Fuel adding equipment and fuel adding signal sending method

Abstract

A fueling apparatus and a fueling signal transmission method are disclosed. The fuel adding equipment comprises a supporting plate; a connector protruding from the support plate and configured to be coupled to a dispenser of a fueling station for fueling; a detection sensor configured to detect the dispenser coupled to the connector; and a signal transmitter configured to transmit a signal to the fueling station based on the detection sensor detecting the dispenser.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0181250, filed on December 13, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0006180, filed on January 15, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fueling device and a fueling signal transmission method. Background art

[0004] Recently, with the increasing awareness of environmental crises and the depletion of oil resources, research and development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as environmentally friendly vehicles have been emphasized.

[0005] A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is a vehicle that utilizes a fuel cell using hydrogen as fuel. A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can be driven by electric power obtained from the reaction of stored hydrogen and oxygen. For current reasons, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles need to be refueled with hydrogen from a fueling station.

[0006] A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle may include a connector to be coupled to a dispenser at a fueling station. Thus, when refueling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with hydrogen from a dispenser at a fueling station, the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and the fueling station need to transmit and receive information. When the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is ready to add hydrogen fuel from the dispenser at the fueling station, the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle transmits information to the fueling station, and the fueling station receives the information from the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

[0007] Accordingly, there is an increasing need for a fueling device and a fueling signal transmission method that allow a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to transmit information to a fueling station at a more precise time.

[0008] The information included in this background of the present disclosure is only for enhancing the understanding of the overall background of the present disclosure and may not be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing a fueling device and a fueling signal transmission method by which, when a dispenser at a fueling station is coupled to a connector of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, a signal is transmitted to the fueling station.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fueling device includes: a support plate; a connector protruding from the support plate and configured to be coupled to a dispenser of a fueling station to fuel; a detection sensor configured to detect the dispenser coupled to the connector; and a signal transmitter configured to send a signal to the fueling station based on the dispenser being detected by the detection sensor.

[0012] The detection sensor may be mounted on the support plate and may be configured to detect the dispenser when in contact with the dispenser radially outside the connector.

[0013] When the direction in which the connector and the detection sensor protrude from the support plate is the forward direction, a front end portion of the detection sensor is located in the forward direction of a front end portion of the connector.

[0014] The fueling device may further include a housing member including an internal space and the support plate, the support plate, the connector, the detection sensor, and the signal transmitter being received in the internal space, and the detection sensor may be mounted on the housing member and may be configured to detect the dispenser.

[0015] The detection sensor may detect the dispenser when pressed by the dispenser or may detect the dispenser when spaced apart from the dispenser.

[0016] The fueling device may further include: a housing member including an internal space and the support plate, the support plate, the connector, the detection sensor, and the signal transmitter being received in the internal space; and a cover rotatably coupled to the housing member to open or enclose the internal space toward or from the outside, and the detection sensor may be configured to detect the cover enclosing the internal space.

[0017] The signal transmitter may be provided in the support plate.

[0018] The fueling device may further include a processor operatively connected to the detection sensor and the signal transmitter. The processor may be configured to identify a driving state condition of a vehicle including the connector and, in response to the driving state condition of the vehicle being satisfied, send a signal to the fueling station.

[0019] In identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle, the processor may be configured to perform at least one of determining whether the start of the vehicle is turned off, determining whether the gear of the vehicle is in the park (P) state, and determining whether the driving speed of the vehicle is a predetermined speed or less than the predetermined speed.

[0020] The processor may be further configured to prevent the start of the vehicle from being turned on in response to detecting the dispenser coupled to the connector.

[0021] The fueling device may further include a housing member that includes an internal space and a support plate, where the support plate, the connector, the detection sensor, and the signal transmitter are accommodated in the internal space; and a cover that is rotatably connected to the housing member and configured to open or close the internal space. The processor may further be configured to detect the cover and send a signal to the fueling station in response to not detecting the cover.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fueling signal transmission method using a vehicle including a connector and a fueling station including a dispenser, and the connector is coupled to the dispenser, the method includes: detecting, by a detection sensor, the dispenser coupled to the connector; identifying, by a processor operably connected to the detection sensor, a driving state condition of the vehicle; and sending, by the processor, a signal to the fueling station in response to the driving state condition of the vehicle being satisfied.

[0023] Identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle may include determining whether the ignition of the vehicle is off.

[0024] Identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle may include determining whether the gear of the vehicle is in the park (P) state.

[0025] Identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle may include determining whether the driving speed of the vehicle is a predetermined speed or less than the predetermined speed.

