Method for avoiding non-return of charging gun and charging device

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for preventing a charging gun from not returning and a charging device.The method comprises the steps that in response to a charging request of a current user, a background system sends an unlocking signal to a charging pile, so that a locking mechanism on the charging pile is unlocked, and therefore the charging gun can be separated from the charging pile; in response to a signal that the current user finishes charging or a signal that the charging gun stops charging, the background system starts timing; when the timing exceeds the homing time threshold value, if the locking mechanism does not detect the charging gun, the background system deducts the account of the current user with a punitive quota; and notifying an administrator to process. Under the condition that the charging gun is not homed, the background starts timing, the homing time threshold value is set to serve as the buffer time to be provided for the user, and as long as the user places the charging gun according to regulations in the time period, punitive quota deduction does not occur, and compared with the prior art, the charging gun homing method is more humanized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of electric vehicle charging, and in particular relates to a method and a charging device for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of electric vehicles, public charging equipment has also been laid out on a large scale, which has greatly alleviated the range anxiety of electric vehicles and provided convenience for electric vehicle users to travel.

[0003] However, in practice, it has been found that a small number of users do not return the charging gun to its designated location according to usage regulations after charging, but instead discard it carelessly. This littering not only affects the cleanliness of charging stations but, more seriously, creates inconvenience for other drivers. When charging guns are carelessly placed on the ground or run over by cars, the wires can easily become damaged and exposed, posing a risk of electric shock. Furthermore, on rainy days, charging guns that are not returned to their designated location can easily become soaked by rain, making them susceptible to short circuits and accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a charging device to prevent a charging gun from not returning to its original position, partially solving or alleviating the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, and effectively preventing users from not returning the charging gun to its original position as required after use.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solutions: A method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position, comprising: In response to the current user's charging request, the background system sends an unlocking signal to the charging pile, so that the locking mechanism on the charging pile is unlocked, allowing the charging gun to be separated from the charging pile; In response to the current user's signal that charging has ended or in response to the charging gun's signal that charging has stopped, the background system starts timing; when the timing exceeds the return time threshold, if the locking mechanism does not detect the charging gun, the background system deducts the current user's account for penalty credit; When the number of unreturned charging guns in a certain area exceeds a first threshold, the charging guns are ranked from closest to farthest according to their distance from the administrator, and a ranking list of charging guns and their corresponding charging gun locations are sent to the administrator of the area for processing; When the number of unreturned charging guns in a certain area is greater than the second number threshold, the charging stations are ranked from large to small according to the number of unreturned charging guns in the charging stations, and the charging station ranking list and the corresponding charging gun locations are sent to the area administrator for processing.

[0006] The second quantity threshold is greater than the first quantity threshold.

[0007] As an improvement, before the quota is deducted, the current user is contacted according to the contact information reserved by the current user; and the time is continued during the notification process.

[0008] As an improvement, when using a charging app to scan a code to charge, the charging app will send a notification to the user that a penalty credit deduction is about to take place, and display a countdown to the credit deduction time; When using a third-party APP to scan the code to charge, a notification of an upcoming punitive credit deduction will be sent to the current user through the third-party APP, and a countdown to the credit deduction time will be displayed.

[0009] As an improvement, an upper limit is set for the punitive deduction, and the deduction will be stopped when the punitive deduction reaches the upper limit.

[0010] As an improvement, when making punitive deductions, the amount in the current user's pre-deposited account will be deducted first; when the pre-deposited amount is insufficient, it will be deducted from the associated account of the password-free payment.

[0011] As an improvement, the credit deduction calculation is performed based on the charging status of the charging guns that are normally charging in the charging station to which the unreturned charging gun belongs, including: Obtain the number and total power of charging guns that are normally charging in the charging station to which the charging gun that has not been returned during the credit deduction time belongs; the credit deduction time is the time from when the timing exceeds the return time threshold to when the charging gun is returned to its place or recharged; Calculate the usage rate and average charging degree of charging guns in the charging station based on the number of charging guns in normal charging and the total power; Use the formula: expected penalty amount = average kWh * electricity price * usage rate to calculate the expected penalty amount; Calculate the average cost per unit time based on the current user's normal charging time and charging cost, and use the average cost per unit time and the deduction time to calculate the minimum penalty deduction; If the expected penalty fee is lower than the proportional threshold for the minimum penalty amount deduction, the penalty amount deduction will be made according to the proportional threshold for the minimum penalty amount deduction; otherwise, the amount deduction will be made according to the expected penalty fee.

