Magnetic attraction lock for charging electric vehicle and operation method of magnetic attraction lock

Abstract

The invention provides a magnetic attraction lock for charging an electric vehicle and an operation method of the magnetic attraction lock. The magnetic attraction lock comprises a voltage conversion circuit, a detection circuit and a magnetic attraction circuit. The voltage conversion circuit receives a first voltage from the power supply connector and converts the first voltage into a second voltage and a third voltage. The detection circuit is driven according to a second voltage, provides a first control signal according to a first state signal from the power supply connector, and provides a second control signal according to a second state signal from the power supply connector. The magnetic suction circuit generates a magnetic suction force by using a third voltage according to the first control signal. The power supply connector is fixed to the charging port of the electric vehicle through magnetic attraction force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic lock and an operating method for the magnetic lock, and in particular to a magnetic lock for charging an electric vehicle and an operating method for the magnetic lock. Background Art

[0002] At present, electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular. Electric vehicles can be charged through a power supply connector (or charging gun). Users cannot easily know whether the charging is complete. It should be noted that during the charging process of the electric vehicle, when the power supply connector is forcibly unplugged, the charging port of the electric vehicle will be burned. In a milder case, an oxide layer is generated around the charging port, causing poor contact of the charging port and prolonging the charging time. In a more serious case, the charging port is damaged, making the electric vehicle unable to charge.

[0003] It can be seen that how to prevent the power supply connector from being unplugged during the charging process of the electric vehicle is one of the research focuses of those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides a magnetic lock for charging an electric vehicle and an operating method of the magnetic lock, which can prevent a power supply connector from being unplugged during the charging process of the electric vehicle.

[0005] A magnetic lock according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a voltage conversion circuit, a detection circuit, and a magnetic attraction circuit. The voltage conversion circuit receives a first voltage from a power supply connector, and converts the first voltage into a second voltage and a third voltage. The detection circuit is coupled to the voltage conversion circuit and the power supply connector. The detection circuit is driven according to the second voltage, provides a first control signal according to a first state signal from the power supply connector, and provides a second control signal according to a second state signal from the power supply connector. The magnetic attraction circuit is coupled to the voltage conversion circuit and the detection circuit. The magnetic attraction circuit generates a magnetic attraction force using the third voltage according to the first control signal, and stops generating the magnetic attraction force according to the second control signal. The power supply connector fixes the power supply connector to the charging port of the electric vehicle through magnetic attraction.

[0006] The operating method of one embodiment of the present invention is used for a magnetic lock. The magnetic lock includes a detection circuit and a magnetic circuit. The operating method includes: receiving a first voltage from a power supply connector, and converting the first voltage into a second voltage and a third voltage; driving the detection circuit according to the second voltage; the detection circuit provides a first control signal according to a first status signal from the power supply connector, and provides a second control signal according to a second status signal from the power supply connector; the magnetic circuit generates a magnetic attraction force using the third voltage according to the first control signal, thereby fixing the power supply connector to the charging port of the electric vehicle; and the magnetic circuit stops generating the magnetic attraction force according to the second control signal.

[0007] Based on the above, the magnetic lock provides a first control signal based on a first status signal from the power supply connector, and uses a third voltage to generate a magnetic force based on the first control signal. The power supply connector fixes the power supply connector to the charging port of the electric vehicle through magnetic attraction. The magnetic lock responds to the status signal from the power supply connector to decide whether to provide magnetic attraction. In this way, the magnetic lock can prevent the power supply connector from being unplugged during the charging process of the electric vehicle, thereby reducing the risk of the charging port of the electric vehicle being damaged by the charging electricity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic lock according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an operating method illustrated in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic lock according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic lock according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a detection circuit and a magnetic attraction circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 6 is a waveform diagram of a first input signal illustrated in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 7 It is an operation flow chart depicted according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Explanation of symbols

