Charging socket and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of vehicles, in particular to a charging socket (10) for a vehicle, comprising: a panel (1) provided with charging ports (2, 3); the position detection module (4) is used for detecting the insertion depth change of the charging gun (200) in the process of being inserted into the charging ports (2 and 3) of the charging socket (10); and a feedback module (5) configured to be able to feed back the insertion depth change detected by the position detection module (4) to a user (300) in a predetermined manner. Through some embodiments of the invention, the insertion process of the charging gun can be clarified, so that a user can know the insertion progress of the charging gun, thereby improving the user experience and ensuring the use safety of charging hardware. In addition, real-time automatic closed-loop adjustment of the panel temperature of the charging socket and / or the temperature of the charging port can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles, and in particular to a charging socket and a corresponding vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle charging socket is an interface device for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles to obtain electrical energy. Its function is to connect the vehicle with external charging equipment and ensure stable transmission of electrical energy to charge the vehicle battery. Usually, the vehicle charging socket includes a DC charging port and an AC charging port. During user operation, the user must first open the charging port cover, and then hold the charging gun in the socket and insert it into the matching charging port. At present, the existing charging socket is equipped with a safety locking device, and the user can hear a "click" sound when the charging gun is plugged in. After successful plugging, charging can begin. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a charging socket for a vehicle, which can identify and feedback the insertion progress of a charging gun, thereby further improving the charging experience of the user.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging socket for a vehicle, comprising: a panel provided with a charging port; a position detection module for detecting a change in insertion depth of a charging gun during insertion into the charging port of the charging socket; and a feedback module configured to be able to feed back the insertion depth change detected by the position detection module to a user in a predetermined manner.

[0005] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the feedback module includes at least one of a visual feedback unit, a tactile feedback unit and an auditory feedback unit, preferably includes a visual feedback unit and a tactile feedback unit.

[0006] Particularly, the visual feedback unit is a display screen arranged in the panel, preferably a touch display screen.

[0007] Particularly, the tactile feedback unit is concealedly disposed in the panel.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the insertion depth change of the charging gun detected by the position detection module is visually fed back to the user in the form of percentage.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the position detection module includes a position sensor arranged inside the charging port of the charging socket.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor is arranged at a side wall of the charging port, and is configured to detect position changes of peripheral feature points of the charging gun.

[0011] Preferably, the position sensor is an electrical sensor, more preferably based on a sliding rheostat or a resistor array design.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor is arranged at the bottom of the charging port, and is configured to detect a position change of a front end feature point of the charging gun.

[0013] Preferably, the position sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0014] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the change in the insertion depth of the charging gun is a change in percentage of a ratio of a distance of a characteristic point of the charging gun relative to the panel to an expected insertion depth corresponding to the charging port over time.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the feedback module is configured to provide corresponding feedback, especially tactile feedback, to the user when it is determined that the charging gun is aligned with the charging port of the charging socket and when it is determined that the charging gun reaches a desired insertion depth.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the charging socket is configured to be communicatively connected to an identification unit of the vehicle, in particular, to be communicatively connected via a controller of the vehicle, wherein, with the aid of the identification unit, it is determined whether the charging gun is aligned with the charging port of the charging socket.

[0017] Particularly, the recognition unit is a camera or an optical sensor.

[0018] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the charging socket also includes a temperature sensor and a temperature adjustment module, the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the panel and / or the charging port of the charging socket, and the temperature adjustment module is configured to adjust the temperature of the panel and / or the charging port accordingly in response to determining that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a corresponding temperature threshold range.

[0019] Preferably, the temperature adjustment module includes a heating unit and a cooling unit integrated in the charging socket.

[0020] Preferably, the temperature adjustment module is further configured to adjust the temperature additionally based on the ambient temperature of the vehicle surroundings and / or user-specific preferences.

[0021] Preferably, the charging socket further comprises a charging port cover for covering the panel, and the temperature sensor and the temperature adjustment module are configured to be activated in response to determining that the charging port cover of the charging socket is opened.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising any charging socket according to the present invention.

[0023] Through certain embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle's charging socket can detect changes in the insertion depth of the charging gun into the charging port, clarify the insertion process of the charging gun, and enable the user to understand the insertion progress of the charging gun through feedback provided by the charging socket, thereby at least promptly ending the force applied to the charging gun by the user to complete the insertion operation, thereby improving the user experience and ensuring the safe use of the charging hardware.