[0012] As an improvement, if the locking mechanism detects the charging gun within the homing time threshold, the timing is stopped; Within the homing threshold time, if the background system receives a signal that the charging gun is connected to the vehicle, it will send a secondary charging notification to the current user; if no confirmation is received from the current user, the charging gun will not be powered on.

[0013] The present invention also provides a charging device for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position, wherein the charging device includes a charging pile, a charging gun, and a locking mechanism for locking the charging gun and the charging pile; the charging device is applied with the above-mentioned method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position.

[0014] As an improvement, the locking mechanism includes a lock tongue provided on the charging gun and a keyhole provided on the charging pile; and also includes a locking member for locking the lock tongue in the keyhole.

[0015] As an improvement, the lock tongue is hook-shaped and located above the keyhole; the locking member is a retractable lock pin; after the lock pin is extended, the lock tongue can be pressed into the keyhole; when the lock pin is retracted, the lock tongue can be withdrawn from the keyhole.

[0016] The present invention is beneficial in that: The present invention uses a locking mechanism to sense whether the charging gun is in its proper position. If the charging gun is not in its proper position, the background starts counting and sets a return time threshold as a buffer time for the user. As long as the user places the charging gun as required within this time period, there will be no penalty credit deduction, which is more user-friendly than existing technologies.

[0017] In addition, when the timer starts, the user will be notified through the contact information provided by the customer and a countdown will be attached to fulfill the notification obligation before the amount is deducted.

[0018] The present invention provides a more reasonable method, namely, calculating the deduction amount based on the charging status of the charging guns that are normally charging in the charging station to which the unhomed charging gun belongs. When the timer exceeds the homing time threshold, the penalty deduction period begins. During this period, the actual economic loss to the charging station caused by other users not using the charging gun due to the unhomed charging gun is incalculable. Therefore, the present invention uses the usage status of other charging piles in the charging station to predict the deduction amount.

[0019] In order to solve the current problem of charging guns not being returned to their positions, the present invention responds to different situations through different sorting to notify the administrator to handle them according to the sorting, thereby ensuring the administrator's processing efficiency and meeting the user's charging needs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the embodiments or the description of the prior art. In all drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the various elements or parts are not necessarily drawn according to the actual scale. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings without inventive work.

[0021] Figure 1 Flowchart of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0023] Markings in the figure: 1 Charging pile, 2 Charging gun, 3 Lock tongue, 4 Keyhole, 5 Lock pin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Herein, suffixes such as "module," "component," or "unit" used to represent elements are only used to facilitate description of the present invention and have no specific meaning. Therefore, "module," "component," or "unit" may be used interchangeably.

[0026] As used herein, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front," "back," "one end," and "the other end" indicate positions or locations based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "provided with," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, "connected" may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may refer to a mechanical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention on a case-by-case basis.

[0028] As used herein, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] Herein, "plurality" means two or more than two, ie, it includes two, three, four, five, etc.

[0030] Example 1: Prior Art Chinese patent application CN202220918089.X discloses a charging gun return contact mechanism, comprising a pillar, a charging pile provided on the upper side of the pillar, a controller provided on the front side of the charging pile, and a charging gun provided on the side of the charging pile. The utility model provides an auxiliary snap assembly, a contact assembly 1, and a contact assembly 2. When the charging gun is used to insert the contact assembly 1 into the interior of the first and second slots until the upper snap piece and the lower snap piece are fully engaged, the charging gun can be effectively prevented from falling. At the same time, the controller determines whether the plug terminal and the plug hole are connected and whether the pressure sensor is squeezed, thereby determining whether the charging gun is returned to its position. When the plug terminal and the plug hole are connected and the pressure sensor is in the on state, it can be determined that the charging gun has returned to its position. When the plug terminal and the plug hole are not connected and the pressure sensor is in the on state, it is determined that the charging gun has not returned to its position.

[0031] In the above-mentioned prior art, the user's credit limit is directly deducted for the charging gun that is not returned to its place, and no reasonable buffer is set, and no corresponding remedial measures are taken for the charging gun that is not returned to its place.

[0032] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a method for preventing the charging gun from not returning to its original position, the specific steps of which include: S1 responds to the current user's charging request, and the background system sends an unlocking signal to the charging pile, so that the locking mechanism on the charging pile is unlocked, allowing the charging gun to be separated from the charging pile.

