Electric vehicle charging device

Abstract

An electric vehicle charging apparatus includes an electric vehicle charging portion including a docking region connected to a charging port of an electric vehicle, and a charging port opening and closing portion mounted on the electric vehicle charging portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0034568 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a charging device for an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0004] Since electric vehicles (or hybrid vehicles) are the most likely alternative to solving automobile pollution and energy problems, they are being actively researched. Since these electric vehicles generate driving force through a motor (e.g., a drive motor) that obtains rotational force from electrical energy, they are equipped with batteries that can supply the electrical energy required to operate the motor and the electric vehicle. The battery installed in the vehicle must be rechargeable at any time.

[0005] To charge an electric vehicle (battery charging), a charging port and a charging port cover to protect the charging port from environmental factors such as rain or snow may be provided in the vehicle body. Conventionally, to charge the battery, a user must manually connect a charger from a charging station to the charging port and then disconnect the charger from the charging port after charging is complete, which is cumbersome and inconvenient.

[0006] Meanwhile, a method of performing a process of connecting a charger to a charging port in an unmanned manner by using a charging robot has been proposed.

[0007] However, conventionally, even if a charging robot is used to automate the process of connecting a charger to a charging port, the charging port cover must be manually opened and closed by a user, and thus, it is difficult to automate and eliminate manual intervention in the charging process of an electric vehicle.

[0008] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art while maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides an electric vehicle charging apparatus that can automate and eliminate manual intervention in the process of charging an electric vehicle.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and a person skilled in the art in the art to which the present invention belongs should clearly understand any other technical problems not mentioned herein from the following description.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electric vehicle charging device includes: an electric vehicle charging unit, which includes a docking area connected to a charging port of an electric vehicle; and a charging port opening and closing unit, which is installed on the electric vehicle charging unit. The charging port opening and closing unit may include: a fixed component, which is fixed to the electric vehicle charging unit; and a movable component, which is movably connected to the fixed component. The movable component can be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed component, and in the first position, the end of the movable component in the docking direction is located in the docking direction of the docking area, and the second position is located in the docking opposite direction of the docking area. Here, the docking direction is defined as the direction in which the docking area approaches and is connected to the charging port, and the direction opposite to the docking direction is defined as the docking opposite direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the docking direction may intersect with an up-down direction, and the movable member may be provided on a lower side of the docking region.

[0014] In addition, the movable part may include: a connecting area, which defines one end of the movable part and is connected to the fixed part; and a moving area, which defines the other end of the movable part and is movable relative to the connecting area, and the charging port opening and closing part may further include: a tip portion, which is connected to the moving area and includes a segment having a shape that protrudes in a direction intersecting the docking direction relative to the moving area when the movable part is oriented parallel to the docking direction.

[0015] In addition, when an imaginary straight line extending in a direction intersecting the docking direction and passing through a portion where the connection area and the fixing part are connected to each other is defined as a reference rotation axis, the connection area is connected to the fixing part so as to be rotatable around the reference rotation axis, and the movable area can rotate around the reference rotation axis.

[0016] Furthermore, the movable component may include a movable body extending between the connection region and the movable region to connect the connection region and the movable region, and the charging port opening and closing portion may further include an elastic member having one end connected to the fixed component and the other end connected to the movable body to extend or contract.

[0017] Furthermore, the elastic member may be provided as a tension coil spring, and when the movable body is oriented parallel to the docking direction, the elastic member is oriented in a direction crossing the docking direction.

[0018] Furthermore, when the movable body is oriented parallel to the docking direction, the elastic member may be oriented such that the other end of the elastic member is located on a lower side of one end of the elastic member and in the docking direction.

[0019] Furthermore, when a direction in which the connection region faces the movement region is defined as a first direction, and a direction intersecting the first direction and in which the segment of the tip portion protrudes is defined as a second direction, the segment of the tip portion may have a shape having a width in the first direction that decreases as it progresses in the second direction.