[0024] It is worth noting that the advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are not limited to the advantages and beneficial effects mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can understand other unmentioned advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention through the following specific embodiments and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Below, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the principles, features and advantages of the present invention can be better understood. In the accompanying drawings,

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a user charging operation scenario of a vehicle;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a charging socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a process of inserting a charging gun into a charging port according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an electrical signal connection configuration of a charging socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of electrical control logic of a charging socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial technical effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the principles of the present invention, rather than to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the charging socket 10 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a panel 1, on which charging ports 2 and 3 are provided. The charging ports 2 and 3 are DC and AC charging ports 2 and 3, respectively. The charging socket 10 also includes a position detection module 4, which is used to detect the insertion depth change of the charging gun 200 during the process of inserting the charging ports 2 and 3 of the charging socket 10; and a feedback module 5, which is configured to be able to feed back the insertion depth change detected by the position detection module 4 to the user 300 in a predetermined manner. It should be understood that Figure 2 The arrangement of the various components on the panel 1 of the charging socket 10 is only schematically and not restrictively depicted.

[0033] In order to charge the vehicle, the user needs to hold the charging gun to align it with the matching charging port and insert the charging gun into the charging port. During this manual operation, the user needs to constantly apply force to hold the charging gun, which is laborious for the user, especially for female users with less strength. In addition, if the user fails to promptly learn that the charging gun has been successfully plugged in, he may continue to apply force to push the charging gun into the charging port, or even shake the charging gun to ensure successful plugging. On the one hand, these operations will increase the user's concerns about the uncertainty of whether the plugging is successful, increase the time of holding the charging gun and consume more physical strength, and on the other hand, they will increase the risk of damage to the charging port, charging socket and charging gun.

[0034] In the prior art, there is a solution for detecting or determining whether the charging gun is inserted in place or plugged successfully, so as to provide corresponding instructions to the user to facilitate the user's operation. However, this only detects the position or state of the charging gun being inserted in place.

[0035] Different from this, the charging socket according to the embodiment of the present invention can continuously detect the changes in the insertion depth of the charging gun from the initial moment when the charging gun is aimed at the charging port or just inserted into the charging port, clarifying the entire insertion process of the charging gun, so that the user can understand the insertion progress of the charging gun through the feedback provided by the charging socket, and have a pre-judgment and psychological preparation for the charging gun to be plugged in place, so that the gun insertion operation can be performed more safely, and at least the force applied to the charging gun by the user to complete the insertion operation can be ended in time, thereby improving the user experience and ensuring the safe use of the charging hardware.

[0036] Alternatively, if Figure 2As shown, the feedback module 5 may include at least one of a visual feedback unit 51, a tactile feedback unit 52 and an auditory feedback unit 53. Thus, it is possible to allow diversified feedback to be provided to the user in a multi-mode manner. Preferably, the feedback module 5 may include both a visual feedback unit 51 and a tactile feedback unit 52. In particular, the visual feedback unit 51 may be a display screen arranged in the panel 1, preferably a touch display screen. Through the touch display screen, the user can not only observe the insertion depth change of the charging gun, but also input user instructions, such as setting the charging time, etc. In addition, the tactile feedback unit 52 may be particularly hidden in the panel 1, for example, including a vibration unit for generating vibration, which may be provided to the user through the panel, the charging port, and the charging gun inserted into the charging port. For tactile feedback and auditory feedback, the insertion depth change of the charging gun may be displayed in a manner in which the feedback gradually increases or gradually decreases.

[0037] In particular, the insertion depth change of the charging gun 200 detected by the position detection module 4 can be fed back to the user 300 in the form of a percentage. Figure 3 As shown, the insertion depth variation of the charging gun 200 can be a function of the distance d of the characteristic point of the charging gun 200 relative to the panel 1 and the desired insertion depth d corresponding to the charging ports 2 and 3. 0 The percentage of the ratio of the charging gun to the charging gun changes over time. That is, in one embodiment, the change of the percentage over time can be displayed in digital form on the display screen on the panel 1 to provide visual feedback to the user. The user can understand the progress of the charging gun insertion process through the (continuous or quasi-continuous) jump of the percentage. Alternatively, a dynamically changing graphic such as a progress bar can be used to represent the change of the percentage over time. In addition, the numerical value of the gun insertion depth can also be provided to the user in the form of a sound prompt. In this way, the gun insertion depth can be converted into a specific numerical value, so that the progress of the gun insertion process is clear.