[0033] Initially, the charging gun is locked to the charging pile by a locking mechanism and cannot be disengaged. Users need to scan the code through the charging app or a third-party app, or use other methods to send a signal that charging is required.

[0034] When the backend system receives a signal that charging is required, it will send an unlock signal to the charging pile, thereby unlocking the locking mechanism. The user can now detach the charging gun from the charging pile and connect it to the electric vehicle charging port to charge.

[0035] S2 responds to the signal that the current user has finished charging or the signal that the charging gun has stopped charging, and the background system starts timing; when the timing exceeds the return time threshold, if the locking mechanism does not detect the charging gun, the background system deducts a punitive amount from the current user's account.

[0036] When the user actively ends charging on the APP, or the charging gun automatically cuts off the power after the battery is fully charged (at this time the background system will generally actively send a notification to the user's APP), the background will start counting and set a return time threshold as a buffer time for the user. As long as the user places the charging gun as required within the time period, there will be no punitive deduction.

[0037] The return time threshold can be set to 15 minutes, which is enough time for the user to place the charging gun. When the timer starts, the system will notify the user to return the charging gun. Specifically, the system will contact the user according to the contact information provided by the current user; and the timer will continue during the notification process.

[0038] When using a charging app to scan a QR code to charge, the charging app will send a notification to the user that a penalty credit deduction is about to take place, and display a countdown to the credit deduction time; When using a third-party APP to scan the code to charge, a notification of an upcoming punitive credit deduction will be sent to the current user through the third-party APP, and a countdown to the credit deduction time will be displayed.

[0039] Of course, if you know the user's mobile phone number, you can also notify them via text message or phone call.

[0040] It is understandable that a cap is set for punitive deductions. When the cap is reached, deductions cease, not allowing unlimited deductions. Furthermore, when punitive deductions are made, the amount in the user's pre-deposited account is deducted first; if the pre-deposited amount is insufficient, the amount is deducted from the account associated with the password-free payment.

[0041] More importantly, the specific amount of the penalty deduction needs to be reasonably set. In the above-mentioned prior art, there is no mention of how to set the quota deduction specifically. The present invention provides a more reasonable quota deduction calculation method, that is, the quota deduction is calculated based on the charging status of the charging gun that is normally charging in the charging station to which the unreturned charging gun belongs. When the timing exceeds the return time threshold, it enters the penalty quota deduction time period. During this time period, the actual economic losses caused to the charging station by other users due to the failure to return the charging gun to its place are immeasurable. Therefore, the present invention predicts the fee based on the usage of other charging piles in the charging station. The specific steps include: S201 obtains the number and total power of charging guns that are normally charging in the charging station to which the charging guns that have not been returned within the credit deduction time belong; the credit deduction time is the time from when the timing exceeds the return time threshold to when the charging gun is returned or recharged.

[0042] For example, a charging station has five charging piles. Because the current user failed to return the charging gun to its original position in time, other users cannot use it. Of the other four normal charging piles, three were used within the quota deduction period. Therefore, the total power of the remaining three normal charging piles is obtained. Because the charging power of electric vehicles is not consistent, it is necessary to calculate statistics for each charging pile and then summarize them.

[0043] S202 calculates the usage rate and average charging degree of the charging guns in the charging station according to the number of charging guns in normal charging and the total power.

[0044] The total power and the length of the credit deduction period can be used to calculate the number of kilowatt-hours consumed by the charging station during the credit deduction period. The average kilowatt-hours consumed can be calculated by combining the total kilowatt-hours and the number of charging piles in normal use. Therefore, it can be roughly estimated that if the charging gun is not returned to its original position and is in normal condition, the average kilowatt-hours consumed will also be used.

[0045] S203 uses the formula: expected penalty fee = average kWh * electricity price * usage rate to calculate the expected penalty fee.

[0046] The utilization rate refers to the ratio of the number of charging stations that are in use during the credit deduction period to the number of charging stations that are in use. If three of the four charging stations are in use, the utilization rate is 75%. Assuming an average charge of 5 kWh and a price of 5 yuan per kWh, the estimated penalty fee is 5 * 5 * 75% = 18.75 yuan.

[0047] S204 calculates the average cost per unit time according to the current user's normal charging time and charging cost, and calculates the minimum penalty deduction amount using the average cost per unit time and the deduction time.

