used to output a third drive signal to the cover motor based on the shutdown signal, so as to trigger the cover motor to drive the charging cover to close.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes:

[0017] The fully open sensor has its output connected to the fourth input of the controller. The fully open sensor is used to output a fully open signal to the fourth input when the charging cover is opened to the preset maximum distance.

[0018] The controller is also used to power down the cover plate motor based on the fully open signal.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the system further includes:

[0020] The latching sensor's output is connected to the controller's fifth input. The latching sensor is used to output a latching signal to the fifth input when the charging cover is closed.

[0021] The controller is also used to power down the cover plate motor based on the locking signal.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for controlling a charging cover, the method comprising:

[0023] Receives an opening signal for the charging cover, wherein the charging cover is a cover that opens or closes the charging port of the object being charged.

[0024] The first drive signal is output according to the opening signal to control the cover motor to unlock the locking mechanism of the charging cover. The cover motor is a motor that drives the charging cover to move.

[0025] Determine whether an unlocking signal has been received from the locking mechanism;

[0026] If no unlock signal is received, the cover plate motor will be powered off.

[0027] If an unlock signal is received, a second drive signal is output to control the cover motor to drive the charging cover to open.

[0028] In an optional embodiment, after outputting the second drive signal upon receiving the unlock signal, the method further includes:

[0029] The movement position of the charging cover is obtained when the charging port is moved in the opening direction, and it is determined whether an opening fault signal is received.

[0030] When the moving position reaches the preset target position or when an activation fault signal is received, the output of the second drive signal stops.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, after stopping the output of the second drive signal, the method further includes:

[0032] Obtain the movement command of the charging cover, wherein the movement command is the command triggered when the charging cover is pushed by an external force;

[0033] The direction of movement of the charging cover is determined according to the movement command;

[0034] The motor drives the charging cover to open or close based on the direction of movement.

[0035] In one optional embodiment, the cover motor is a motor equipped with a Hall sensor; determining the moving direction of the charging cover according to the moving command includes:

[0036] The current change of the Hall signal output by the Hall sensor is obtained based on the movement command;

[0037] If the current change result is the same as the signal change result when the charging cover is opened, then the moving direction is determined to be the opening direction of the charging cover.

[0038] If the current change result is the same as the signal change result when the charging cover is closed, then the moving direction is determined to be the closing direction of the charging cover.

[0039] In one optional embodiment, the cover plate motor is a motor equipped with a Hall sensor; after stopping the output of the second drive signal, the method further includes:

[0040] When a closing signal is received, the charging cover is controlled to close.

[0041] The closing distance of the charging cover is determined based on the Hall signal output by the Hall sensor;

[0042] When the Hall signal is the target signal of complete shutdown, or when a lock signal is received from a preset sensor, the cover plate motor is powered off.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, before the cover plate motor is powered down, the method further includes:

[0044] Control the cover plate motor to run to the initial rotation position, where the initial rotation position is the rotation position of the cover plate motor before unlocking the locking mechanism;

[0045] The cover plate motor is controlled to unlock the locking mechanism a second time. If no unlocking signal is received, the cover plate motor is powered off.

[0046] The control system and method for a charging cover of the present invention have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0047] The control system of this invention includes a control terminal, a cover motor, an unlocking sensor, and a controller. The control terminal is used to output at least an opening signal for the charging cover. The cover motor is used to unlock the locking mechanism of the charging cover according to a first driving signal and to drive the charging cover to open according to a second driving signal. The unlocking sensor is used to output an unlocking signal when the locking mechanism has been unlocked. The controller is used to output the first driving signal when it receives an opening signal and to determine whether an unlocking signal has been received. When no unlocking signal is received, the controller controls the cover motor to power down. When the unlocking signal is received, the controller outputs the second driving signal to drive the charging cover to open. This control system can unlock the locking mechanism through the cover motor and then drive the cover motor to open after unlocking is complete. This eliminates the need for multiple motors to perform unlocking and driving separately, reducing the number of accessories required to build the control system. Furthermore, by determining that unlocking is complete before continuing to control the cover motor to drive the charging cover to open, continuous power supply to the cover motor can prevent damage to it, thereby improving the service life of the charging cover opening and closing control system. Attached Figure Description

