Actuator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an actuator comprising: a housing; the gear component is rotatably arranged on the shell; a rod having a contact protrusion and configured to be movable upward or downward with respect to the housing in accordance with rotation of the gear member; and a switch disposed in the housing and configured to define a circuit electrically connected to the switch resistor, the switch configured to connect or disconnect (ON / OFF) the circuit depending on contact of the contact protrusion; the switch includes a safety switch driving portion in which a state in which the contact protrusion is allowed to move relative to the switch and a circuit connection (ON) is maintained; and the switch and the contact protrusion are disposed adjacent to each other such that a movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch is performed in the safety switch driving portion, thereby improving stability and reliability.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0153799 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 8, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to an actuator, and more particularly, to an actuator capable of improving stability and reliability. Background Art

[0004] Generally, an electric vehicle is equipped with a battery and a motor and is configured to obtain a driving force required to drive the electric vehicle by operating the motor using electric energy stored in the battery.

[0005] Furthermore, the electric vehicle is equipped with an actuator that prevents accidental removal of the charger (locks the charger) during the battery charging process and unlocks the charger when the battery charging process is completed.

[0006] Generally, the actuator of the charger of the electric vehicle includes a driving part (e.g., a motor), a driving gear configured to be rotated by the driving part, and a rod configured to selectively lock or unlock the charger when moving linearly (e.g., rising or lowering) by the rotation of the driving gear. The locked state formed by the rod can be maintained or released in response to a signal detected by a switch configured to detect the working position (lifting position) of the rod.

[0007] However, in the related art, when the posture of the rod is changed (for example, the rod is tilted) by an external force applied to the rod (for example, an external force generated by the interference of the latch when the charger is pulled), the switch operates erroneously due to the movement of the rod relative to the switch, which makes it difficult to detect the exact working position of the rod.

[0008] In particular, the locked state of the charger formed by the rod needs to be stably maintained during the charging process. However, when the switch erroneously operates (an error occurs when recognizing the resistance of the switch) due to a change in the posture of the rod caused by an external force (for example, the rod is tilted relative to the switch), there is a problem that the locked state of the charger formed by the rod is released. Therefore, there is a problem that the charging process cannot be performed normally or the charging voltage is uneven, which increases the risk of safety accidents such as electric shock, fire and explosion.

[0009] Therefore, various studies have been conducted recently to reduce erroneous operation of the actuator and improve stability and reliability, but the research results are still insufficient. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a technology to reduce erroneous operation of the actuator and improve stability and reliability. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present application is directed to providing an actuator capable of improving stability and reliability.

[0011] In particular, the present application is directed to minimizing erroneous operation of the actuator and minimizing charging errors and charging defects.

[0012] Among other things, the present application is directed to detecting the accurate operating position of the lever and minimizing erroneous operation of the switch due to changes in the posture of the lever even if an external force is applied to the lever.

[0013] The present application is also directed to preventing charging interruption and inability to disassemble the charger due to erroneous operation of the switch.

[0014] The objectives to be achieved by the embodiments are not limited to the above objectives, but also include objectives or effects that can be understood from the solutions or embodiments described below.

[0015] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an exemplary embodiment of the present application provides an actuator, comprising: a housing; a gear component, which is rotatably arranged on the housing; a rod, which has a contact protrusion and is configured to be able to move upward or downward relative to the housing according to the rotation of the gear component; and a switch, which is arranged in the housing and configured to define a circuit electrically connected to a switch resistor, and the switch is configured to selectively connect or disconnect (ON / OFF) the circuit according to the contact of the contact protrusion; wherein the switch is defined as having a safety switch driving part, in which a state in which the movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch and the circuit connection (ON) is maintained, and the switch and the contact protrusion are arranged adjacent to each other, so that the movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch is performed in the safety switch driving part.

[0016] This is to improve the stability and reliability of the actuator.