[0016] 10: Power supply connector

[0017] 100, 200, 300: Magnetic lock

[0018] 110, 210, 310: Voltage conversion circuit

[0019] 120, 420: Detection circuit

[0020] 130, 430: Magnetic circuit

[0021] 20: Charging port

[0022] 211, 311: first voltage converter

[0023] 212, 312: second voltage converter

[0024] 421: Voltage stabilizing circuit

[0025] 422: Monitoring circuit

[0026] 423:Logic Circuit

[0027] 431: Electromagnet circuit

[0028] 432: Switch

[0029] C1: Capacitor

[0030] CP: Control Pilot Terminal

[0031] EP: Charging Energy

[0032] EV: Electric Vehicle

[0033] FMA: Magnetic attraction

[0034] L1: Power supply terminal

[0035] N: Neutral end

[0036] PE: Ground terminal

[0037] PP: Proximity to the guide end

[0038] R1~R3: Resistors

[0039] S100: How to operate

[0040] S110~S150: Steps

[0041] S200: Operation Flow

[0042] S210~S280: Steps

[0043] SA: First input signal

[0044] SB: Second input signal

[0045] SC1: First control signal

[0046] SC2: Second control signal

[0047] SCP1: First status signal

[0048] SCP2: Second status signal

[0049] V1: first voltage

[0050] V2: Second voltage

[0051] V3: The third voltage

[0052] VSS: Reference low voltage

[0053] VST: Set voltage value

[0054] W1, W2, W3: Waveform DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The referenced element symbols in the following description will be regarded as the same or similar elements when the same element symbols appear in different drawings. These embodiments are only part of the present invention and do not disclose all possible implementation methods of the present invention. More specifically, these embodiments are only examples within the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a magnetic lock according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the magnetic lock 100 includes a voltage conversion circuit 110, a detection circuit 120, and a magnetic circuit 130. The voltage conversion circuit 110 receives a first voltage V1 from the power supply connector 10. The voltage conversion circuit 110 converts the first voltage V1 into a second voltage V2 and a third voltage V3. In one embodiment, the power supply connector 10 can be a charging gun connected to a charging pile (not shown), or the power supply connector 10 itself can be a charging gun of a charging pile, and the charging gun of the charging pile can also include a magnetic lock 100, that is, the charging gun of the charging pile and the magnetic lock 100 can be integrated into one, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0057] In one embodiment, the detection circuit 120 is coupled to the voltage conversion circuit 110 and the power connector 10. The detection circuit 120 is driven according to the second voltage V2. The detection circuit 120 provides a first control signal SC1 according to a first state signal SCP1 from the power connector 10, and provides a second control signal SC2 according to a second state signal SCP2 from the power connector 10.

[0058] In one embodiment, the magnetic attraction circuit 130 is coupled to the voltage conversion circuit 110 and the detection circuit 120. The magnetic attraction circuit 130 generates a magnetic attraction force FMA using the third voltage V3 according to the first control signal SC1. Therefore, the power supply connector 10 is fixed to the charging port 20 of the electric vehicle EV by the magnetic attraction force FMA.

[0059] In addition, the magnetic attraction circuit 130 stops generating the magnetic attraction force FMA according to the second control signal SC2 .

[0060] It is worth mentioning here that the magnetic lock 100 provides a first control signal SC1 based on the first status signal SCP1 from the power supply connector 10, and uses the third voltage V3 to generate a magnetic attraction force FMA based on the first control signal SC1. The power supply connector 10 fixes the power supply connector 10 to the charging port 20 of the electric vehicle EV through the magnetic attraction force FMA. At this time, the power supply connector 10 cannot be unplugged. The magnetic circuit 130 also stops generating the magnetic attraction force FMA based on the second control signal SC2. At this time, the power supply connector 10 is allowed to be unplugged. The magnetic lock 100 responds to the status signal from the power supply connector 10 to decide whether to provide the magnetic attraction force FMA. The magnetic lock 100 can prevent the power supply connector 10 from being unplugged during the charging process of the electric vehicle EV. In this way, the risk of the charging port 20 being damaged by the charging energy EP can be reduced.