[0048] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0049] Figure 1-1 A schematic diagram of the charging port provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 1-2 This is a schematic diagram of the charging port structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2-1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2-2 Schematic diagram 2 of the control system provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3-1A schematic diagram of the end structure of the driven bracket provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 3-2 This is a schematic diagram of the driven gear provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a charging cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5 The control flowcharts for each module provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating the operational logic of the user intent recognition module provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the user intent recognition process provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the user intent recognition process provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 9 Schematic diagram three of the user intent recognition process provided in this embodiment of the invention;

[0061] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating user intent recognition provided in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 .

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Charging port, 2-Fully open sensor, 3-Open button, 4-Close button, 5-Unlock sensor, 6-Lock sensor, 7-Locking mechanism, 8-Piercing gear, 9-Driven gear, 10-Driven gear, 11-Cover plate motor, 12-Driven bracket, 13-Upper slide rail, 14-Lower slide rail, 15-Baffle plate, 16-Protrusion, 17-Charging cover plate, 18-Reinforcing plate, 19-Base, 20-Emergency pull lock, 21-First clearance section, 22-Second clearance section, 23-Locking plate, 24-Spring, 25-First slide groove, 26-Positioning post, 27-Second slide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention are within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0064] Please see Figure 1-1 , Figure 1-1The first schematic diagram shows the structure of charging port 1. Charging port 1 is formed by installing the shield 15 onto the base 19. Charging port 1 is used to connect a charging gun to replenish the power of the object being charged. The object being charged can be a pure electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a robot, or an energy storage device, etc. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1-2 , Figure 1-2 The second schematic diagram shows the structure of the charging port 1. The charging cover 17 is set on the charging port 1. To improve the strength of the charging cover 17, a reinforcing plate 18 can be set on the side of the charging cover 17 near the vehicle interior to improve the overall strength of the charging cover 17. The charging cover 17 is installed on the charging port 1 and is used to open or close the charging port 1. The automatic opening and closing control of the charging cover 17 can be realized by controlling the cover motor 11. The current drive control logic is prone to damage to the cover motor 11, resulting in a short service life of the opening and closing control system of the charging cover 17. The following embodiment of the present invention will specifically explain how to improve its service life.

[0065] Please see Figure 2-1 and 2-2 The charging cover control system provided in this embodiment of the invention implements the opening and closing control of the charging cover based on the charging cover control device. The charging cover control device includes a driven bracket 12, an upper slide rail 13, a lower slide rail 14, a driven gear 9, a driving gear 10, and a locking mechanism 7. The upper slide rail 13 and the lower slide rail 14 are each provided with a second slide groove 27. The driven bracket 12 includes a sliding section and a driving section. The sliding section and the driving section are arranged perpendicularly. The two ends of the sliding section are slidably connected to the second slide groove 27 of the upper slide rail 13 and the second slide groove 27 of the lower slide rail 14, respectively. The charging cover 17 is installed on the sliding section, or it can be installed and connected by a reinforcing plate 18. The driving section is provided with a rack, which meshes with the driven gear 9. The driven gear 9 meshes with the driving gear 10. The driving gear 10 is installed on the cover motor 11.

[0066] To improve the sealing effect of the charging cover 17 after it is closed and to prevent damage caused by locking via the cover motor 11, a locking mechanism 7 is provided on the upper slide rail 13. The locking mechanism 7 includes a cam gear 8, a locking plate 23, a spring 24, a first slide groove 25, and a positioning post 26. The first slide groove 25 is located in the upper slide rail 13, and the locking plate 23 is installed in the first slide groove 25. The locking plate 23 has a hollow structure and is fitted onto the positioning post 26. A spring 24 is installed between the positioning post 26 and the hollow structure of the locking plate 23. The cam gear 8 is installed on the side of the locking plate 23 near the cover motor 11 and meshes with the drive gear 10.