[0048] It is understandable that if no charging pile is used during the quota deduction period, the expected penalty fee will be 0 yuan, which is obviously unfair and has no punitive effect.

[0049] Therefore, the present invention sets a minimum penalty deduction, that is, a minimum penalty deduction is calculated by the current user's average charging cost per unit time and the duration of the deduction time.

[0050] S205 If the estimated penalty fee is lower than the proportional threshold of the minimum penalty amount deduction, the penalty amount deduction is performed according to the proportional threshold of the minimum penalty amount deduction; otherwise, the amount deduction is performed according to the estimated penalty fee.

[0051] Of course, it would be unfair to directly use the minimum penalty deduction as the deduction standard, as there is actually no energy loss. Therefore, in this embodiment, a proportional threshold, such as 1 / 2, is set. If the expected penalty fee is less than 1 / 2 of the minimum penalty deduction, the penalty deduction is based on 1 / 2 of the minimum penalty deduction; otherwise, the deduction is based on the expected penalty fee.

[0052] S3: When the number of unreturned charging guns in a certain area exceeds a first threshold, the charging guns are ranked from closest to farthest according to their distance from the administrator, and a ranking list of the charging guns and their corresponding locations are sent to the administrator of the area for processing; When the number of unhomed charging guns in a certain area exceeds a second threshold, the charging stations are ranked from largest to smallest according to the number of unhomed charging guns in the charging stations, and a ranking list of the charging stations and the corresponding charging gun locations are sent to the administrator of the area for processing; The second quantity threshold is greater than the first quantity threshold.

[0053] Although "quota deduction" can serve as a disciplinary warning to prevent users from not returning the charging gun to its original place the next time they use it, it does not provide much help in the current situation where the charging gun is not returned to its original place.

[0054] Generally speaking, a certain area will contain several charging stations, and there will be at least one administrator in the area to manage the charging stations in the area. In order to allow the administrator to handle the charging guns that have not been returned to their positions efficiently and quickly, this embodiment also provides the above-mentioned method of efficiently notifying the administrator to handle the problem.

[0055] When the number of unhomed charging guns in the area exceeds a first threshold, for example, five, the guns are ranked from closest to the administrator, and the ranked list and corresponding gun locations are sent to the area administrator for processing. The administrator uses the ranking to process the guns, starting with the closest guns and ending with the farthest guns. Because the number of unhomed charging guns is relatively small at this point, the remaining number of guns is sufficient, thus minimizing administrator time.

[0056] When the number of unhomed charging guns in the area exceeds a first threshold, such as 15, the charging stations need to be ranked from largest to smallest according to the number of unhomed charging guns in the charging station, and the ranking list of charging stations and the corresponding charging gun locations are sent to the administrator of the area for processing. Because once the number of unhomed charging guns exceeds a certain number, the remaining charging guns may not be able to meet the charging demand, so it is necessary to restore the number of charging guns that can be used normally as quickly as possible. In this case, the number of installations is ranked, and the administrator starts processing from the charging station with the largest number of unhomed charging guns, so that the maximum number of charging devices can be restored at the same time.

[0057] S4: If the locking mechanism detects the charging gun within the homing time threshold, the timing is stopped; Within the homing threshold time, if the background system receives a signal that the charging gun is connected to the vehicle, it will send a secondary charging notification to the current user; if no confirmation is received from the current user, the charging gun will not be powered on.

[0058] If the locking mechanism detects the charging gun within the return time threshold, it means that the current user has returned the charging gun to its original position. Of course, the timing will be stopped at this time and wait for the next user to use it.

[0059] If the backend system receives a signal indicating the charging gun is connected to the vehicle within the reset threshold time, it indicates that the current user is ready to continue charging, or another user is preparing to use the charging gun for charging. The current user should be notified at this time. If the user confirms, charging can be enabled. If the user does not confirm, it indicates that another user is ready to charge. Since the charging gun has not been reset, power will not be provided. Only after the other user resets the charging gun and scans a code or makes a charging request will power be enabled for charging.

[0060] Example 2: Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a charging device for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position, wherein the charging device comprises a charging pile 1, a charging gun 2, and a locking mechanism for locking the charging gun 2 to the charging pile 1; the charging device is applied with the above-mentioned method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position.