[0017] That is, in the related art, when the posture of the rod changes (for example, the rod tilts) due to external force applied to the rod (for example, external force generated by interference of the latch when the charger is pulled), the switch operates erroneously due to the movement of the rod relative to the switch, which makes it difficult to detect the exact working position of the rod.

[0018] In particular, the locked state of the charger formed by the rod needs to be stably maintained during the charging process. However, when the switch works erroneously (an error occurs when identifying the resistance of the switch) due to a change in the posture of the rod caused by an external force (for example, the rod tilts relative to the switch), there is a problem that the locked state of the charger formed by the rod is released. Therefore, there is a problem that the charging process cannot be performed normally or the charging voltage is uneven, which increases the risk of safety accidents such as electric shock, fire and explosion.

[0019] On the contrary, in the embodiment of the present application, a safety switch driving part that can maintain a state in which the movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch and the circuit connection (ON) is allowed is defined, and the switch and the contact protrusion are arranged adjacent to each other so that the movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch is performed in the safety switch driving part. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effects of minimizing erroneous operation of the actuator and minimizing charging errors and charging defects.

[0020] In particular, in the embodiment of the present application, the movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch is performed in the safety switch driving portion, so that even if an external force is applied to the rod, the erroneous operation of the switch can be minimized and the accurate operating position of the rod can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent abnormal withdrawal and separation of the charger due to external force during battery charging.

[0021] Depending on the required conditions and design specifications, the switch can have various structures.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the switch may include: a main body component, which is arranged in a housing and configured to define a circuit electrically connected to a switch resistor; and a contact component, which is arranged on the main body component and configured to be able to move linearly in a direction in which the contact component moves toward or away from a contact protrusion, and the contact component is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the circuit based on contact with the contact protrusion when moving linearly relative to the main body component.

[0023] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the total resistance value of the circuit may be selectively changed depending on the connection or disconnection of the circuit.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch may include at least any one of a pushing of the rod relative to the housing by an external force applied to the rod and a tilting of the rod relative to the housing.

[0025] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, a maximum movement distance of the contact protrusion relative to the switch may be defined to be included in the safety switch driving portion.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the safety switch driving portion may be defined to have a length shorter than that of an integral switch driving portion of the switch in which the circuit may be connected (ON) by contact of the contact protrusion.

[0027] The positions of the two opposite ends of the integral switch driving portion and the positions of the two opposite ends of the safety switch driving portion may be variously changed according to conditions and design specifications.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the integral switch driving portion may be defined between a maximum thrust point of the switch and a switch disconnection point where the circuit is disconnected (OFF), and the safety switch driving portion may be defined between a first reference point and a second reference point, the first reference point being separated from the maximum thrust point by a first reference distance in the direction in which the switch is pushed, and the second reference point being separated from the switch disconnection point by a second reference distance in the direction in which the switch is pushed.

[0029] The first reference distance and the second reference distance may be variously changed according to the type and specification of the switch.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the maximum thrust point can be defined as being 5.1 mm apart from a reference point (defined on the housing) in the direction in which the switch is pushed. The switch disconnection point can be defined as being 6.8 mm apart from the reference point in the direction in which the switch is pushed. The first reference point can be defined as being 5.8 mm apart from the reference point in the direction in which the switch is pushed, and the second reference point can be defined as being 6.4 mm apart from the reference point in the direction in which the switch is pushed.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the length of the contact portion between the contact part and the contact protrusion in the upward / downward movement direction of the rod can be defined as being longer than the maximum thrust distance of the rod relative to the housing in the upward / downward movement direction of the rod (axial direction of the rod 130).