[0067] Please see Figure 3-1 and 3-2Although the driven bracket 12 and the driven gear 9 are meshed, the driven bracket 12 has a first clearance portion 21, and the driven gear 9 has a second clearance portion 22. When not unlocking, the locking plate 23 is locked to the protrusion 16 on the driven bracket 12. Because the first clearance portion 21 and the second clearance portion 22 disrupt the meshing relationship between the driven bracket 12 and the driven gear 9, the driven bracket 12 does not move when the cover plate motor 11 drives the drive gear 10 to perform the unlocking action. During unlocking, the drive gear 10 drives the cam gear 8 to rotate, and the cam on the cam gear 8 pushes the locking plate 23 to move away from the cover plate motor 11, thus unlocking the locking plate 23 and the protrusion 16, thereby achieving the unlocking action. The locking plate 23 provided in this embodiment of the invention is also provided with an emergency pull lock 20. When unlocking cannot be performed by the cam gear 8, the emergency pull lock 20 can be manually pulled to achieve manual unlocking.

[0068] Please continue reading. Figure 2-1 , Figure 2-1 The first schematic diagram of the control system of a charging cover 17 provided in the embodiment of the present invention is applied to the automatic opening and closing control of the charging port 1 of a vehicle. The control system specifically includes a control terminal, a cover motor 11, an unlocking sensor 5 and a controller.

[0069] The output terminal of the control terminal is connected to the first input terminal of the controller. The control terminal is used to output at least an opening signal for the charging cover 17 to the controller. The control terminal can be a vehicle remote control, a central control button in the vehicle, or a physical button installed around the charging port 1. There are no specific restrictions here, as long as it can output an opening signal after being operated. The controller can be a control board composed of a microcontroller, used to output a first drive signal when the opening signal is received. The control terminal of the cover motor is connected to the output terminal of the controller. The cover motor 11 is used to unlock the locking mechanism 7 of the charging cover 17 according to the first drive signal, and to drive the charging cover 17 to open according to the second drive signal. The output terminal of the unlocking sensor is connected to the second input terminal of the controller. The unlocking sensor 5 is used to output an unlocking signal to the controller when the locking mechanism 7 has completed unlocking. The unlocking sensor 5 can be set as a mechanical switch, which is triggered by contacting the lock plate 23. When the locking mechanism 7 has not completed unlocking, the lock plate 23 is not in contact with the mechanical switch, and no unlocking signal is output; when the locking mechanism 7 has completed unlocking, the lock plate 23 is in contact with the mechanical switch, and an unlocking signal is output. Of course, the unlocking sensor 5 can also be set as a proximity switch or photoelectric switch, which triggers the unlocking signal. The controller is electrically connected to the control terminal, the unlocking sensor 5, and the cover motor 11. The controller is also used to determine whether an unlocking signal is received. If the controller does not receive an unlocking signal, it means that the locking plate 23 and the driven bracket 12 have not been unlocked, so the controller controls the cover motor 11 to power off. If the controller receives an unlocking signal, it means that the locking plate 23 and the driven bracket 12 have been unlocked, so the controller outputs a second drive signal to continue driving the driven bracket 12 to move, thereby opening the charging cover 17.

[0070] It is understandable that the first and second drive signals can be set to drive signals with different rates. For example, during unlocking, the cover motor 11 is controlled to rotate at the first rate, and when unlocking is complete, the cover motor 11 is controlled to rotate at the second rate, which is greater than the first rate. Since unlocking requires a large torque to overcome the spring force of the spring 24, unlocking the cover motor 11 at a lower rate can improve the reliability of the unlocking control. After unlocking is complete, opening the charging cover 17 at a higher rate can improve the opening and closing efficiency of the charging cover 17. It should be noted that when the second drive signal is output to open the charging cover 17, the output time of the second drive signal can be recorded to determine whether the charging cover 17 is fully open. A preset time can be set for comparison. When the output time reaches the preset time, it indicates that the charging cover 17 is fully open, and the output of the second drive signal is stopped. Of course, an encoder or Hall sensor can also be configured on the cover motor 11 to measure the number of rotations of the cover motor 11. When the number of rotations reaches the preset target number of rotations, it indicates that the charging cover 17 is fully open, and the output of the second drive signal is stopped.