[0061] In one embodiment, in response to the power connector 10 being connected to the charging port 20 through the magnetic lock 100 and the power connector 10 being able to supply power, the power connector 10 provides a first state signal SCP1. The first state signal SCP1 is a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal. The pulse peak value of the first state signal SCP1 is lower than a set voltage value (e.g., 8 volts, but the present invention is not limited thereto).

[0062] In response to an abnormality of the power supply connector 10 (e.g., an error occurs in the charging pile or there is no power), the power supply connector 10 provides a second state signal SCP2. At this time, the second state signal SCP2 is a DC voltage signal, and the voltage value of the second state signal SCP2 is lower than the set voltage value. In addition, in response to the power supply connector 10 being connected to the charging port 20 through the magnetic lock 100 and the power supply connector 10 not supplying power, the power supply connector 10 provides a second state signal SCP2. At this time, the second state signal SCP2 is a PWM signal. The pulse peak value of the second state signal SCP2 is higher than the set voltage value.

[0063] Based on the above, the detection circuit 120 is able to identify the status signal provided by the power supply connector 10. In response to the status signal being a PWM signal and the pulse peak value of the PWM signal being lower than the set voltage value, the detection circuit 120 determines that the status signal provided by the power supply connector 10 is the first status signal SCP1, and provides the first control signal SC1. Therefore, the magnetic attraction circuit 130 generates a magnetic attraction force FMA. In response to the status signal being a PWM signal and the pulse peak value of the PWM signal being higher than the set voltage value, the detection circuit 120 determines that the status signal provided by the power supply connector 10 is the second status signal SCP2, and provides the second control signal SC2. Therefore, the magnetic attraction circuit 130 does not generate a magnetic attraction force FMA. In addition, in response to the status signal being a DC voltage signal and the voltage value of the status signal being lower than the set voltage value, the detection circuit 120 determines that the status signal provided by the power supply connector 10 is the second status signal SCP2, and provides the second control signal SC2. Therefore, the magnetic attraction circuit 130 does not generate a magnetic attraction force FMA.

[0064] In one embodiment, the electric vehicle EV may be an electric vehicle, an electric motorcycle, an electric bicycle, or other mobile vehicle that can travel with the help of electricity.

[0065] Please also refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 , Figure 2 It is a flow chart of an operation method illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the operation method S100 is used for a magnetic lock 100. The operation method S100 includes steps S110 to S150. In step S110, the voltage conversion circuit 110 receives a first voltage V1 from the power supply connector 10, and converts the first voltage V1 into a second voltage V2 and a third voltage V3. In step S120, the voltage conversion circuit 110 uses the second voltage V2 to drive the detection circuit 120. In step S130, the detection circuit 120 determines whether the status signal from the power supply connector 10 is the first control signal SC1 or the second control signal SC2. The detection circuit 120 provides a first control signal SC1 based on the first status signal SCP1 from the power supply connector 10, and provides a second control signal SC2 based on the second status signal SCP2 from the power supply connector 10.

[0066] In step S140, the magnetic attraction circuit 130 generates a magnetic attraction force FMA using the third voltage V3 according to the first control signal SC1, thereby fixing the power supply connector 10 to the charging port 20 of the electric vehicle EV. In step S150, the magnetic attraction circuit 130 stops generating the magnetic attraction force FMA according to the second control signal SC2. The implementation details of steps S110 to S150 have been described in detail. Figure 1 This is clearly described in the embodiments, so it will not be repeated here.

[0067] Please also refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic lock according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the power supply connector 10 may be a connector that complies with the SAE J1772 specification, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The power supply connector 10 includes a power terminal L1, a neutral terminal N, a control pilot (CP) terminal CP, a proximity pilot (PP) terminal PP, and a ground terminal PE. The power supply connector 10 can provide charging power EP through the power terminal L1.

[0068] In one embodiment, the magnetic lock 200 includes a voltage conversion circuit 210, a detection circuit 120, and a magnetic attraction circuit 130. The voltage conversion circuit 210 includes a first voltage converter 211 and a second voltage converter 212. The first voltage converter 211 is coupled to the detection circuit 120. The first voltage converter 211 receives a first voltage V1 from the proximate guide terminal PP of the power supply connector 10, and converts the first voltage V1 into a second voltage V2. The first voltage converter 211 provides the second voltage V2 to the detection circuit 120 and the second voltage converter 212.