[0026] The fueling signal transmission method may further include preventing the ignition of the vehicle from being turned on in response to detecting the dispenser coupled to the connector.

[0027] The fueling signal transmission method may further include: detecting a cover that is rotatably coupled to the connector and configured to open the internal space accommodating the connector to the outside or enclose the internal space from the outside; and sending a signal to the fueling station in response to not detecting the cover.

[0028] The fueling signal transmission method may further include: providing a notification of not detecting the dispenser to the user in response to not detecting the dispenser; and providing a notification of not satisfying the driving state condition of the vehicle to the user when the driving state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied.

[0029] The fueling signal transmission method may further include: providing a notification of not detecting the cover to the user in response to not detecting the cover.

[0030] The methods and devices of the present disclosure have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or more particularly set forth in the accompanying drawings incorporated herein and the following detailed description, which together are used to explain certain principles of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1is a block diagram of a fueling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a fueling device and a dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fueling device in a state where the cover opens the internal space according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 is coupled to Figure 3 a longitudinal sectional view of the dispenser on the connector shown;

[0035] Figure 5 is in the state of Figure 3 a longitudinal sectional view of the fueling device in a state where the cover closes the internal space shown;

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a longitudinal sectional view of a connector and a detection sensor of a fueling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from the front side;

[0037] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fueling device in a state where the cover opens the internal space according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state where the dispenser is coupled to Figure 7 the connector shown;

[0039] Figure 9 is Figure 7 a longitudinal sectional view of the fueling device in a state where the cover closes the internal space shown;

[0040] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a fueling signal transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a fueling signal transmission method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and present a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrating the basic principles of the present disclosure. Specific design features of the present disclosure as included herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0043] In the drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present disclosure throughout several views of the drawings. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present disclosure to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0045] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. In addition, in the various figures, when adding reference numerals to the components, even in different figures, the same reference numerals are preferably added to the same components as much as possible. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may impede the understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] In addition, when describing the components of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the components, and the nature, order, and sequence of the corresponding components are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms include the same meanings as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Commonly used terms (such as those defined in a dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the context of the related art and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless clearly defined in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 1 to 11 , various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0048] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a fueling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1 , the fueling device 100 may be a device provided in a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). A fuel cell electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle") needs to add hydrogen fuel (hereinafter referred to as "fuel") to a storage tank that stores hydrogen reacting with air.

[0050] To this end, the vehicle can obtain it from a fueling station (see Figure 2The dispenser 160 of ( ) receives fuel and can store the fuel in a storage tank. Meanwhile, the fueling method and process of the vehicle and the fueling station can follow international standards.

[0051] When the vehicle is ready to be fueled, it can send a signal indicating readiness to be fueled to the fueling station, and thus, the fueling station can supply fuel to the vehicle through the dispenser 160.

[0052] When the vehicle is ready to be fueled, according to the procedure of SAE J2799 issued by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the signal sent to the fueling station can be an infrared signal.

[0053] Hereinafter, a fueling device 100 for sending an infrared signal to a fueling station to enable a vehicle to receive fuel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0054] The fueling device 100 may include a connector 130 and detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3. The connector 130 is formed to be coupled to the dispenser 160, and the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 are configured to detect the dispenser 160 coupled to the connector 130.

[0055] The fueling device 100 may include a signal transmitter 120 formed to send a signal to the fueling station. The signal transmitter 120 can send infrared rays. The signal transmitter 120 can communicate with the fueling station through infrared rays. The signal transmitter 120 can meet the SAE J2799 standard.

[0056] Based on the dispenser 160 coupled to the connector 130 being detected by the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3, the signal transmitter 120 can send an infrared signal to the fueling station.

[0057] The fueling device 100 may include a controller 200. The controller 200 may include a memory 201 and a processor 202. The memory 201 may include a volatile memory (such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (D-RAM)) for temporarily storing data when power is supplied, and a non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) and erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM)) for saving data even when the power supply is interrupted.

[0058] The processor 202 may include various logic circuits and arithmetic circuits, may be configured to process data according to a program provided from the memory 201, and may be configured to generate a control signal according to the processing result.

[0059] When detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 detect dispenser 160 connected to connector 130, processor 202 may be configured to control signal transmitter 120 such that signal transmitter 120 transmits an infrared signal to a fueling station.

[0060] According to this configuration, after a certain (specific) period of time has elapsed after cover 105 is opened to expose internal space 102 (see Figure 3 etc.) that houses connector 130, signal transmitter 120 may transmit an infrared signal to the fueling station when the user's intention to add fuel via dispenser 160 is clearer than when transmitting the infrared signal to the fueling station.