[0020] In addition, the charging port opening and closing portion may further include a driving component that causes the movable component to rotate relative to the fixed component. In particular, the movable component may include: a first link, one end of which is connected to the fixed component and configured to be rotatable; a second link, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first link and configured to be rotatable; and a driving link, one end of which is connected to the driving component and the other end of which is connected to the second link and configured to be rotatable. The charging port opening and closing portion may further include: a tip portion, which is connected to the other end of the second link and has a downwardly protruding shape based on the second link being oriented parallel to the docking direction.

[0021] In addition, when an imaginary straight line extending in a direction intersecting the docking direction and passing through the portion where the drive link and the drive component are connected to each other is defined as a drive rotation axis, one end of the drive link can rotate around the drive rotation axis, and the other end of the drive link can rotate around the drive rotation axis, and when an imaginary straight line extending parallel to the drive rotation axis and passing through the portion where the fixed component and the first link are connected to each other is defined as a reference rotation axis, one end of the first link is connected to the fixed component so as to be rotatable around the reference rotation axis, and the reference rotation axis and the drive rotation axis are spaced apart from each other in the docking direction.

[0022] In addition, one end of the driving link may be disposed in a docking direction with respect to one end of the first link, and the other end of the driving link may be disposed between one end of the second link and the other end of the second link.

[0023] In addition, a spacing distance between the other end of the driving link and one end of the second link may be smaller than a spacing distance between the other end of the driving link and the other end of the second link.

[0024] Furthermore, the moving region may be linearly movable relative to the fixing member to become further away from the connection region in the mating direction or to become closer to the connection region in the opposite-mating direction.

[0025] Furthermore, the movable member may have a telescopic structure, and a storage space for accommodating the movable member may be formed within the connection region. The charging port opening and closing portion may further include a driving member that linearly moves the movable member relative to the fixed member, thereby inserting the movable member into the storage space or separating the movable member from the storage space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a side view of an electric vehicle charging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing that the movable part is in the docking direction and rotated upward;

[0030] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the tip of the device approaching the charging cover;

[0031] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the tip of the charger resting on the charging cover;

[0032] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the tip of the charging port being opened by rotating the charging cover;

[0033] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an electric vehicle charging device moving to the opposite direction of docking;

[0034] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tip portion according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tip portion according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10is a perspective view of a tip portion according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the tip portion moving in the docking direction;

[0039] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle charging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the tip moving in the docking direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to components of the drawings, it is noted that even when the same components are drawn in different drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations and functions may hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] First embodiment

[0043] Hereinafter, an electric vehicle charging device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0044] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle charging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a side view of an electric vehicle charging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the movable part in the docking direction and rotating upward, Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the tip of the device approaching the charging cover. Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A diagram showing the tip of the is placed on the charging cover. Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Schematic diagram of opening the charging port by turning the charging cover at the tip of the Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Schematic diagram of an electric vehicle charging device moving in the opposite direction to docking.

[0045] Reference Figures 1 to 7According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the electric vehicle charging device 1 can supply electric energy to a charging target (e.g., an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, etc.). For example, the electric vehicle charging device 1 can supply electric energy to the charging target while electrically engaging with the charging port Ch of the charging target. The electric vehicle charging device 1 may include an electric vehicle charging unit 10 and a charging port opening and closing unit 20.

[0046] The electric vehicle charging unit 10 may include a charging body and a docking area 11. The charging body may be provided in an electric vehicle charging station and may receive electrical energy from an energy storage device of the charging station or a power grid. The charging body may be referred to as a "charging gun."

[0047] The docking area 11 can be configured to engage with the charging port Ch of the electric vehicle. The docking area 11 can be arranged in a docking direction D1 of the charging subject. The docking direction D1 can be defined as the direction in which the docking area 11 approaches and connects to the charging port Ch. For example, the docking direction D1 can be defined as the direction in which the docking area 11 faces the charging port Ch when the docking area 11 and the charging port Ch are arranged to face each other.

[0048] The charging port opening and closing portion 20 can open or close the charging port Ch. For example, the charging port opening and closing portion 20 can rotate the charging cover Cc, which is configured to open or close the charging port Ch. The charging cover Cc can be set on one side of the charging port Ch to be rotatable. For example, the charging cover Cc can be configured to be rotatable between a closed state and an open state around a cover rotation axis Xa, in which the charging port Ch is closed and in which the charging port Ch is opened to the docking area 11 relative to the docking direction D1. The cover rotation axis Xa can be defined as an imaginary straight line extending in a direction intersecting the docking direction D1 (for example, a direction perpendicular to the docking direction D1). The charging port opening and closing portion 20 may include a fixed part 21, a movable part 22a, a fingertip 23a, a driving part 24a and an elastic member 25.