[0071] In practical applications, although an open signal can be output via a remote control and central control buttons, its convenience is insufficient. Therefore, in one specific implementation, the control terminal includes an open button 3 and a close button 4.

[0072] The activation button 3 is installed in the first pressing area on the side of the charging cover 17 near the vehicle interior. The output of the activation button is connected to the first input of the controller, and the activation button 3 is used to output an activation signal to the first input. The first pressing area is the area where a preset pressure is applied to the outer surface of the charging cover 17 to trigger the activation button 3. The first pressing area can be marked on the outer surface of the charging cover 17. Since the first pressing area has no rigid support components, when the charging cover 17 is closed, pressing the first pressing area will trigger the activation button 3 to output an activation signal, thereby unlocking and opening the charging cover 17.

[0073] The closing button 4 is installed in the second pressing area on the side of the charging cover 17 closest to the vehicle interior. The output of the closing button is connected to the third input of the controller, and the closing button 4 is used to output a closing signal to the third input of the controller. The second pressing area is the area where the closing button 4 is exposed when the charging cover 17 is opened to a preset distance. The preset distance can be set to 8-15mm. After the charging cover 17 is opened to the preset distance, the closing button 4 can be directly operated to trigger the closing signal. The controller is also used to output a third drive signal to the cover motor 11 according to the closing signal. The rotation direction of the cover motor 11 under the third drive signal is opposite to that of the second drive signal, thereby triggering the cover motor 11 to drive the charging cover 17 to close. It should be noted that the closing button 4 is located in the second pressing area and has good supporting rigidity, so it cannot be triggered by pressing the charging cover 17.

[0074] During the opening of the charging cover 17, the measurement of the number of rotations and working time of the cover motor 11 may be inaccurate, leading to an incorrect stopping position when the charging cover 17 opens. Therefore, in one specific embodiment, the system also includes a fully open sensor 2.

[0075] The output of the fully open sensor is connected to the fourth input of the controller. The fully open sensor 2 is used to output a fully open signal to the fourth input of the controller when the charging cover 17 is opened to the preset maximum distance. The fully open sensor 2 can be a mechanical switch. The fully open sensor 2 is installed at the end of the upper slide rail 13 and is triggered by the end of the drive section of the driven bracket 12. The controller is also used to control the cover motor 11 to shut down according to the fully open signal. As the charging cover 17 opens, the drive section gradually approaches the fully open sensor 2. When the end of the drive section is in close contact with the fully open sensor 2, the fully open signal is triggered. When the controller receives the fully open signal, it indicates that the charging cover 17 has been opened to the preset maximum distance, and controls the cover motor 11 to stop rotating.

[0076] Similarly, during the closing process of the charging cover 17, the measurement of the number of rotations and working time of the cover motor 11 is also inaccurate. Therefore, the control system also includes a locking sensor 6.

[0077] The output of the locking sensor is connected to the fifth input of the controller. The locking sensor 6 can also be configured as a mechanical switch. The locking sensor 6 is mounted on the upper slide plate and is triggered by the protrusion 16 of the driven bracket 12. The locking sensor 6 is used to output a locking signal to the fifth input of the controller when the charging cover 17 is closed. The controller is also used to control the cover motor 11 to shut down according to the locking signal. When the charging cover 17 is closed, the protrusion 16 gradually approaches the locking sensor 6. When the charging cover 17 is fully closed, the protrusion 16 is in close contact with the locking sensor 6, thereby triggering the locking signal. The controller receives the locking signal and controls the cover motor 11 to stop rotating.

[0078] Based on the same inventive concept as the control system, this invention also provides a control method for a charging cover. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 A flowchart of a control method for a charging cover provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method is applied to a controller in a charging cover control system and includes:

[0079] S11. Receive the opening signal of the charging cover, wherein the charging cover is a cover for opening or closing the charging port of the object being charged.

[0080] Specifically, the activation signal can be a wireless signal emitted by a remote control, or a level signal triggered by a power button, central control button, or other similar means. A controller composed of a microcontroller can receive the activation signal, and upon receiving the signal, proceed to step S12.