[0032] This is based on the fact that when an external force is applied during battery charging, the rod may be pushed, and when the rod is pushed, the contact between the contact protrusion and the switch is released (error operation occurs). In an embodiment of the present application, the length of the contact portion is defined to be longer than the maximum thrust distance of the rod, so that even when the rod is pushed, the contact between the contact protrusion and the switch can be prevented from being released (error operation), and the accurate operating position of the rod can be detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 2 is a view for explaining an actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 2 and Figure 3 2 is a view for explaining a lever and a switch of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 4 is a view of a circuit for explaining a switch of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 5 2 is a view for explaining a safety switch driving portion of a switch of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 6 and Figure 7 2 is a view for explaining a tilted state of a rod of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 8 2 is a view for explaining a pushed state of a rod of an actuator according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] However, the technical spirit of the present application is not limited to certain embodiments described herein but can be implemented in various forms. One or more constituent elements in the embodiments can be selectively combined and replaced so as to be used within the scope of the technical spirit of the present application.

[0041] In addition, unless otherwise specifically and clearly defined and explained, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present application can be interpreted as the meanings commonly understood by people with ordinary skills in the field involved in the present application. The meanings of commonly used terms (such as terms defined in dictionaries) can be interpreted according to the contextual meanings of the relevant technology.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present application are for explaining the embodiments rather than for limiting the present application.

[0043] In the present application, unless otherwise specifically stated, a singular form may also include a plural form. "At least one (or one or more) of A, B, and C" may include one or more of all possible combinations formed by combining A, B, and C.

[0044] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe constituent elements of the embodiments of the present application.

[0045] These terms are used only to distinguish one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, sequence or order of the constituent elements is not limited by these terms.

[0046] Furthermore, when a constituent element is described as being “connected,” “joined” or “attached” to another constituent element, the constituent element may be directly connected, joined or attached to the other constituent element or connected, joined or attached to the other constituent element with another constituent element interposed therebetween.

[0047] In addition, the expression "a component element is disposed or arranged on (above) or below (below) another component element" includes not only the case where two component elements are in direct contact with each other, but also the case where one or more other component elements are disposed or arranged between the two component elements. The expression "on (above) or below (below)" may mean both a downward direction and an upward direction based on one component element.

[0048] refer to Figures 1 to 8 , the actuator 10 according to the embodiment of the present application includes a housing 110, a gear member 120 rotatably provided in the housing 110, a rod 130 configured to be raised or lowered relative to the housing 110 according to the rotation of the gear member 120 and having a contact protrusion 132, and a switch 140 provided in the housing 110 and configured to define a circuit 140a electrically connected to a switch resistor 140b, the switch 140 being configured to selectively connect or disconnect (ON / OFF) the circuit 140a according to the contact of the contact protrusion 132. The switch 140 has a safety switch driving portion SSDS in which a state in which the movement of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 and the connection (ON) of the circuit 140a is maintained. The switch 140 and the contact protrusion 132 are provided adjacent to each other so that the movement of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 is performed in the safety switch driving portion SSDS.

[0049] For reference, the actuator 10 according to the present application can be used to selectively lock various objects according to the required conditions and design specifications. The present application is not limited or restricted by the type and structure of the object.

[0050] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the actuator 10 according to the embodiment of the present application is used to selectively lock a charger of an electric vehicle.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , the actuator 10 includes a housing 110 , a gear member 120 , a rod 130 and a switch 140 .

[0052] The housing 110 may have various structures having an accommodation space capable of accommodating the gear member 120, the rod 130, and the switch 140. The present application is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the housing 110.

[0053] For example, the housing 110 may include a first cover and a second cover, the second cover being configured to define an accommodation space together with the first cover. According to another embodiment of the present application, the housing may be configured by assembling or joining a single cover or three or more covers.

[0054] The gear member 120 is provided at the housing 110 and is configured to be rotatable by the driving force of the driving portion.

[0055] The gear part 120 may be configured by combining a single gear or a plurality of gears. The present application is not limited or restricted by the type and number of gears constituting the gear part 120.