[0069] The second voltage converter 212 is coupled to the first voltage converter 211 and the magnetic attraction circuit 130 . The second voltage converter 212 converts the second voltage V2 into a third voltage V3 . The second voltage converter 212 provides the third voltage V3 to the magnetic attraction circuit 130 .

[0070] For example, the first voltage V1 from the guide terminal PP is a DC voltage of 1.5 volts. The second voltage V2 is a DC voltage of 3.3 volts. The third voltage V3 is a DC voltage of 12 volts. The first voltage converter 211 can be any type of DC-DC boost circuit. The second voltage converter 212 can also be any type of DC-DC boost circuit.

[0071] In one embodiment, the detection circuit 120 is driven by the second voltage V2. The detection circuit 120 is also coupled to the control pilot terminal CP of the power supply connector 10. The detection circuit 120 receives the first state signal SCP1 or the second state signal SCP2 from the control pilot terminal CP. In response to receiving the first state signal SCP1, the detection circuit 120 provides the first control signal SC1. In response to receiving the second state signal SCP2, the detection circuit 120 provides the second control signal SC2.

[0072] The implementation method of the magnetic attraction circuit 130 has been Figure 1 This is clearly described in the embodiments, so it will not be repeated here.

[0073] Please also refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic lock according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the power supply connector 10 may be a connector that complies with the SAE J1772 specification. The power supply connector 10 includes a power terminal L1, a neutral terminal N, a control guide terminal CP, a proximity guide terminal PP, and a ground terminal PE. The power supply connector 10 may provide charging power EP through the power terminal L1.

[0074] In one embodiment, the magnetic lock 300 includes a voltage conversion circuit 310, a detection circuit 120, and a magnetic circuit 130. The voltage conversion circuit 310 includes a first voltage converter 311 and a second voltage converter 312. The first voltage converter 311 is coupled to the magnetic circuit 130. The first voltage converter 311 receives a first voltage V1 from a power terminal L1 of the power connector 10, and converts the first voltage V1 into a third voltage V3.

[0075] In one embodiment, the first voltage V1 is a voltage difference signal between the charging power EP and the neutral terminal N. In one embodiment, in response to the charging power EP being an AC signal, the first voltage V1 is an AC voltage signal. In one embodiment, in response to the charging power EP being a DC signal, the first voltage V1 is a DC voltage signal.

[0076] The second voltage converter 312 is coupled to the first voltage converter 311 and the detection circuit 120. The second voltage converter 312 converts the third voltage V3 into a second voltage V2.

[0077] For example, the first voltage V1 is an AC voltage of 220 volts. The second voltage V2 is a DC voltage of 3.3 volts. The third voltage V3 is a DC voltage of 12 volts. The first voltage converter 311 can be any type of AC-DC step-down circuit. The second voltage converter 312 can also be any type of DC-DC step-down circuit.

[0078] The implementation of the detection circuit 120 and the magnetic attraction circuit 130 has been described in Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 This is clearly described in the embodiments, so it will not be repeated here.

[0079] Please also refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of a detection circuit and a magnetic attraction circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5The detection circuit 420 and the magnetic attraction circuit 430 are shown. In one embodiment, the detection circuit 420 includes a voltage regulator circuit 421, a monitoring circuit 422 and a logic circuit 423. The voltage regulator circuit 421 receives one of the first state signal SCP1 and the second state signal SCP2. The voltage regulator circuit 421 converts the received one of the first state signal SCP1 and the second state signal SCP2 into a first input signal SA.

[0080] In one embodiment, the monitoring circuit 422 is driven according to the second voltage V2. The monitoring circuit 422 receives one of the first state signal SCP1 and the second state signal SCP2. The monitoring circuit 422 monitors the waveform of one of the received first state signal SCP1 and the second state signal SCP2. In response to one of the received first state signal SCP1 and the second state signal SCP2 being a PWM signal, the monitoring circuit 422 provides a second input signal SB having a first logic value (such as a high logic value "1"). In response to one of the received first state signal SCP1 and the second state signal SCP2 not being a PWM signal, the monitoring circuit 422 provides a second input signal SB having a second logic value (such as a low logic value "0").