[0061] Even when signal transmitter 120 transmits an infrared signal after a certain period of time has elapsed after cover 105 is opened to expose internal space 102, the user may not immediately add fuel to the vehicle for other reasons. Compared with these situations, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the infrared signal can be transmitted at a more accurate moment, and the fueling start point can be more clearly distinguished.

[0062] In addition, even when the vehicle is provided with multiple connectors 130, dispensers 160 that cannot be connected to connector 130 can be prevented from approaching and transmitting infrared signals, thereby preventing power consumption.

[0063] In addition, when the vehicle is provided with multiple connectors 130, signal transmitter 120 may transmit an infrared signal corresponding to dispenser 160 connected to each connector 130.

[0064] Therefore, signal transmitter 120 can transmit an infrared signal to the fueling station through a simpler procedure without a separate fueling preparation switch and a cover sensor configured to detect cover 105 (see Figure 5 ), and thus, information indicating that fueling is ready can be immediately transmitted to the fueling station.

[0065] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a fueling device and a dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 shows that fueling device 100 (see Figure 1 ) may include: a support plate 101 extending in a second direction D2 and a third direction D3 perpendicular to a first direction D1 facing the front side; and a connector 130 protruding from support plate 101 toward the first direction D1. Here, the third direction D3 may be perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0067] As described above, the connector 130 can be configured to be coupled to the dispenser 160 of a fueling station to fuel. The connector 130 can define a supply hole 130a for supplying fuel therein. The outer and inner circumferences of the connector 130 can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0068] The dispenser 160 can define a dispenser hole 160a therein, and the outer circumference of the connector 130 is inserted into the dispenser hole 160a. When the connector 130 is inserted into the dispenser hole 160a, the dispenser 160 can be fully coupled to the connector 130.

[0069] Although not shown separately in the drawings, the connector 130 and the dispenser 160 can include a separate coupling structure for fixing their coupling.

[0070] The fueling device 100 can include a detection sensor 110 mounted on the support plate 101 to detect the dispenser 160 coupled to the connector 130. The detection sensor 110 is disposed radially outside the connector 130 to detect the dispenser 160. The detection sensor 110 can be provided as a contact-type sensor and a non-contact-type sensor. The contact-type sensor is configured to detect the dispenser 160 when contacting the dispenser 160, and the non-contact-type sensor is configured to detect the dispenser 160 when spaced apart from the dispenser 160.

[0071] Regarding the contact-type sensor, the detection sensor 110 can be provided as a pressure sensor using a resistive film or an electrostatic sensor using capacitance. It can be configured at a position where it is pressed by the dispenser 160 when the dispenser 160 is coupled to the connector 130. The position pressing the detection sensor 110 can be between the connector 130 and the signal transmitter 120. Thus, the detection sensor 110 can be pressed by the dispenser 160 to detect the dispenser 160.

[0072] Regarding the non-contact-type sensor, the detection sensor 110 can be provided as an inductive proximity sensor configured to detect a change in the surrounding magnetic field when the dispenser 160 approaches; a capacitive proximity sensor configured to detect the dispenser 160 by measuring a change in the capacitance of the dispenser 160; an ultrasonic proximity sensor that emits ultrasonic waves to the dispenser 160 to use the reflected ultrasonic waves; and an optical proximity sensor that radiates light such as infrared light to the dispenser 160 to use the reflected light.

[0073] Thus, the detection sensor 110 is provided as either a pressure sensor configured to be pressed by the dispenser 160 to detect the pressure of the dispenser 160 or a proximity sensor configured to detect the approach of the dispenser 160 without contacting the dispenser 160.

[0074] However, the detection sensor 110 is not limited to the above types, as long as it can detect the dispenser 160.

[0075] The fueling device 100 may include a signal transmitter 120 disposed on the support plate 101 and configured to transmit an infrared signal toward the fueling station in a first direction D1 when the detection sensor 110 detects the dispenser 160.

[0076] According to this structure, when the dispenser 160 is connected to the connector 130 on the radially outer side, the detection sensor 110 configured to detect the dispenser 160 can send an electrical signal to the processor 202 (see Figure 1 ). The processor 202 can receive the electrical signal and can be configured to control the signal transmitter 120 to send an infrared signal indicating that fueling is ready to the fueling station.

[0077] In Figure 2 's case, different from the structure to be described later, this structure may not be provided with an internal space and a cover structure.