[0056] For example, the gear component 120 may include a worm (not shown), a worm wheel (not shown), a spur gear (not shown), a lever gear (not shown) and a spur worm (not shown), wherein the worm is arranged in the housing 110 in a horizontal direction and is configured to rotate by the driving force of the driving part, the worm wheel is configured to mesh with and rotate with the worm, the spur gear is configured to mesh with and rotate with the worm wheel, the lever gear is configured to mesh with and rotate with the spur gear, and the spur worm is arranged in the vertical direction (upward / downward direction) of the housing 110 and is configured to mesh with and rotate with the lever gear.

[0057] With the above structure, when the worm is rotated by the driving force of the driving portion, the worm wheel, the spur gear, the lever gear, and the spur worm can be rotated in sequence together with the worm.

[0058] The rod 130 is configured to be movable upward or downward relative to the housing 110 in a vertical direction (upward / downward direction) of the housing 110 according to the rotation of the gear member 120 .

[0059] The upward or downward movement of the rod 130 can be achieved in various ways according to the required conditions and design specifications through the rotation of the gear member 120. The present application is not limited or restricted by the structure of the gear member 120 and the rod 130 cooperating with each other.

[0060] For example, the teeth portion of the rod 130 may be formed on a lateral portion of the rod 130 and mesh with the gear member 120 (positive worm). The rod 130 may linearly move in an upward / downward direction (upward or downward) according to the rotation of the gear member 120.

[0061] In addition, the contact protrusion 132 may extend from the upper end of the rod 130 facing the switch 140. Figure 2 ), the contact protrusion 132 may contact the switch 140.

[0062] The contact protrusion 132 may have various structures capable of contacting the switch 140. The present application is not limited or restricted by the structure and shape of the contact protrusion 132.

[0063] For example, the contact protrusion 132 may be provided in the form of an approximately quadrilateral protrusion, and an inclined guide portion may be provided on a boundary between the contact protrusion 132 and the rod 130 .

[0064] With the above structure, when the rod 130 moves (downward), one end (contact member) of the switch 140 can come into contact with the contact protrusion 132 while moving along the inclined guide portion.

[0065] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The switch 140 is configured to monitor the working position of the rod 130 (the locked position when the rod moves downward or the unlocked position when the rod moves upward) in response to a signal generated when the rod 130 moves upward or downward.

[0066] More specifically, the switch 140 is provided in the housing 110 to define a circuit 140a electrically connected to the switch resistor 140b. The switch 140 is configured to selectively connect or disconnect (ON / OFF) the circuit 140a (connect or disconnect the electrical contact point) according to the contact of the contact protrusion 132.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present application, a configuration in which the switch 140 selectively turns on or off the circuit 140 a is defined as a configuration in which the circuit 140 a is defined as an open circuit or a closed circuit by the switch 140 .

[0068] The switch 140 may have various structures according to required conditions and designed specifications. The present application is not limited or restricted by the structure of the switch 140 .

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the switch 140 may include a main body part 142 and a contact part 144, wherein the main body part 142 is disposed in the housing 110 and is configured to define a circuit 140a electrically connected to the switch resistor 140b, and the contact part 144 is disposed on the main body part 142 and is configured to move linearly in a direction in which the contact part 144 moves toward or away from the contact protrusion 132 (based on Figure 5 The contact member 144 is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the circuit 140a according to the contact of the contact protrusion 132 when moving linearly relative to the main body member 142.

[0070] For example, the main body part 142 may be provided in the form of an approximately quadrilateral block. The contact part 144 may have an approximately hemispherical cross-sectional shape. The contact part 144 may be provided on a surface of the main body part 142 facing the contact protrusion 132, and the contact part 144 may elastically move linearly.

[0071] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the total resistance value of the circuit 140 a may be selectively changed depending on the connection or disconnection of the circuit 140 a .

[0072] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4When the rod 130 moves to the locking position (moves downward), the contact member 144 is pushed by the contact protrusion 132 so that the electrical contact points of the switch 140 can be connected, and the total resistance value of the circuit 140a can be detected as a value including the resistance value of the switch resistor 140b.