[0061] Specifically, the locking mechanism includes a lock tongue 3 provided on the charging gun 2 and a keyhole 4 provided on the charging station 1; it also includes a locking member for locking the lock tongue 3 within the keyhole 4. In this embodiment, the lock tongue 3 is hook-shaped and positioned above the keyhole 4; the locking member 5 is a retractable lock pin. When the lock pin 5 is extended, it presses the lock tongue 3 into the keyhole 4; when the lock pin 5 is retracted, the lock tongue 3 can be withdrawn from the keyhole 4. The lock pin 5 can be driven by a linear drive mechanism such as a cylinder or a push rod, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0062] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0063] The embodiments of the present invention are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of the present invention, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention and the claims, all of which are protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position, characterized in that include: In response to the current user's charging request, the background system sends an unlocking signal to the charging pile, so that the locking mechanism on the charging pile is unlocked, so that the charging gun can be separated from the charging pile; In response to the signal that the current user has finished charging or the signal that the charging gun has stopped charging, the background system starts timing; when the timing exceeds the return time threshold, if the locking mechanism does not detect the charging gun, the background system deducts the penalty amount from the current user's account; When the number of unreturned charging guns in a certain area is greater than a first number threshold, the charging guns are ranked from near to far according to the distance between the charging guns and the administrator, and a ranking list of the charging guns and the corresponding charging gun positions are sent to the administrator of the area for processing; When the number of unreturned charging guns in a certain area is greater than the second number threshold, the charging stations are ranked from large to small according to the number of unreturned charging guns in the charging stations, and the ranking list of the charging stations and the corresponding charging gun positions are sent to the administrator of the area for processing; The second quantity threshold is greater than the first quantity threshold.

2. A method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before the quota is deducted, the current user is contacted according to the contact information reserved by the current user; and the time continues during the notification process.

3. A method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position according to claim 2, characterized in that: When charging by scanning a QR code using a charging app, a notification of an upcoming penalty deduction will be sent to the user through the charging app, and a countdown to the deduction will be displayed; When charging by scanning a code using a third-party APP, a notification of an upcoming punitive deduction will be sent to the current user through the third-party APP, and a countdown to the deduction time will be displayed.

4. The method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position according to claim 1, characterized in that: Set an upper limit for punitive deductions, and stop deductions when the upper limit is reached.

5. The method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position according to claim 1, characterized in that: When deducting the penalty amount, the existing amount in the current user's pre-deposited account will be deducted first; when the pre-deposited amount is insufficient, it will be deducted from the associated account of the password-free payment.

6. A method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position according to claim 1, characterized in that The deduction is calculated based on the charging status of the charging gun that is normally charging in the charging station to which the unreturned charging gun belongs, including: Obtain the number and total power of charging guns that are normally charging in the charging station to which the charging gun that has not been returned within the quota deduction time belongs; the quota deduction time is the time from when the timing exceeds the return time threshold to when the charging gun is returned or recharged; Calculate the usage rate and average charging degree of the charging guns in the charging station based on the number of charging guns in normal charging and the total power; The estimated penalty amount is calculated using the formula: estimated penalty amount = average kWh * electricity price * usage rate; The average cost per unit time is calculated based on the current user's normal charging time and charging cost, and the minimum penalty deduction is calculated using the average cost per unit time and the deduction time; If the estimated penalty amount is lower than the proportional threshold for the minimum penalty amount deduction, the penalty amount deduction will be made according to the proportional threshold for the minimum penalty amount deduction; otherwise, the amount deduction will be made according to the estimated penalty amount.

7. A method for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position according to claim 1, characterized in that: If the locking mechanism detects the charging gun within the return threshold time, the timing will stop; Within the homing threshold time, if the background system receives a signal that the charging gun is connected to the vehicle, it will send a secondary charging notification to the current user; if no confirmation is received from the current user, the charging gun will not be powered on.

8. A charging device for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position, characterized in that: The charging device includes a charging pile, a charging gun, and a locking mechanism for locking the charging gun and the charging pile; the charging device applies the method for preventing the charging gun from not returning to its original position as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A charging device for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position according to claim 8, characterized in that: The locking mechanism comprises a locking tongue arranged on the charging gun and a keyhole arranged on the charging pile; and also comprises a locking member for locking the locking tongue in the keyhole.

10. A charging device for preventing a charging gun from not returning to its original position according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lock tongue is hook-shaped and is located above the keyhole; the locking piece is a retractable lock pin; after the lock pin is extended, the lock tongue can be pressed into the keyhole; when the lock pin is retracted, the lock tongue can be withdrawn from the keyhole.

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