[0078] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fueling device in a state where the cover opens the internal space according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispenser coupled to the connector shown in Figure 3 ; Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fueling device in a state where the cover closes the internal space shown in Figure 3 .

[0079] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the fueling device 100 (see Figure 1 ) may include a connector 130 protruding from the support plate 101 in a first direction D1; and a detection sensor 110-1 and a signal transmitter 120 disposed on the support plate 101.

[0080] The support plate 101, the connector 130, the detection sensor 110-1, and the signal transmitter 120 of the fueling device 100 may be accommodated in the internal space 102.

[0081] In other words, the fueling device 100 may include a housing member 103 that, together with the support plate 101, defines an internal space 102, which is a space that opens or closes toward or from the outside of the vehicle.

[0082] The housing member 103 may protrude from the support plate 101 in a first direction D1 and may extend in a circumferential direction to define an internal space 102 therein.

[0083] The fueling device 100 may include a lid 105 configured to be rotatable relative to a housing member 103 to open or close an interior space 102 toward or from the outside thereof. The lid 105 may be rotatably coupled to the housing member 103 by a connecting member 104. When the lid 105 rotates away from the housing member 103, the connecting member 104 may be pulled out from the housing member 103, and when the lid 105 rotates closer to the housing member 103, the connecting member 104 may be inserted into the housing member 103.

[0084] When the lid 105 is viewed along a first direction D1, the size of the lid 105 may be larger than the area of the interior space 102, and when the lid 105 is arranged to cover the interior space 102, the lid 105 may be fixed relative to the housing member 103. To fix the position of the lid 105, other regions of the lid 105 and the housing member 103 may be coupled to each other.

[0085] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the lid 105 may open the interior space 102 toward the outside, or as Figure 5 shown, the lid 105 may close the interior space 102 from the outside.

[0086] On the other hand, the detection sensor 110-1 may be formed to detect the dispenser 160 when contacting the dispenser 160 on the radially outer side of the connector 130. More specifically, the detection sensor 110-1 may be provided as a pressure sensor.

[0087] In other words, Figure 2 the detection sensor 110 shown in

[0088] may be arranged on the radially outer side of the connector 130, and the front end portion of the detection sensor 110 facing the first direction D1 may be arranged in a direction opposite to the first direction of the connector 130. Figure 3 In contrast,

[0089] the detection sensor 110-1 shown in

[0090] may be arranged on the radially outer side of the connector 130, and the front end portion of the detection sensor 110-1 facing the first direction D1 may be arranged in the first direction D1 of the connector 130.

[0091] When the dispenser 160 is inserted into the internal space 102 and moved radially outward with respect to the connector 130, the dispenser 160 can press the front end portion of the detection sensor 110-1 in a direction opposite to the first direction D1 (e.g., the backward direction), and thus, the signal transmitter 120 can transmit an infrared signal in the first direction D1.

[0092] The detection sensor 110-1 can detect not only the dispenser 160 but also the cover 105. When the cover 105 closes the internal space 102 from the outside, the detection sensor 110-1 can detect the cover 105. That is, the detection sensor 110-1 can be configured to detect the cover 105 that closes the internal space 102.

[0093] That is, when the cover 105 rotates relative to the housing member 103 to close the internal space 102, the cover 105 can press the front end portion of the detection sensor 110-1 in a direction opposite to the first direction D1 (e.g., the backward direction).

[0094] When the detection sensor 110-1 is pressed by the dispenser 160 and when the detection sensor 110-1 is pressed by the cover 105, the pressure for pressing the detection sensor 110-1 can be different, and thus, the detection sensor 110-1 can identify and detect the dispenser 160 and the cover 105.

[0095] More specifically, the detection sensor 110-1 can be pressed by the dispenser 160 with a relatively high pressure, and the detection sensor 110-1 can be pressed by the cover 105 with a relatively low pressure. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the dispenser 160 can press the detection sensor 110-1 with a relatively low pressure, and the cover 105 can press the detection sensor 110-1 with a relatively high pressure.

[0096] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 202 (see Figure 1 ) can be configured to control the signal transmitter 120 to transmit an infrared signal based on the detection sensor 110-1 detecting the dispenser 160 when the detection sensor does not detect the cover 105.

[0097] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal sectional view of a connector and a detection sensor of a fueling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from its front side.