[0081] In one embodiment, the monitoring circuit 422 may receive one of the first state signal SCP1 and the second state signal SCP2 through the voltage regulating circuit 421 .

[0082] The logic circuit 423 is coupled to the voltage regulating circuit 421 and the monitoring circuit 422. The logic circuit 423 provides one of the first control signal SC1 and the second control signal SC2 according to the first input signal SA and the second input signal SB. The logic circuit 423 performs a logic operation on the first input signal SA and the second input signal SB to generate one of the first control signal SC1 and the second control signal SC2.

[0083] In one embodiment, the logic value of the first input signal SA can be determined by the logic circuit 423. In response to the voltage value of the first input signal SA being higher than the set voltage value, the first input signal SA is determined to have a first logic value (e.g., a high logic value "1"). In response to the voltage value of the first input signal SA being lower than or equal to the set voltage value, the first input signal SA is determined to have a second logic value (e.g., a low logic value "0").

[0084] In one embodiment, in response to the first input signal SA having the second logic value and the second input signal SB having the first logic value, the logic circuit 423 outputs the first control signal SC1. In response to the first input signal SA having the first logic value and the second input signal SB having the first logic value, the logic circuit 423 outputs the second control signal SC2. In response to the first input signal SA having the first logic value and the second input signal SB having the first logic value, the logic circuit 423 outputs the second control signal SC2.

[0085] The logic circuit 423 provides one of the first control signal SC1 and the second control signal SC2 as shown in the truth table.

[0086] Truth Table:

[0087]

[0088] Condition A is a condition where the power supply connector 10 is connected to the charging port 20 via the magnetic lock 100 and the power supply connector 10 does not supply power. Condition B is a condition where the power supply connector 10 is connected to the charging port 20 via the magnetic lock 100 and the power supply connector 10 can supply power normally. Condition C is a condition where an abnormality occurs in the power supply connector 10 (e.g., an error occurs in the charging pile or there is no power).

[0089] For example, please also refer to Figure 1 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 , Figure 6 It is a waveform diagram of the first input signal illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the voltage stabilizing circuit 421 includes resistors R1 to R3 and a capacitor C1. The first end of the resistor R1 receives one of the first state signal SCP1 and the second state signal SCP2. The second end of the resistor R1 is coupled to the first input end of the logic circuit 423. The second end of the resistor R1 is used to output the first input signal SA. The first end of the resistor R2 receives the second voltage V2. The second end of the resistor R2 is coupled to the second end of the resistor R1. The first end of the resistor R3 is coupled to the second end of the resistor R1. The second end of the resistor R3 is coupled to a reference low voltage VSS (for example, ground). The capacitor C1 is coupled between the second end of the resistor R1 and the reference low voltage VSS.

[0090] For example, the set voltage value VST is 8 volts. In condition A, the power supply connector 10 provides a second state signal SCP2. At this time, the second state signal SCP2 is a PWM signal. The pulse peak value (e.g., 9 volts) of the second state signal SCP2 is higher than the set voltage value VST. It should be noted that the voltage stabilizing circuit 421 delays the discharge speed of the first input signal SA located at the second end of the resistor R1. Therefore, the voltage value of the first input signal SA is still higher than the set voltage value VST, as shown in waveform W2. Therefore, the first input signal SA is judged to have a first logic value (i.e., a high logic value "1"). The second input signal SB also has a first logic value. Therefore, the logic circuit 423 outputs a second control signal SC2. The magnetic attraction FMA is not generated in condition A.