[0073] Conversely, when the rod 130 moves to the unlocked position (moves upward), the pressure applied by the contact protrusion 132 is released (the contact protrusion moves away from the contact member), so that the electrical contact point of the switch 140 can be disconnected (released), and the total switch resistance value of the circuit 140a can be detected as a value that does not include the resistance value of the switch resistor 140b.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the switch 140 is defined to have a predefined safety switch driving portion SSDS. The switch 140 and the contact protrusion 132 are arranged adjacent to each other so that the movement of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 is performed in the safety switch driving portion SSDS.

[0075] In this case, the safety switch driving portion SSDS may be defined as a portion that maintains a state (maintains a state in which an electrical contact point is connected) of allowing the movement of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 and the circuit 140a to be connected (ON).

[0076] In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the movement of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 can be defined to include at least any one of the following processes: a process in which the rod 130 is pushed relative to the housing 110 by an external force applied to the rod 130 (the rod is pushed in an upward / downward direction), and a process in which the rod 130 is tilted relative to the housing 110.

[0077] This is based on the fact that when an external force is applied to the rod 130, when the posture of the rod 130 is changed (for example, tilted) by the external force applied to the rod 130 (for example, the external force generated by the interference of the latch when the charger is pulled), the switch 140 erroneously operates due to the movement of the rod 130 relative to the switch 140 (the error occurs when the resistance of the switch is recognized due to the disconnection of the electrical contact point).

[0078] On the contrary, in the embodiment of the present application, the safety switch driving part SSDS is defined by the switch 140, and the movement of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 is performed in the safety switch driving part SSDS. Therefore, the advantageous effects of minimizing the erroneous operation of the switch 140 and the accurate operating position of the detection rod 130 can be obtained.

[0079] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, a maximum movement distance of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 may be defined to be included in the safety switch driving portion SSDS.

[0080] In this case, the maximum movement distance of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 can be understood as the maximum movement distance of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 (for example, the contact protrusion 132 moves in a direction away from the switch when the rod is tilted).

[0081] In addition, the configuration in which the maximum movement distance of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 is included in the safety switch driving part SSDS can be understood as a configuration in which the contact point of the contact protrusion 132 (the contact point with the switch) is located within the safety switch driving part SSDS when the contact protrusion 132 moves the maximum movement distance relative to the switch 140.

[0082] In addition, since the maximum movement distance of the contact protrusion 132 relative to the switch 140 is included in the safety switch driving part SSDS, even if the contact protrusion 132 moves the maximum movement distance relative to the switch 140, the state in which the circuit 140a of the switch 140 is connected (ON) can be maintained.

[0083] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the safety switch driving portion SSDS may be defined to have a shorter length than the overall switch driving portion ASDS of the switch 140 in which the circuit 140 a may be connected (ON) by contact of the contact protrusion 132 .

[0084] In this case, the integral switch driving portion ASDS may be defined as an integral portion to which the circuit 140 a of the switch 140 may be connected when the contact member 144 is pressed.

[0085] In particular, the safety switch driving portion SSDS may be defined at an approximately central portion of the overall switch driving portion ASDS so as to have a shorter length than the overall switch driving portion ASDS.

[0086] The positions of the two opposite ends of the integral switch driving part ASDS and the positions of the two opposite ends of the safety switch driving part SSDS can be changed differently according to conditions and design specifications. The present application is not limited or restricted by the positions of the two opposite ends of the integral switch driving part ASDS and the positions of the two opposite ends of the safety switch driving part SSDS.

[0087] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the overall switch driving portion ASDS may be defined between the maximum thrust point S1 (the point at which the contact member of the switch is pushed to the maximum extent) of the switch 140 and the switch disconnection point S2 (the point at which the electrical contact is disconnected) at which the circuit 140a is disconnected (OFF). The safety switch driving portion SSDS may be defined between a first reference point SS1 and a second reference point SS2, wherein the first reference point SS1 is defined as being separated from the maximum thrust point S1 by a first reference distance L1 in the direction in which the switch 140 is pushed, and the second reference point SS2 is separated from the switch disconnection point S2 by a second reference distance L2 in the direction in which the switch 140 is pushed.