[0098] Reference Figure 6 , the connector 130 of the fueling device 100 (see Figure 1 ) can be configured to define a supply hole 130a therein. The connector 130 can extend in the circumferential direction to surround the supply hole 130a, and the supply hole 130a is a circular hole, and its outer circumference can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0099] Therefore, the detection sensor 110-2 can be formed in a shape extending circumferentially along the radial outer side of the connector 130. In this way, when viewed from the front side, the detection sensor 110-2 can be arranged in a shape extending along a semi-circle, or can be arranged in a shape extending along a circle.

[0100] Even in this structure, the detection sensor 110-2 can be provided as a pressure sensor and can be configured to detect the dispenser 160 (see Figure 4 ).

[0101] The detection sensor 110-2 can extend in the outer circumferential direction of the connector 130, and the front end portion of the detection sensor 110-2 facing the first direction D1 can be arranged in the first direction D1 or in the direction opposite to the first direction from the connector 130. For configurations not described, use the structures of Figure 6 and Figure 3 and Figure 4 .

[0102] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fueling device in a state where the cover opens the internal space according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a state where the dispenser is coupled to the connector shown in Figure 7 . Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fueling device in a state where the cover closes the internal space shown in Figure 7 .

[0103] Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , different from the detection sensor 110-2 of Figure 3 , Figure 4 , and Figure 5 , the detection sensor 110-3 can be mounted on the housing member 103. Therefore, the detection sensor 110-3 can be a non-contact detection sensor.

[0104] The detection sensor 110-3 can be mounted on the inner surface of the housing member 103 facing the internal space 102. The detection sensor 110-3 can be configured to radiate ultrasonic waves or light toward the first direction D1 of the connector 130.

[0105] More specifically, as shown in Figure 7 , in a state where the cover 105 opens the internal space 102, the time period during which the detection sensor 110-3 does not detect ultrasonic waves or light radiated toward the first direction D1 and reflected, or detects the reflected ultrasonic waves or light, can be relatively long.

[0106] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8As shown, in a state where the dispenser 160 is inserted into the internal space 102 and coupled to the connector 130, the time period taken for the detection sensor 110-3 to detect ultrasonic waves or light that is radiated in the first direction D1 toward the connector 130 and reflected may be less than Figure 7 the time period in

[0107] Figure 9 Figure 9 In addition, as shown, the detection sensor 110-3 may detect the cover 105 instead of the dispenser 160. The cover 105 may be located on a side of the dispenser 160 that is coupled to the connector 130 in the first direction D1.

[0108] In a state where the cover 105 closes the internal space 102, the time period taken for the detection sensor 110-3 to detect ultrasonic waves or light that is radiated in the first direction D1 toward the connector 130 and reflected may be less than Figure 7 the time period taken for the detection sensor 110-3 in Figure 8 Figure 8

[0109] This is because a part of the ultrasonic waves or light may be radiated from the detection sensor 110-3, reflected by the cover 105, and then face the detection sensor 110-3.

[0110] In this way, based on the principle that the detection sensor 110-3 identifies an object by using ultrasonic waves or light, the detection sensor 110-3 can identify the cover 105 or the dispenser 160.

[0111] However, it is shown that the detection sensor 110-3 identifies an object by using ultrasonic waves or light while being supported by the housing member 103, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it may be set as an inductive proximity sensor or a capacitive proximity sensor as described above.

[0112] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 202 (see Figure 1 Figure 1

[0113] Figure 10 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 11 Figure 4 Figure 4

[0114] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a fueling signal transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Referring Figure 1 and Figure 10 , the fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of detecting the operation of the dispensers 160 by the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 ( Figure 4 ). Accordingly, the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 may detect the dispenser 160 coupled to the connector 130.

[0116] The fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle based on the detection of the dispenser 160 by the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 (S15). The operation of identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle (S15) may include an operation of identifying the starting state condition of the vehicle (S20), an operation of identifying the gear state condition of the vehicle (S30), and an operation of identifying the speed state condition of the vehicle (S40).

[0117] In other words, the fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of identifying the starting state condition of the vehicle when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 detect the dispenser 160 (Yes in S10) (S20). Accordingly, the operation of identifying the starting state condition of the vehicle (S20) may include an operation of determining whether the start of the vehicle ignition device is off.

[0118] The fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of determining whether the gear state condition of the vehicle is satisfied based on the starting state of the vehicle being the off state (Yes in S20) (S30). The gear state condition of the vehicle refers to an operation of determining whether the gear of the vehicle is in "P" (parking condition).

[0119] The fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of determining whether the speed state condition of the vehicle is satisfied based on the gear state of the vehicle being "P" (Yes in S30) (S40). The speed state condition of the vehicle refers to an operation of determining whether the vehicle is in a condition where the speed of the vehicle is equal to or less than a specific speed. Herein, the specific speed may be a value within a range where it can be determined that the vehicle has stopped.