[0038] Optionally, the position detection module 4 may include a position sensor disposed inside the charging port 2, 3 of the charging socket 10. Here, the position sensor may be partially or preferably completely hidden in the inner surface of the charging port 2, 3.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the position sensor may be arranged at the side wall of the charging port 2, 3, and is configured to detect the position change of the peripheral feature point of the charging gun 200. In this case, the position sensor may preferably be an electrical sensor, more preferably based on a sliding rheostat or a resistor array design.

[0040] For example, in one embodiment, a sliding rheostat can be provided at the side wall of the charging port 2, 3, so that its sliding end can be connected to the characteristic point of the charging gun and driven by the characteristic point to slide synchronously, so that when the position of the charging gun in the charging port changes, the sliding end of the sliding rheostat changes accordingly, and the resistance value of the access circuit of the sliding rheostat also changes accordingly. Thus, by measuring the resistance change and according to Ohm's law, the continuous detection of the insertion depth change of the charging gun can be achieved.

[0041] For another example, in another embodiment, alternatively, a series of resistors (especially fixed resistors) can be arranged at intervals on the side walls of the charging ports 2 and 3, that is, a resistor array is constructed, in which the resistors are arranged at a certain interval, and each resistor corresponds to a specific position interval. When the charging gun is inserted into the charging port 2 or 3, the electrical contacts on the charging gun can slide on the resistor array to switch or select different resistance nodes. By measuring the resistance value of the access circuit and combining the correspondence between the resistor and the position, the insertion depth of the charging gun can be determined. Although the position detection result is discrete, quasi-continuous position detection can be achieved by reasonably reducing the resistor spacing and increasing the number of resistors.

[0042] In addition to the electrical sensors for detecting the peripheral characteristic points of the charging gun 200, according to another exemplary embodiment, the position sensor can also be arranged at the bottom of the charging ports 2 and 3 and configured to detect the position change of the front characteristic points of the charging gun 200. In this case, the position sensor is preferably a pressure sensor.

[0043] For example, an elastic part such as a spring can be set at the bottom of the charging port, one end of the elastic part is connected to the pressure sensor, and the other end is a free end. The front feature point of the charging gun 200 can apply pressure to the elastic part to compress the elastic part after contacting the free end, and the elastic force of the elastic part can further act on the pressure sensor, thereby realizing the position detection of the charging gun with the help of the pressure sensor.

[0044] The above-mentioned characteristic points of the charging gun 200, including for example peripheral characteristic points and front characteristic points, may be any appropriate characteristic regions or characteristic parts, such as protrusions on the outer surface of the charging gun 200. The characteristic points may be electrically connected to the position sensor.

[0045] Optionally, the feedback module 5 can be configured to provide corresponding feedback, especially tactile feedback, to the user when it is determined that the charging gun 200 is aligned with the charging ports 2 and 3 of the charging socket 10 and when it is determined that the charging gun 200 reaches the desired insertion depth d0. This can help the user understand the key positions, key states and key time nodes of operating the charging gun.

[0046] Furthermore, if Figure 4As shown, the charging socket 10 can be configured to be communicatively connected with the identification unit 120 of the vehicle 100, in particular, through the vehicle's controller 110, wherein, with the aid of the identification unit 120, it is determined whether the charging gun 200 is aligned with the charging ports 2 and 3 of the charging socket 10. In this way, it is possible to determine whether the charging gun is aligned with the charging port with the aid of the existing sensors of the vehicle. The identification unit 120 can be in particular a camera or an optical sensor. For example, it is possible to determine whether the charging gun is aligned with the charging port with the aid of a camera through image recognition technology, or it is possible to determine whether the charging gun is aligned with the charging port through changes in light intensity with the aid of an optical sensor arranged near the charging port of the charging socket. Of course, in addition to directly using the vehicle controller 110, a separate processor can also be provided in the charging socket 10 and communicatively connected to the vehicle controller 110.