[0049] The fixing member 21 may be fixed to the electric vehicle charging unit 10. For example, the fixing member 21 may be installed on one side of the charging body in the docking opposite direction D2. The docking opposite direction D2 may be defined as a direction opposite to the docking direction D1.

[0050] The movable member 22a may be configured to be movable relative to the fixed member 21. For example, the movable member 22a may be connected to the fixed member 21 so as to be rotatable about a reference rotation axis Xc. The reference rotation axis Xc may be defined as an imaginary straight line extending in a direction intersecting the docking direction D1 and the up-down direction "H" while passing through the region where the movable member 22a and the fixed member 21 are connected to each other.

[0051] At least a portion of the movable member 22a can be positioned in a first position relative to the docking direction D1 of the docking area 11. For example, when the movable member 22a is positioned in the first position, an end portion of the movable member 22a in the docking direction D1 (e.g., the movable region 22a2 described below) is positioned relative to the docking direction D1 of the docking area 11. As a more detailed example, when one side of the movable member 22a in the vertical direction "H" in the first position is viewed parallel to the vertical direction "H," the docking area 11 and the movable member 22a can overlap with each other. Furthermore, when the movable member 22a is positioned in the first position, an end portion of the movable member 22a in the docking direction D1 can protrude relative to the docking area 11 in the docking direction D1.

[0052] Furthermore, the movable member 22a can be positioned in a second position located in the opposite docking direction D2 relative to the docking area 11. The movable member 22a can be configured to rotate between the first position and the second position relative to the fixed member 21. For example, when the movable member 22a is positioned in the second position, the entire area of ​​the movable member 22a can be positioned in the opposite docking direction D2 relative to the end of the docking area 11 in the docking direction D1. As a more detailed example, when one side of the movable member 22a in the vertical direction "H" in the second position is viewed parallel to the vertical direction "H", the docking area 11 and the movable member 22a may not overlap.

[0053] The movable component 22a may be disposed below the docking area 11. For example, when the side of the electric vehicle charging device 1 in the docking direction D1 is viewed parallel to the docking direction D1, the docking area 11 and the movable component 22a may not overlap. In other words, when the side of the electric vehicle charging device 1 in the docking direction D1 is viewed parallel to the docking direction D1, the movable component 22a may be configured so as not to block the side of the docking area 11 in the docking direction D1. The movable component 22a may include a connection area 22a1, a movable area 22a2, and a movable body 22a3.

[0054] The connection region 22a1 can be defined as a region of the movable member 22a that is connected to the fixed member 21 so as to be rotatable. The connection region 22a1 can define one end of the movable member 22a. For example, when the movable member 22a is positioned in the first position, the connection region 22a1 can define the end of the movable member 22a in the opposite docking direction D2.

[0055] The connection region 22a1 can be connected to the fixed member 21 so as to be rotatable about the reference rotation axis Xc. The connection region 22a1 can be connected to one end of the movable body 22a3. For example, when the movable member 22a is set in the first position, the connection region 22a1 can be connected to one side of the movable body 22a3 in the opposite direction D2 to the docking.

[0056] The movable region 22a2 may define the other end of the movable member 22a. For example, relative to when the movable member 22a is disposed in the first position, the movable region 22a2 may define the end of the movable member in the docking region 11.

[0057] The movable region 22a2 can be configured to revolve about the reference rotation axis Xc relative to the fixed member 21. The movable region 22a2 can be connected to the other end of the movable body 22a3. For example, relative to when the movable member 22a is in the first position, the movable region 22a2 can be connected to one side of the movable body 22a3 in the docking direction D1. As an example, the movable region 22a2 can be integrally formed with the movable body 22a3.