[0120] The fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of transmitting an infrared signal indicating that fueling is ready to a fueling station based on the vehicle speed being a specific speed or less than the specific speed ("Yes" in S40) (S50). It can be determined from a control unit set independently of the controller 200 whether the vehicle is in a starting condition, whether the gear state is in "P", and whether the vehicle speed is a specific speed or less than the specific speed. The control unit may send a signal to the controller 200 via CAN (Controller Area Network). The controller 200 may determine whether the above conditions are met.

[0121] The fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of preventing the vehicle from starting after the infrared signal is transmitted to the fueling station (S60). In other words, the vehicle's starting can be prevented after the vehicle transmits an infrared signal to the fueling station.

[0122] According to the transmission method, the dispenser 160 can be detected without determining whether the lid 105 (see Figure 5 ) is open or closed, and an infrared signal indicating that fueling is ready can be sent to the fueling station by only determining the driving state of the vehicle.

[0123] Therefore, the fueling station can deliver fuel through the dispenser 160 according to a specific program.

[0124] When the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 do not detect the dispenser 160 (No in S10), when the starting state condition of the vehicle is not met (No in S20), when the gear state condition of the vehicle is not met (No in S30), or when the speed state condition of the vehicle is not met (No in S40), an infrared signal may not be sent to the fueling station.

[0125] More specifically, the fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of providing a notification to the user when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 do not detect the dispenser 160 (No in S10) or when the driving state condition of the vehicle is not met (No in S20, No in S30, or No in S40) (S70).

[0126] The operation of providing a notification to the user (S70) may include an operation of providing a notification to the user that the dispenser 160 has not been detected when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 do not detect the dispenser 160 (No in S10) (S11).

[0127] In addition, the operation of providing a notification to the user (S70) may include, when the driving state conditions of the vehicle are not satisfied (No in S20, No in S30, and No in S40), the operation of providing a notification to the user that the driving state conditions of the vehicle are not satisfied (S21, S31, and S41).

[0128] In other words, the operation of providing a notification to the user (S70) may include: when the start state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (No in S20), the operation of providing a notification to the user indicating that the start state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (S21); when the gear state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (No in S30), the operation of providing a notification to the user indicating that the gear state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (S31), and when the speed state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (No in S40), the operation of providing a notification to the user indicating that the speed state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (S41).

[0129] Information about the above-mentioned notification can be notified to the user through the instrument panel or cluster provided inside the vehicle, and information about the above-mentioned notification can be notified to the user through the user's terminal device.

[0130] Figure 11 It is a flowchart of a fueling signal sending method according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 11 , compared with Figure 10 the fueling signal sending method may further include detecting the operations of sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 for detecting the cover 105 (see Figure 5 ).

[0132] In other words, the fueling signal sending method may include detecting the operation of the cover 105 (S1), which is used to open and close the internal space 102 (where the connector 130 is accommodated) towards the outside or from the outside.

[0133] The fueling signal sending method may include detecting the operations of sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 (see Figure 1 ) for detecting the dispenser 160 when the cover 105 is not detected (No in S1) (S10).

[0134] Thereafter, when the lid 105 is not detected (No in S1) and the dispenser 160 is detected (Yes in S10), the fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle (S15). The operation of identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle (S15) may include an operation of identifying the starting state condition of the vehicle (S20), an operation of identifying the gear state condition of the vehicle (S30), and an operation of identifying the speed state condition of the vehicle (S40).

[0135] Figure 10 The descriptions in will be used for the operation of identifying the starting state condition of the vehicle (S20), the operation of identifying the gear state condition of the vehicle (S30), and the operation of identifying the speed state condition of the vehicle (S40).

[0136] The fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of transmitting an infrared signal to the fueling station when the driving state condition of the vehicle is satisfied (Yes in S20, Yes in S30, and Yes in S40) (S50).

[0137] Thereafter, the fueling signal transmission method may include an operation of preventing the starting of the vehicle from being turned on (S60).

[0138] According to the transmission method, when the lid 105 opens the internal space 102 and the lid 105 is not detected by the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 (No in S1), when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 detect the dispenser 160 (Yes in S10), when the starting state of the vehicle is in the off state (Yes in S20), when the gear state of the vehicle is "P" (parking) (Yes in S30), and when the vehicle speed is a specific speed or less than the specific speed (Yes in S40), an infrared signal may be transmitted to the fueling station, and the starting of the vehicle can be prevented from being turned on thereafter.