[0047] Optionally, in some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the charging socket 10 may further include a temperature sensor 6 and a temperature adjustment module 7. The temperature sensor 6 is used to detect the temperature of the panel 1 and / or the charging ports 2, 3 of the charging socket 10. The temperature adjustment module 7 is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the panel 1 and / or the charging ports 2, 3 of the charging socket 10 accordingly in response to determining that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 6 exceeds the corresponding temperature threshold range. Preferably, the temperature adjustment module 7 may include a heating unit and a cooling unit integrated in the charging socket 10. Thus, the corresponding temperature adjustment can be achieved by additional components. The temperature sensor 6 may be, for example, an NTC or PTC thermistor, and the temperature adjustment module 7 may include a heating component (e.g., a resistance coil) and a cooling component (e.g., a liquid cooling component or an air cooling component).

[0048] Thus, the temperature sensor 6 and the temperature adjustment module 7 can realize the real-time automatic closed-loop adjustment of the panel temperature of the charging socket and / or the charging port temperature, thereby improving the comfort and experience of the user in operating the charging socket, and facilitating the smooth completion of the charging process, such as preventing the charging port from overheating and overcooling. Additionally, the charging port corresponding to the charging gun type or the type of charging process to be performed (DC charging or AC charging) can be determined in a suitable manner, and the temperature detection operation is performed on the determined charging port by means of the temperature sensor 6, and the temperature adjustment operation is performed accordingly by means of the temperature adjustment module 7. For example, a temperature sensor 6 and a temperature adjustment module 7 can be respectively provided for each charging port 2 and 3, or a common temperature sensor 6 and a temperature adjustment module 7 can be used alternatively. Suitable methods for determining the type of charging gun or the type of charging process to be performed may include sensor detection such as image recognition, manual selection input by the user, direct association according to the type of charging process selected by the user or the type of charging gun removed from the charging device, etc. In addition, an intelligent reminder can also be sent to the user based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 6.

[0049] Here, the temperature sensor 6 and the temperature adjustment module 7 and the corresponding temperature adjustment operation may be performed throughout the entire charging gun insertion process, or may be performed before the charging gun insertion process. For example, preferably, the charging socket 10 may also include a charging port cover (including an outer cover and / or an inner cover) for covering the panel 1, and the temperature sensor 6 and the temperature adjustment module 7 may be configured to be activated in response to determining that the charging port cover of the charging socket 10 is opened.

[0050] Preferably, the temperature adjustment module 7 can also be configured to adjust the temperature based on the ambient temperature of the vehicle and / or the user's specific preferences. In this way, the granularity of temperature adjustment can be further improved, the user's tactile comfort can be improved, and the personalized solution can be further improved. To this end, as those skilled in the art will know, the ambient temperature of the vehicle and the user's identity can be detected by means of other systems of the vehicle or other sensors equipped, which will not be described in detail in this specification.

[0051] Figure 5 FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of electrical control logic of a charging socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown,

[0052] S0: Start; this step may correspond to the charging port cover being opened,

[0053] S1: Determine whether the charging gun is aligned with the charging port;

[0054] S2: (If yes,) detect the insertion depth change of the charging gun 200 (i.e., the position change of the charging gun 200 in the charging ports 2 and 3) through the position detection module 4 and transmit the detection result as a signal to a processor, such as the controller 110 of the vehicle;

[0055] S3: A processor, such as a vehicle controller 110 , generates a control instruction according to the received signal and outputs the control instruction to the feedback module 5 of the charging socket 10 ;

[0056] S41: Providing tactile feedback to the user through the tactile feedback unit 52;

[0057] S42: Providing visual feedback to the user through the visual feedback unit 51;

[0058] S43: Providing auditory feedback to the user through the auditory feedback unit 53;

[0059] S6: Detecting the temperature of the panel 1 of the charging socket 10 and / or the charging ports 2 and 3 through the temperature sensor 6;

[0060] S7: Determine whether the temperature of the panel 1 of the charging socket 10 and / or the charging ports 2 and 3 is appropriate;

[0061] S8: (if not,) adjust the temperature of the panel 1 of the charging socket 10 and / or the charging ports 2 , 3 to a suitable temperature value or range through the temperature adjustment module 7 .

[0062] S41, S42 and S43 may be performed individually or in any combination as needed. When it is determined in S1 that the charging gun has been aligned with the charging port, S41 may be optionally performed to provide a tactile feedback to the user.

[0063] It should be understood that the logic and / or steps represented in the logic flow diagram or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, which can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus (such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor or other system that can fetch instructions from an instruction execution system, device or apparatus and execute instructions), or used in combination with these instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses.