[0091] For example, in condition B, the power supply connector 10 provides a first state signal SCP1. The first state signal SCP1 is a PWM signal. The pulse peak value (e.g., 3 to 6 volts) of the first state signal SCP1 is lower than the set voltage value VST. The voltage regulator circuit 421 delays the discharge speed of the first input signal SA located at the second end of the resistor R1. The voltage value of the first input signal SA is lower than the set voltage value VST, as shown in the waveform W3. Therefore, the first input signal SA is judged to have a second logic value (e.g., a low logic value "0"). The second input signal SB has a first logic value. Therefore, the logic circuit 423 outputs the first control signal SC1. The magnetic attraction FMA is generated in condition B.

[0092] In condition C, the power supply connector 10 provides a second state signal SCP2. At this time, the second state signal SCP2 is a DC voltage signal, and the voltage value of the second state signal SCP2 (e.g., 0 volts or -12 volts) is lower than the set voltage value VST, as shown in the waveform W1. Therefore, the first input signal SA is determined to have a second logic value (e.g., a low logic value "0"). The second input signal SB has a second logic value. Therefore, the logic circuit 423 outputs a second control signal SC2. The magnetic attraction FMA is not generated in condition C.

[0093] Please go back Figure 5 In one embodiment, the magnetic attraction circuit 430 includes an electromagnet circuit 431 and a switch 432. The first electrode of the electromagnet circuit 431 receives the third voltage V3. The first end of the switch 432 is coupled to the second electrode of the electromagnet circuit 431. The second end of the switch 432 is coupled to the reference low voltage VSS. The switch 432 is turned on in response to the first control signal SC1. Therefore, the electromagnet circuit 431 generates a magnetic attraction force FMA. The switch 432 is turned off in response to the second control signal SC2.

[0094] For example, the switch 432 may be implemented by an N-type field effect transistor, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first control signal SC1 has a high logic value. The second control signal SC2 has a low logic value. Therefore, the logic circuit 423 may be implemented by an exclusive OR (XOR) gate, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Based on the above truth table, in conditions A and C, the switch 432 is disconnected in response to the second control signal SC2. The electromagnet circuit 431 does not generate a magnetic attraction force FMA. In condition B, the switch 432 is turned on in response to the first control signal SC1. The electromagnet circuit 431 generates a magnetic attraction force FMA.

[0095] For example, in response to the switch 432 being turned on, the working voltage of the electromagnet circuit 431 is the third voltage V3 (i.e., 12 volts), and the working current of the electromagnet circuit 431 is 0.5 amperes. Therefore, the magnetic attraction force FMA can be between 110 kg and 270 kg. Therefore, when the magnetic attraction force FMA is generated, the user cannot easily unplug the power connector 10 from the charging port 20.

[0096] Please also refer to Figure 1 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 , Figure 7 is an operation flow chart according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the operation process S200 includes steps S210 to S280. In step S210, the user sets the magnetic lock 100 on the power connector 10 and connects the power connector 10 to the charging port 20. In step S220, the detection circuit 420 receives the status signal provided by the power connector 10.

[0097] In step S230, the detection circuit 420 identifies the status signal provided by the power supply connector 10. In response to the detection circuit 420 identifying that the status signal is the second status signal SCP2 (e.g., condition A, C), the operation process S200 returns to the operation of step S220. On the other hand, in response to the detection circuit 420 identifying that the status signal is the first status signal SCP1 (e.g., condition B), the detection circuit 420 outputs the first control signal SC1. The switch 432 is turned on in response to the first control signal SC1 in step S240. Therefore, the electromagnet circuit 431 generates a magnetic attraction force FMA in step S240. Starting from step S240, the power supply connector 10 cannot be unplugged. In step S250, the charging pile charges the electric vehicle EV through the power supply connector 10.

[0098] In step S260, whether the charging of the electric vehicle EV is stopped. For example, when the battery of the electric vehicle EV is in a fully charged state, the charging is stopped. For example, the user operates the power supply connector 10 or the charging pile to stop charging. When charging is not stopped, the operation process S200 returns to the operation of step S250. On the other hand, when charging is stopped (such as condition A), the detection circuit 420 outputs a second control signal SC2. The switch 432 is disconnected in response to the second control signal SC2 in step S270. The electromagnet circuit 431 stops generating the magnetic attraction force FMA in step S270. Therefore, the power supply connector 10 is allowed to be unplugged in step S270.