[0088] The first reference distance L1 and the second reference distance L2 may be variously changed according to the type and specification of the switch 140. The present application is not limited or restricted by the first reference distance L1 and the second reference distance L2.

[0089] For example, the first reference distance L1 may be defined as approximately 0.7 mm, and the second reference distance L2 may be defined as approximately 0.3 mm.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the maximum thrust point S1 may be defined as the direction in which the switch 140 is pushed (based on Figure 5 The switch disconnection point S2 may be defined as being 6.8 mm away from the reference point CP in the direction in which the switch 140 is pushed. The first reference point SS1 may be defined as being 5.8 mm away from the reference point CP in the direction in which the switch 140 is pushed. The second reference point SS2 may be defined as being 6.4 mm away from the reference point CP in the direction in which the switch 140 is pushed.

[0091] This is based on the fact that Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when an external force is applied during battery charging (external force is applied when the user pulls the charger upward, downward, left, right, forward or backward), the operation of the switch 140 is determined by the pushing force of the switch 140 (pushing force of the contact part) generated by the contact of the rod 130 (contact of the contact protrusion), and the rod 130 can be tilted (the rod can be tilted relative to the housing). In the embodiment of the present application, the setting of the safety switch driving part SSDS takes into account the pushing force of the switch 140, wherein the state of connection of the circuit 140a can be maintained even when the rod 130 is tilted.

[0092] That is, based on the specification of the switch 140, in which the disconnection portion of the switch 140 is 6.8 to 7.5 mm based on the reference point CP defined on the housing 110, the driving portion of the switch 140 is 6.8 to 7.4 mm based on the reference point CP, and the maximum thrust point S1 of the switch 140 is 5.1 mm based on the reference point CP, the overlapped portion of the disconnection portion and the driving portion may be 6.8 to 7.4 mm, and the operation of the switch 140 may be detected in the portion of 5.1 to 6.8 mm, which is the portion other than the maximum thrust point S1 of 5.1 mm (based on Figure 5 The right part of the maximum thrust point of the switch 140 is the right part of the maximum thrust point of the switch 140, and the basic safety part of the switch 140 can be set to 5.2 to 6.7 mm based on the reference point CP in consideration of tolerance, margin, etc. However, in the embodiment of the present application, considering the inclination of the rod 130 relative to the housing 110, the safety switch driving part SSDS is defined as 5.8 to 6.4 mm, which is a part longer than 5.2 mm (i.e., the minimum length of the basic safety part) and shorter than 6.7 mm (i.e., the maximum length of the basic safety part).

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the length of the contact portion CS between the contact part 144 and the contact protrusion 132 in the upward / downward movement direction of the rod 130 can be defined as being longer than the maximum thrust distance of the rod 130 relative to the housing 110 (the distance to which the rod is pushed to the maximum extent by the external force applied to the rod) in the upward / downward movement direction of the rod 130 (the axial direction of the rod 130).

[0094] This is based on the fact that when an external force is applied during the process of charging the battery (external force applied when the user pulls the charger forward or backward), the rod 130 may be pushed (based on Figure 8 Push upward), and when the rod 130 is pushed, the contact between the contact protrusion 132 and the switch 140 is released (error operation occurs). In the embodiment of the present application, Figure 8 As shown, the length of the contact portion CS is defined as being longer than the maximum thrust distance of the rod 130 (see Figure 8 a), so that the state in which the circuit 140a is connected can be maintained even when the rod 130 is pushed.

[0095] For example, the length of the contact surface of the contact protrusion 132 (see Figure 1 b), the length C of the contact surface of the contact member 144, and the length of the contact portion CS between the contact member 144 and the contact protrusion 132 can all be defined to be longer than the maximum thrust distance a of the rod 130 (b>a, C>a and CS>a).