[0064] An embodiment of the present invention further relates to a vehicle comprising any one of the above-mentioned charging sockets.

[0065] Through certain embodiments of the present invention, the charging socket of the vehicle can detect the change in the insertion depth of the charging gun into the charging port, clarify the insertion process of the charging gun, and enable the user to understand the insertion progress of the charging gun through the feedback provided by the charging socket, thereby improving the user experience and ensuring the safe use of the charging hardware. In addition, the vehicle charging socket according to certain embodiments of the present invention can realize real-time automatic closed-loop adjustment of the charging socket panel temperature and / or the charging port temperature, thereby improving the user's comfort and experience in operating the charging socket, and facilitating the smooth completion of the charging process, avoiding overheating and overcooling of the charging port.

[0066] Those skilled in the art may combine and associate different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in this specification without mutual contradiction.

[0067] Although specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail herein, they are provided for the purpose of explanation only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. Various substitutions, changes and modifications may be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging socket (10) for a vehicle, comprising: A panel (1) provided with charging ports (2, 3); A position detection module (4) for detecting a change in the insertion depth of a charging gun (200) during insertion into a charging port (2, 3) of a charging socket (10); and A feedback module (5) is configured to feed back the insertion depth change detected by the position detection module (4) to a user (300) in a predetermined manner.

2. The charging socket (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feedback module (5) comprises at least one of a visual feedback unit (51), a tactile feedback unit (52) and an auditory feedback unit (53), preferably comprising a visual feedback unit (51) and a tactile feedback unit (52), In particular, the visual feedback unit (51) is a display screen arranged in the panel (1), preferably a touch display screen, and / or The tactile feedback unit (52) is concealedly arranged in the panel (1).

3. The charging socket (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The insertion depth change of the charging gun (200) detected by the position detection module (4) is visually fed back to the user (300) in the form of a percentage; and / or The position detection module (4) comprises a position sensor arranged inside the charging port (2, 3) of the charging socket (10).

4. The charging socket (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position sensor is arranged on the side wall of the charging port (2, 3) and is configured to detect position changes of peripheral feature points of the charging gun (200). Preferably, the position sensor is an electrical sensor, more preferably based on a sliding rheostat or a resistor array design.

5. The charging socket (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position sensor is arranged at the bottom of the charging port (2, 3) and is configured to detect a position change of a front feature point of the charging gun (200). Preferably, the position sensor is a pressure sensor.

6. The charging socket (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The insertion depth variation of the charging gun (200) is the percentage variation over time of the ratio of the distance (d) of the characteristic point of the charging gun (200) relative to the panel (1) to the expected insertion depth (d0) corresponding to the charging port (2, 3).

7. The charging socket (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The feedback module (5) is configured to provide corresponding feedback, in particular tactile feedback, to a user when it is determined that the charging gun (200) is aligned with the charging port (2, 3) of the charging socket (10) and when it is determined that the charging gun (200) reaches a desired insertion depth (d0).

8. The charging socket (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The charging socket (10) is configured to be communicatively connected to an identification unit (120) of a vehicle (100), in particular to be communicatively connected via a controller (110) of the vehicle, Wherein, with the aid of the identification unit (120), it is determined that the charging gun (200) is aligned with the charging port (2, 3) of the charging socket (10), and the identification unit (120) is in particular a camera or an optical sensor.

9. The charging socket (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The charging socket (10) further comprises a temperature sensor (6) and a temperature regulating module (7), wherein the temperature sensor (6) is used to detect the temperature of the panel (1) and / or the charging port (2, 3) of the charging socket (10), and the temperature regulating module (7) is configured to adjust the temperature of the panel (1) and / or the charging port (2, 3) accordingly in response to determining that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (6) exceeds a corresponding temperature threshold range. Preferably, the temperature regulating module (7) comprises a heating unit and a cooling unit integrated in the charging socket (10), and / or Preferably, the temperature adjustment module (7) is further configured to adjust the temperature based on the ambient temperature of the vehicle and / or user-specific preferences, and / or Preferably, the charging socket (10) further comprises a charging port cover for covering the panel (1), and the temperature sensor (6) and the temperature adjustment module (7) are configured to be activated in response to determining that the charging port cover of the charging socket (10) is opened.

10. A vehicle, comprising a charging socket (10) according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images