[0081] S12. Output a first drive signal according to the opening signal to control the cover motor to unlock the locking mechanism of the charging cover, wherein the cover motor is a motor that drives the charging cover to move.

[0082] Specifically, upon receiving an open signal, it indicates that the charging cover requires opening. A first drive signal is then output to the cover motor, which rotates based on this signal to unlock. During unlocking, the cover motor drives a cam gear to rotate, and the cam of the cam gear pushes the locking plate away from the cover motor, disengaging the locking plate from the protrusion. After outputting the first drive signal based on the open signal, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0083] S13. Determine whether an unlocking signal from the locking mechanism has been received.

[0084] Specifically, the controller can determine whether an unlocking signal has been received. When the locking plate moves away from the cover plate motor, the locking plate and the protrusion are released from their locking relationship, triggering the unlocking sensor to output an unlocking signal. Alternatively, due to mechanical failure or sensor failure, no unlocking signal may be output. After determining whether an unlocking signal has been received, proceed to step S14 or S15.

[0085] S14. If no unlock signal is received, the cover plate motor will be powered off.

[0086] Specifically, if no unlock signal is received, it indicates that continuing to control the cover motor's rotation may cause excessive operating current due to stalling, leading to motor burnout. In this case, the cover motor should be powered down. Powering down the cover motor can be achieved by stopping the output of the first drive signal or by using a relay.

[0087] S15. If an unlock signal is received, a second drive signal is output to control the cover motor to drive the charging cover to open.

[0088] Specifically, upon receiving an unlock signal, it indicates that the locking mechanism has been successfully unlocked and the charging cover can be opened. In this case, a second drive signal is output to the cover motor, which continues to rotate based on the second drive signal, thereby opening the charging cover.

[0089] Furthermore, the failure to receive an unlock signal in step S14 may be an intermittent fault. Directly powering down the cover motor would cause an unnecessary power-down. Therefore, before powering down the cover motor, the method further includes:

[0090] The cover plate motor is controlled to run to its initial rotation position, which is the position before the cover plate motor unlocks the locking mechanism. This means the cover plate motor is reset. The controller can reverse the cover plate motor to its initial position. After the cover plate motor has reset, it is controlled to attempt a second unlocking of the locking mechanism. If no unlocking signal is received, it indicates that the locking mechanism cannot unlock automatically, possibly due to a mechanical or sensor malfunction. In this case, the cover plate motor is powered down.

[0091] In practical applications, the charging cover can also become stuck and burn out during the opening process due to a malfunction. Therefore, in one specific implementation, after outputting the second drive signal upon receiving the unlock signal, the method further includes:

[0092] The system acquires the position of the charging cover as it moves in the opening direction of the charging port and determines whether an opening fault signal has been received. The opening fault signal can be obtained through controller monitoring, such as monitoring whether various sensors output fault codes. If any sensor, such as the unlock sensor or the full-open sensor, outputs a fault code, a fault signal can be confirmed. Alternatively, the system can monitor whether the operating current of the cover motor exceeds a set threshold. For example, if the set threshold is set to 200mA, a current exceeding this threshold indicates a possible mechanical fault causing the cover motor to stall, confirming the receipt of an opening fault signal. When the moving position reaches the preset target position or an opening fault signal is received, it indicates that the cover motor no longer needs to rotate, and the output of the second drive signal stops. It should be noted that the target position is the maximum distance the charging cover can open, which can be detected by the full-open sensor to determine whether the target position has been reached.

[0093] In practical applications, if button or remote control is required to control the charging cover after it has fully opened or stopped opening, the control process is rather cumbersome. Therefore, in one specific implementation, after stopping the output of the second drive signal, the method further includes:

[0094] The system obtains movement commands for the charging cover, which are triggered by an external force pushing the cover. Movement commands can be obtained by the driver or passenger pushing the cover, and the direction of movement is determined based on these commands. For example, if the driver or passenger intends to close the charging port, pushing the cover in the closing direction will cause the cover to move in the closing direction; conversely, if the driver or passenger intends to open the charging port, pushing the cover in the opening direction will cause the cover to move in the opening direction.