[0139] On the other hand, when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 detect the lid 105 (Yes in S1), when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 do not detect the dispenser 160 (No in S10), when the starting state of the vehicle is not in the off state (No in S20), when the gear state of the vehicle is not "P" (parking) (No in S30), and when the vehicle speed is higher than the specific speed (No in S40), the infrared signal may not be transmitted to the fueling station.

[0140] More specifically, the fueling signal sending method may include an operation (S70) of providing a notification to the user when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 detect the lid 105 (Yes in S1), when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 do not detect the dispenser 160 (No in S10), and when the driving state conditions of the vehicle are not satisfied (No in S20, No in S30, and No in S40).

[0141] The operation (S70) of providing a notification to the user may include an operation (S2) of providing a notification indicating that the lid 105 has been detected to the user when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 detect the lid 105 (Yes in S1).

[0142] The operation (S70) of providing a notification to the user may include an operation (S11) of providing a notification indicating that the dispenser 160 has not been detected to the user when the detection sensors 110, 110-1, 110-2, and 110-3 do not detect the dispenser 160 (No in S10).

[0143] In addition, the operation (S70) of providing a notification to the user may include operations (S21, S31, and S41) of providing a notification indicating that the driving state conditions of the vehicle are not satisfied when the driving state conditions of the vehicle are not satisfied (No in S20, No in S30, and No in S40).

[0144] In other words, the operation (S70) of providing a notification to the user may include an operation (S21) of providing a notification indicating that the starting state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied when the starting state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (No in S20); an operation (S31) of providing a notification indicating that the gear state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied when the gear state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (No in S30), and an operation (S41) of providing a notification indicating that the speed state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied when the speed state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied (No in S40).

[0145] Information about the above notifications can be notified to the user through the instrument panel or cluster provided inside the vehicle, and information about the above notifications can be notified to the user through the user's terminal device.

[0146] According to the present technology, when a dispenser at a fueling station is connected to a connector of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, a signal can be sent to the fueling station, whereby the moment when the signal is sent can be more accurate and the sending process can be simplified.

[0147] In addition, according to the present technology, since the sensors of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can detect the lid, the sending process of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can be performed without a separate lid detection sensor.

[0148] In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly identified through the present disclosure can be provided.

[0149] The above description is a simple exemplary description of the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can make various corrections and modifications without departing from the basic features of the present disclosure.

[0150] In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the memory and the processor can be provided as one chip or as separate chips.

[0151] In different exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the scope of the present disclosure includes software or machine-executable commands (e.g., operating systems, applications, firmware, programs, etc.) for enabling the operations of methods according to different embodiments to be executed on a device or computer, and non-transitory computer-readable media including such software or commands stored thereon and executable on the device or computer.

[0152] In various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the control device can be implemented in the form of hardware or software, or can be implemented in a combination of hardware and software.

[0153] In addition, terms such as "unit" and "module" included in the specification refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0154] In the flowcharts described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the flowcharts can be executed by a controller or a processor. The order of operations in the flowcharts can be changed, multiple operations can be combined, or any operation can be divided, and a specific operation may not be executed. In addition, the operations in the flowcharts can be executed sequentially, but not necessarily sequentially. For example, the order of operations can be changed, and at least two operations can be executed in parallel.

[0155] Hereinafter, the fact that hardware blocks are operably coupled can include the fact of establishing direct and / or indirect connections between the hardware blocks through wired and / or wireless means.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle can be referred to based on a concept including various transportation means. In some cases, a vehicle can be interpreted as based on not only various land transportation means (such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses) traveling on roads but also various transportation means such as airplanes, drones, ships, etc.

[0157] For the sake of illustration and to accurately define the appended claims, reference is made to the positions of such features shown in the accompanying drawings, and the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "upward", "downward", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "rear", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "inner", "outer", "inner", "outer", "forward" and "backward" are used to describe the features of the exemplary embodiments. It should be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct connection and indirect connection.

[0158] The term "and / or" may include combinations of multiple related listed items or any of the multiple related listed items. For example, "A and / or B" includes all three cases, namely "A", "B", and "A and B".

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, "at least one of A and B" may refer to "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of a combination of at least one of A and B". In addition, "one or more of A and B" may refer to "one or more of A or B" or "one or more of a combination of one or more of A and B".

[0160] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, singular expressions include plural expressions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the possibility of adding or the presence of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0162] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, components may be combined with each other to form one, or some components may be omitted.