[0099] In summary, the magnetic lock of the present invention provides a first control signal based on a first status signal from the power supply connector, and generates a magnetic attraction force using a third voltage based on the first control signal. Therefore, the power supply connector can be fixed to the charging port of the electric vehicle by the magnetic attraction force provided by the magnetic lock. At this time, the power supply connector cannot be unplugged. The magnetic circuit also stops generating magnetic attraction force based on the second control signal. At this time, the power supply connector is allowed to be unplugged. The magnetic lock of the present invention responds to the status signal from the power supply connector to determine whether to provide magnetic attraction force. The magnetic lock can prevent the power supply connector from being unplugged during the charging process of the electric vehicle EV. In this way, the risk of the charging port being damaged by charging electricity can be reduced.

[0100] Although the present invention is disclosed in conjunction with the above embodiments, they are not intended to limit the present invention. Any ordinary technician in the technical field may make slight changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be based on the definition of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A magnetic lock for charging an electric vehicle. include: A voltage conversion circuit is configured to receive a first voltage from the power supply connector and convert the first voltage into a second voltage and a third voltage; a detection circuit coupled to the voltage conversion circuit and the power connector, configured to be driven according to the second voltage, to provide a first control signal according to a first state signal from the power connector, and to provide a second control signal according to a second state signal from the power connector; as well as The magnetic attraction circuit is coupled to the voltage conversion circuit and the detection circuit, and is configured to generate a magnetic attraction force using the third voltage according to the first control signal, and to stop generating the magnetic attraction force according to the second control signal. The power supply connector is fixed to the charging port of the electric vehicle through the magnetic attraction.

2. The magnetic lock according to claim 1, in: In response to the power supply connector being connected to the charging port through the magnetic lock and the power supply connector supplying power, the power supply connector provides the first status signal, and The first state signal is a pulse width modulation signal, and a pulse peak value of the first state signal is lower than a set voltage value.

3. The magnetic lock according to claim 1, in: In response to an abnormality occurring in the power supply connector, the power supply connector provides the second status signal, and The second state signal is a DC voltage signal, and a voltage value of the second state signal is lower than a set voltage value.

4. The magnetic lock according to claim 1, in: In response to the power supply connector being connected to the charging port through the magnetic lock and the power supply connector not supplying power, the power supply connector provides the second state signal, and The second state signal is a pulse width modulation signal, and a pulse peak value of the second state signal is higher than a set voltage value.

5. The magnetic lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage conversion circuit include: A first voltage converter, coupled to the detection circuit, configured to receive the first voltage from the proximity guide end of the power supply connector and convert the first voltage into the second voltage; as well as The second voltage converter is coupled to the first voltage converter and the magnetic attraction circuit, and is configured to convert the second voltage into the third voltage.

6. The magnetic lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the voltage conversion circuit include: A first voltage converter, coupled to the magnetic attraction circuit, configured to receive the first voltage from the power end of the power supply connector and convert the first voltage into the third voltage; as well as The second voltage converter is coupled to the first voltage converter and the detection circuit, and is configured to convert the third voltage into the second voltage.

7. The magnetic lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection circuit include: a voltage stabilizing circuit configured to receive one of the first state signal and the second state signal, and convert the received one of the first state signal and the second state signal into a first input signal, wherein in response to the voltage value of the first input signal being higher than a set voltage value, the first logic value is provided, wherein in response to the voltage value of the first input signal being lower than or equal to the set voltage value, the second logic value is provided; a monitoring circuit configured to receive one of the first state signal and the second state signal, provide a second input signal having the first logic value in response to one of the received first state signal and the second state signal being a pulse width modulation signal, and provide the second input signal having the second logic value in response to one of the received first state signal and the second state signal being not a pulse width modulation signal; as well as The logic circuit is coupled to the voltage regulating circuit and the monitoring circuit, and is configured to output the first control signal in response to the first input signal having the second logic value and the second input signal having the first logic value. 8 . The magnetic lock as claimed in claim 7 , wherein in response to the first input signal having the first logic value and the second input signal having the first logic value, the logic circuit outputs the second control signal. 9 . The magnetic lock as claimed in claim 7 , wherein in response to the first input signal having the second logic value and the second input signal having the second logic value, the logic circuit outputs the second control signal.