[0095] For example, the cover motor is a motor equipped with a Hall sensor; determining the moving direction of the charging cover according to the moving command includes:

[0096] The first step is to obtain the current change in the Hall signal output by the Hall sensor based on the movement command. The Hall sensor acquires Hall signals during the operation of the cover motor, and the changes in these signals characterize the rotation direction of the cover motor. For example, when the charging cover is closed, the number of Hall signals is zero. When the cover motor moves the charging cover based on the second drive signal, the charging port opens, and the number of Hall signals gradually increases, reaching its maximum when the charging port reaches its maximum opening. When the cover motor moves the charging cover based on the third drive signal, the charging port closes, and the number of Hall signals gradually decreases. Based on this method, the correspondence between the number of Hall signals and the position of the charging cover can be calibrated. When the charging cover is pushed based on the movement command, the Hall sensor will output a signal change based on the direction of the push.

[0097] The second step is to determine the direction of movement as the opening direction of the charging cover if the current change result is the same as the signal change result when the charging cover is open, for example, the quantity of Hall signals gradually increases. If the current change result is the same as the signal change result when the charging cover is closed, for example, the quantity of Hall signals gradually decreases.

[0098] After determining the direction of movement of the charging cover, the controller controls the cover motor to open or close the charging cover according to the direction of movement. When the charging cover is opened, the controller outputs a second drive signal to the cover motor; when the charging cover is closed, the controller outputs a third drive signal to the cover motor.

[0099] Similarly, the presence of a Hall sensor-equipped cover motor can determine whether the charging port is fully closed. In one specific embodiment, after stopping the output of the second drive signal, the method further includes:

[0100] Upon receiving a closing signal from the charging cover, the system controls the charging cover to close. This closing signal can be output via the vehicle's remote control or a button. The closing distance of the charging cover is determined based on the Hall signal output by the Hall sensor; for example, the closing distance can be determined based on the number of Hall signals. When the Hall signal indicates a complete closure, or when a lock signal is received from a preset sensor, the cover motor is powered down.

[0101] The following embodiments of the present invention will describe in general how to implement the opening and closing control of the charging cover, which can be implemented through four modules. Please refer to... Figure 5 , Figure 5 The control flow diagram for each module is shown below, specifically including a signal acquisition module 100, a user intent recognition module 200, an instruction generation module 300, and an action execution module 400. The signal acquisition module is used to acquire vehicle speed signals, gear signals, open signals, close signals, sensor signals, virtual button signals, key request signals, and Hall effect signals from the cover motor, etc.; the user intent recognition module is used to determine whether the user's intent is to open or close the charging cover based on the signals; the instruction generation module is used to output the corresponding instruction based on the judgment result of the user intent recognition module; and the action execution module is used to execute the corresponding control action based on the output instruction of the instruction generation module.

[0102] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the operation logic of the user intent recognition module. When performing user intent recognition, if it is recognized that the user intends to open the charging cover, then proceed to step S310; if it is recognized that the user intends to close the charging cover, then proceed to step S320.

[0103] Please see Figure 7 , Figure 7 The flowchart for step S310 is as follows: When an open signal is received, it is determined that the user's intention is to open the charging cover (or gate cover). First, it is determined whether the charging cover is in a fully closed state. If so, it is further determined whether the charging cover is in an unlocked state; if not, it is determined whether the charging cover is in a fully open state. If the charging cover is in a fully open state, the process ends. If not, it is determined whether the charging cover lock signal is in an unlocked state. If the charging cover is determined to be in an unlocked state, it is determined whether the vehicle speed and gear are suitable for opening the charging cover. If the charging cover is determined not to be in an unlocked state, it is determined whether the cover motor is in the initial position. If so, the cover motor is started in the forward direction; otherwise, the cover motor is started in the reverse direction. Then, it is determined again whether the cover motor is in the initial position. If so, the cover motor is started in the forward direction. If the vehicle speed and gear are determined to be suitable for opening the charging cover, a charging cover opening command is generated; otherwise, the user is reminded to adjust the vehicle to a suitable state. After a preset time, it is determined whether the user has adjusted the vehicle to a suitable state. If so, a charging cover opening command is generated; otherwise, the process ends.