[0096] For example, considering the backlash and the angle of rotation of one tooth of the gear member 120 (e.g., a spur worm) (e.g., 30 degrees), the maximum thrust distance a of the rod 130 may be 0.83 mm. However, if the length of the contact portion CS between the contact member 144 and the contact protrusion 132 is longer than 0.83 mm (e.g., the length of the contact portion is set to 1.5 mm), the contact release (erroneous operation) between the contact protrusion 132 and the switch 140 can be prevented and the accurate operating position of the rod 130 can be detected even when the rod 130 is pushed.

[0097] According to the embodiments of the present application as described above, it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of improving stability and reliability.

[0098] In particular, according to the embodiments of the present application, advantageous effects of minimizing erroneous operations of the actuator and minimizing charging errors and charging defects can be obtained.

[0099] Among other things, according to the embodiments of the present application, even if an external force is applied to the lever, it is possible to detect the accurate operating position of the lever and minimize erroneous operation of the switch due to a change in the posture of the lever.

[0100] In addition, according to the embodiment of the present application, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect of preventing interruption of charging and inability to detach the charger due to erroneous operation of a switch.

[0101] Although the embodiment has been described above, the embodiment is only illustrative and is not intended to limit the present application. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, without departing from the inherent characteristics of the present embodiment, various modifications and applications not described above may be made to the present embodiment. For example, the corresponding constituent elements specifically described in the embodiment may be modified and then executed. In addition, the following explanation should also be made, i.e., the differences associated with modification and application are included within the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An actuator comprising: case; a gear component rotatably located on the housing; a rod having a contact protrusion and configured to be movable upward or downward relative to the housing according to rotation of the gear member; and a switch located in the housing and configured to define a circuit electrically connected to the switch resistor, the switch being configured to connect or disconnect the circuit in accordance with contact of the contact protrusion; wherein the switch includes a safety switch driving portion in which a state of allowing movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch and circuit connection is maintained; and Wherein, the switch and the contact protrusion are arranged adjacent to each other so that the movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch is performed in the safety switch driving part.

2. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The switch comprises: a body member disposed in the housing and configured to define a circuit electrically connected to the switch resistor; and The contact member is located on the main body and is configured to be able to move linearly in a direction in which the contact member moves toward or away from the contact protrusion. The contact member is further configured to connect or disconnect the circuit according to the contact of the contact protrusion when moving linearly relative to the main body.

3. The actuator according to claim 2, wherein: A length of a contact portion between the contact member and the contact protrusion in the upward and downward movement direction of the rod is longer than a maximum thrust distance of the rod relative to the housing in the upward and downward movement direction of the rod.

4. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein: A maximum moving distance of the contact protrusion relative to the switch is included in the safety switch driving portion.

5. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the safety switch driving portion is shorter than the length of the integral switch driving portion of the switch in which the circuit is connected by the contact of the contact protrusion.

6. The actuator according to claim 5, wherein: The integral switch driving portion is located between the maximum thrust point of the switch and the switch disconnection point where the circuit is disconnected, and The safety switch driving part is located between a first reference point and a second reference point, the first reference point is separated from the maximum driving force point by a first reference distance in the direction in which the switch is pushed, and the second reference point is separated from the switch disconnection point by a second reference distance in the direction in which the switch is pushed.

7. The actuator according to claim 6, wherein: The maximum thrust point is 5.1 mm away from a reference point on the housing in the direction in which the switch is pushed; The switch disconnection point is 6.8 mm away from the reference point in the direction in which the switch is pushed; The first reference point is 5.8 mm away from the reference point in the direction in which the switch is pushed; and The second reference point is 6.4 mm away from the reference point in the direction in which the switch is pushed.

8. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The movement of the contact protrusion relative to the switch includes at least any one of a pushing of the rod relative to the housing by an external force applied to the rod and a tilting of the rod relative to the housing.

9. The actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The total resistance value of the circuit changes depending on whether the circuit is connected or disconnected.

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