[0163] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. To illustrate certain principles of the present invention and their practical applications, exemplary embodiments have been selected and described so that other technicians in the art can make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refueling device, comprising: Support plate; a connector protruding from the support plate and configured to be coupled to a dispenser of a fueling station for refueling; a detection sensor configured to detect the dispenser coupled to the connector; as well as A signal transmitter is configured to transmit a signal to the fuel station in response to the detection sensor detecting the dispenser.

2. The refueling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The detection sensor is mounted on the support plate and is configured to detect the dispenser when a radially outer side of the connector comes into contact with the dispenser.

3. The refueling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The connector and the detection sensor protrude from the support plate in a forward direction, and a front end portion of the detection sensor is located in a forward direction of a front end portion of the connector.

4. The refueling device according to claim 1, further comprising: The housing member comprises an inner space and the support plate, wherein the support plate, the connector, the detection sensor and the signal transmitter are accommodated in the inner space. The detection sensor is mounted on the housing component and is configured to detect the dispenser.

5. The refueling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The detection sensor is configured to detect the dispenser when pressed by the dispenser or to detect the dispenser when spaced apart from the dispenser.

6. The refueling device according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing member, comprising an inner space and the support plate, wherein the support plate, the connector, the detection sensor and the signal transmitter are accommodated in the inner space; as well as a cover rotatably coupled to the housing member to open or close the internal space toward or from the outside, Wherein, the detection sensor is configured to detect the cover closing the internal space.

7. The refueling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The signal transmitter is arranged in the supporting plate.

8. The refueling device according to claim 1, further comprising: a processor operatively connected to the detection sensor and the signal transmitter, Wherein, the processor is configured to: identifying a driving state condition of a vehicle including the connector; and In response to a driving state condition of the vehicle being met, the signal is sent to the fuel station.

9. The refueling equipment according to claim 8, wherein: In the process of identifying the driving state condition of the vehicle, the processor is configured to perform at least one of the following: determining whether the vehicle's start is turned off; determining whether the gear position of the vehicle is in a parking (P) state; as well as It is determined whether the travel speed of the vehicle is a predetermined speed or less than the predetermined speed.

10. The refueling equipment according to claim 9, wherein: The processor is further configured to: A start of the vehicle is inhibited from being opened in response to detecting the dispenser coupled to the connector.

11. The refueling device of claim 9, further comprising: A housing member, comprising an internal space and the support plate, wherein the support plate, the connector, the detection sensor and the signal transmitter are accommodated in the internal space; as well as a cover rotatably connected to the housing member and configured to open or close the interior space, Wherein, the processor is further configured to: detecting the cover; as well as The signal is sent to the fuel station in response to failure to detect the cap.

12. A refueling signaling method, implemented by using a vehicle including a connector and a refueling station including a dispenser, the connector being configured to be coupled to the dispenser, the refueling signaling method comprising: detecting the dispenser coupled to the connector by a detection sensor; identifying, by a processor operatively connected to the detection sensor, a driving state condition of the vehicle in response to the detection sensor detecting the dispenser; as well as In response to the driving state condition of the vehicle being met, a signal is sent by the processor to the fuel station.

13. The method for sending a refueling signal according to claim 12, wherein: The conditions for identifying the driving state of the vehicle include: It is determined whether the vehicle's start is turned off.

14. The method for sending a refueling signal according to claim 12, wherein: The conditions for identifying the driving state of the vehicle include: It is determined whether the gear position of the vehicle is in a park (P) state.

15. The method for sending a refueling signal according to claim 12, wherein: The conditions for identifying the driving state of the vehicle include: It is determined whether the travel speed of the vehicle is a predetermined speed or less than the predetermined speed.

16. The method for sending a refueling signal according to claim 13, further comprising: A start of the vehicle is inhibited from being opened in response to detecting the dispenser coupled to the connector.

17. The method for sending a refueling signal according to claim 12, further comprising: a detection cover rotatably coupled to a housing member including an internal space and configured to open or close the internal space toward or from the outside, the connector being accommodated in the internal space; as well as The signal is sent to the fuel station in response to failure to detect the cap.

18. The method for sending a refueling signal according to claim 12, further comprising: providing a notification to a user that the dispenser was not detected in response to the dispenser not being detected; as well as When the driving state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied, a notification that the driving state condition of the vehicle is not satisfied is provided to the user.

19. The method for sending a refueling signal according to claim 17, further comprising: In response to not detecting the cover, providing a user with a notification that the cover was not detected.

Images