[0104] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 8 The flowchart for step S320 is as follows: When it is determined that the user intends to close the charging cover, it first determines whether the charging cover is in a fully open state. If not, it determines whether the charging cover is in a fully locked state. If not, a charging cover closing command is generated. If the charging cover is not in a fully open state but is in a fully locked state, the process ends. If the charging cover is in a fully open state, it determines whether the charging port is suitable for closing the charging cover. If not, it reminds the user to adjust the vehicle to a suitable state for closing the charging cover, and then generates a charging cover closing command. If it is determined that the user has not adjusted the vehicle to a suitable state after a preset time, the process ends.

[0105] Please see Figure 9 , Figure 9 The flowchart for step S410 is as follows: When a charging cover opening command is generated, S410 is executed. First, it is determined whether the cover motor starts in the forward direction; if not, it is determined whether the cover motor starts in the reverse direction. If yes, the cover motor is stopped; if no, the cover motor starts in the forward direction. Then, it is determined whether a fully open signal is received or the Hall count reaches the fully open calibration value. If no, it is determined whether the cover motor running time exceeds 2 seconds; if no, it is determined whether the current is greater than 200mA; if no, it continues to run; if yes, the opening failure counter is incremented by 1. If it is determined that the cover motor has run for 2 seconds, the opening failure counter is also incremented by 1. Then, it is determined whether the opening failure count exceeds 2 times. If yes, the cover motor is stopped and the opening failure count is cleared to zero. At the same time, the number of Hall signals of the cover motor at this time is recorded as the anti-collision and anti-pinch stop position, and then the process ends. If a fully open signal is received or the Hall count reaches the fully open calibration value, the process ends.

[0106] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 The flowchart for step S420 is as follows: When a charging cover closing command is generated, S420 is executed. First, it is determined whether the cover motor has started in reverse. If not, it is determined whether the cover motor has started in forward. If yes, the cover motor is stopped. If no, the cover motor is started in reverse. Then, it is determined whether a lock signal has been received or the Hall count has reached the fully closed calibration value. If no, it is determined whether the cover motor has been running for more than 2 seconds. If no, it is determined whether the current is greater than 200mA. Otherwise, it continues to run. If yes, the closing failure counter is incremented by 1. If the cover motor has been running for 2 seconds, the closing failure counter is also incremented by 1. Then, it is determined whether the closing failure count has exceeded 2. If yes, the cover motor is stopped and the closing failure count is cleared. At the same time, the number of Hall signals of the cover motor at this time is recorded as the anti-collision and anti-pinch stop position, and then the process ends. If a fully open signal is received or the Hall count reaches the fully closed calibration value, the process ends.

[0107] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0108] The control system includes a control terminal, a cover motor, an unlocking sensor, and a controller. The control terminal outputs at least an opening signal for the charging cover. The cover motor unlocks the locking mechanism of the charging cover based on a first drive signal and drives the charging cover to open based on a second drive signal. The unlocking sensor outputs an unlocking signal when the locking mechanism has unlocked. The controller outputs the first drive signal upon receiving an opening signal and determines whether an unlocking signal has been received. If no unlocking signal is received, the controller powers down the cover motor. If an unlocking signal is received, the controller outputs the second drive signal to open the charging cover. This control system unlocks the locking mechanism using the cover motor and then drives it to open after unlocking. This eliminates the need for multiple motors to perform unlocking and driving separately, reducing the number of accessories required. Furthermore, by determining unlocking completion via the unlocking signal before continuing to control the cover motor to open the charging cover, the system prevents damage to the cover motor from continuous power supply, thus extending the service life of the charging cover opening and closing control system.