10. The magnetic lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic circuit include: an electromagnet circuit, a first electrode of the electromagnet circuit receiving the third voltage; as well as a switch, wherein a first end of the switch is coupled to the second electrode of the electromagnet circuit, and a second end of the switch is coupled to a reference low voltage, The switch is turned on in response to the first control signal, so that the electromagnet circuit generates the magnetic attraction force. The switch is turned off in response to the second control signal.

11. A method for operating a magnetic lock for charging an electric vehicle, wherein the magnetic lock comprises a detection circuit and a magnetic attraction circuit, wherein the operating method include: Receiving a first voltage from a power supply connector, and converting the first voltage into a second voltage and a third voltage; driving the detection circuit according to the second voltage; The detection circuit provides a first control signal according to a first status signal from the power supply connector, and provides a second control signal according to a second status signal from the power supply connector; The magnetic attraction circuit generates a magnetic attraction force using the third voltage according to the first control signal, thereby fixing the power supply connector to the charging port of the electric vehicle; as well as The magnetic attraction circuit stops generating the magnetic attraction force according to the second control signal.

12. The operating method according to claim 11, further comprising: include: In response to the power supply connector being connected to the charging port through the magnetic lock and the power supply connector supplying power, the power supply connector provides the first state signal, The first state signal is a pulse width modulation signal, and a pulse peak value of the first state signal is lower than a set voltage value.

13. The operating method according to claim 11, further comprising: include: In response to an abnormality occurring in the power supply connector, the power supply connector provides the second status signal, The second state signal is a DC voltage signal, and the voltage value of the second state signal is lower than a set voltage value.

14. The operating method according to claim 11, further comprising: include: In response to the power supply connector being connected to the charging port through the magnetic lock and the power supply connector not supplying power, the power supply connector provides the second state signal, The second state signal is a pulse width modulation signal, and the pulse peak value of the second state signal is higher than a set voltage value.

15. The operating method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the step of receiving the first voltage from the power supply connector and converting the first voltage into the second voltage and the third voltage is include: Receiving the first voltage from the proximate guide end of the power supply connector and converting the first voltage into the second voltage; as well as The second voltage is converted into the third voltage.

16. The operating method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the step of receiving the first voltage from the power supply connector and converting the first voltage into the second voltage and the third voltage is include: receiving the first voltage from the power supply terminal of the power supply connector, and converting the first voltage into the third voltage; as well as The third voltage is converted into the second voltage.

17. The operating method of claim 11, wherein the detection circuit provides the first control signal according to the first status signal from the power connector, and provides the second control signal according to the second status signal from the power connector. include: Converting one of the received first state signal and the second state signal into a first input signal; In response to the voltage value of the first input signal being higher than the set voltage value, having a first logic value; In response to the voltage value of the first input signal being lower than or equal to the set voltage value, having a second logic value; In response to the received first state signal and one of the received second state signal being a pulse width modulation signal, providing a second input signal having the first logic value; and In response to the received one of the first state signal and the second state signal not being a pulse width modulation signal, the second input signal having the second logic value is provided.

18. The operating method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing the first control signal according to the first status signal from the power connector and providing the second control signal according to the second status signal from the power connector is further include: In response to the first input signal having the second logic value and the second input signal having the first logic value, the first control signal is output.

19. The operating method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing the first control signal according to the first status signal from the power connector and providing the second control signal according to the second status signal from the power connector is further include: In response to the first input signal having the first logic value and the second input signal having the first logic value, the second control signal is output.

20. The operating method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing the first control signal according to the first status signal from the power connector and providing the second control signal according to the second status signal from the power connector is further include: In response to the first input signal having the second logic value and the second input signal having the second logic value, the second control signal is output.

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