[0109] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0110] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (modules, systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0111] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0112] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0113] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0114] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A control system for a charging cover, characterized in that, The system includes: Controller; A control terminal, the output of which is connected to the first input of the controller, the control terminal being used to output at least an opening signal for the charging cover to the controller, wherein the charging cover is a cover for opening or closing the charging port of the object being charged; A cover plate motor, the control terminal of which is connected to the output terminal of the controller, is used to unlock the locking mechanism of the charging cover plate according to a first driving signal, and to drive the charging cover plate to open according to a second driving signal. An unlocking sensor is provided, the output of which is connected to the second input of the controller. The unlocking sensor is used to output an unlocking signal to the controller when the locking mechanism completes unlocking. The controller is configured to output the first drive signal when the open signal is received, and to determine whether the unlock signal is received; the controller is also configured to control the cover plate motor to power down if the unlock signal is not received; and to output the second drive signal if the unlock signal is received. The system also includes: A locking sensor, the output of which is connected to the fifth input of the controller, is used to output a locking signal to the fifth input when the charging cover is closed; The controller is also used to control the cover plate motor to be powered off according to the locking signal.

2. The control system for the charging cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control terminal includes: An activation button is installed on the first pressing area of ​​the charging cover near the vehicle interior. The output end of the activation button is connected to the first input end. The activation button is used to output the activation signal to the first input end. The first pressing area is the area where a preset pressure is applied to the outer surface of the charging cover to trigger the activation button. A closing button is installed in the second pressing area on the side of the charging cover near the vehicle interior. The output end of the closing button is connected to the third input end of the controller. The closing button is used to output a closing signal to the third input end. The second pressing area is the area where the closing button is exposed when the charging cover is opened to a preset distance. The controller is also configured to output a third drive signal to the cover motor according to the closing signal, so as to trigger the cover motor to drive the charging cover to close.

3. The control system for the charging cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes: A fully open sensor, the output of which is connected to the fourth input of the controller, is used to output a fully open signal to the fourth input when the charging cover is opened to a preset maximum distance; The controller is also used to control the cover plate motor to power down according to the fully open signal.

4. A control method for a charging cover, applied to the control system of the charging cover as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The method includes: Receives an opening signal for the charging cover, wherein the charging cover is a cover for opening or closing the charging port of the object being charged; The first drive signal is output according to the opening signal to control the cover motor to unlock the locking mechanism of the charging cover, wherein the cover motor is a motor that drives the charging cover to move. Determine whether an unlocking signal from the locking mechanism has been received; If the unlock signal is not received, the cover plate motor is powered off. If the unlock signal is received, the second drive signal is output to control the cover motor to drive the charging cover to open.

5. The control method for the charging cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, After outputting the second drive signal upon receiving the unlock signal, the method further includes: When the charging cover moves in the opening direction of the charging port, the moving position of the charging cover is obtained, and it is determined whether an opening fault signal is received. When the moving position reaches the preset target position or when an activation fault signal is received, the output of the second drive signal is stopped.

6. The control method for the charging cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, After stopping the output of the second drive signal, the method further includes: Obtain a movement command for the charging cover, wherein the movement command is a command triggered when an external force pushes the charging cover; The direction of movement of the charging cover is determined according to the movement command; The cover motor is controlled according to the direction of movement to drive the charging cover to open or close.

7. The control method for the charging cover according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cover plate motor is a motor equipped with a Hall sensor; determining the moving direction of the charging cover plate according to the moving command includes: The current change result of the Hall signal output by the Hall sensor is obtained according to the movement command; If the current change result is the same as the signal change result when the charging cover is opened, then the moving direction is determined to be the opening direction of the charging cover; If the current change result is the same as the signal change result when the charging cover is closed, then the moving direction is determined to be the closing direction of the charging cover.

8. The control method for the charging cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover plate motor is a motor equipped with a Hall sensor; after stopping the output of the second drive signal, the method further includes: When a closing signal is received from the charging cover, the charging cover is controlled to close. The closing distance of the charging cover is determined based on the Hall signal output by the Hall sensor; When the Hall signal is a target signal that is completely off, or when a lock signal is received from a preset sensor, the cover plate motor is powered off.

9. The control method for the charging cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before the cover plate motor is powered off, the method further includes: The cover plate motor is controlled to run to the initial rotation position, wherein the initial rotation position is the rotation position of the cover plate motor before it unlocks the locking mechanism; The cover plate motor is controlled to unlock the locking mechanism a second time. If the unlocking signal is still not received, the cover plate motor is powered off.

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