[0058] The movable body 22a3 can connect the connection area 22a1 and the movable area 22a2. For example, the movable body 22a3 can have a strip shape extending in one direction between the connection area 22a1 and the movable area 22a2. The length of the movable body 22a3 extending in one direction can be greater than the spacing distance between the connection area 22a1 and the docking area 11 in the docking direction D1.

[0059] The tip portion 23a may include a section (a tapered section described below) having a shape that protrudes in one direction relative to the movable member 22a. Figure 5 As shown, the tip portion 23a can be connected to the movable region 22a2. For example, if the direction in which the connecting region 22a1 faces the movable region 22a2 is defined as a first direction, and the direction intersecting the first direction and in which the tapered section protrudes is defined as a second direction, the tip portion 23a can be connected to one side of the movable region 22a2 in the second direction. For example, the second direction can be downward. The tip portion may include a protrusion and a tip body.

[0060] The protrusion may have a shape that protrudes in the second direction relative to the tip body. At least a portion of the protrusion may include a tapered section. For example, the entire protrusion may include a tapered section. The tapered section may have a shape in which its width in the first direction decreases as it progresses in the second direction. The tapered section may be configured to rest on the charging cover Cc.

[0061] The tip body may be connected to one side of the protrusion in the direction opposite to the second direction (e.g., upward direction). In addition, one side of the tip body in the direction opposite to the second direction (e.g., upward direction) may be connected to the moving area 22a2. As an example, the tip body and the protrusion may be formed integrally.

[0062] Meanwhile, the tip portion 23 b according to the first modification example of the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured differently from the tip portion 23 a according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tip portion according to a first modification example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Reference Figure 8 , the tapered section 23b1 of the tip portion 23b according to the first modification of the present invention may have a shape that protrudes in a direction (third direction) that intersects the first direction and the up-down direction "H". For example, the third direction may be defined as any one of a left direction and a right direction. As a more detailed example, referring to Figure 8 Assuming the first direction is the forward direction, the tapered section 23b1 may have a shape that protrudes in the left or right direction. The tapered section 23b1 may be configured to rest on the left or right side of the charging cover Cc. The tapered section 23b1 may define the entire protruding area of ​​the tip portion 23b.

[0065] The tapered section 23b1 may have a shape in which its width in the first direction becomes smaller as it progresses in the third direction. For example, assuming that the first direction is the forward direction and the third direction is the right direction, the tapered section 23b1 may have a shape in which its width in the front-rear direction becomes smaller as it progresses to the right.

[0066] Furthermore, the end of the tapered segment 23b1 in the first direction may have a surface shape whose normal vector is parallel to the first direction. Furthermore, the end of the tapered segment 23b1 in the direction opposite to the first direction may have an inclined shape such that the end in the third direction (e.g., the left end) is located in the first direction (e.g., the forward direction) relative to the end in the direction opposite to the third direction (e.g., the right end). As an example, the tapered segment 23b1 may have a triangular prism shape with a uniform height in the vertical direction "H."

[0067] In one embodiment, a side of the tip portion 23b in a direction opposite to the third direction of the tip body 23b2 may be connected to a side of the moving region 22a2 in the third direction.

[0068] Meanwhile, the tip portion 23 c according to the second modification example of the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured differently from the tip portion 23 a according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the tip portion 23 b according to the first modification example.

[0069] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tip portion according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Reference Figure 9 The tapered section 23c1 of the tip portion 23c according to the second modification of the present invention may have a shape protruding in the second direction. In addition, the tapered section 23c1 may define the entire protrusion area of ​​the tip portion 23c.

[0071] The tapered section 23c1 may have a shape in which its width in the first direction narrows as it goes downward. For example, the tapered section 23c1 may have a truncated cone shape in which the width of its upper end in the first direction is greater than the width of its lower end in the first direction.

[0072] The tapered section 23c1 may be connected to one side (e.g., the upper side) of the tip body 23c2 of the tip portion 23c in the second direction opposite to the second direction. For example, the tip body 23c2 and the tapered section 23c1 may be integrally formed. The tip body 23c2 may be connected to the lower side of the movable region 22a2.

[0073] Meanwhile, the tip portion 23 d according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured differently from the tip portion 23 a according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the tip portion 23 b according to the first modification, and the tip portion 23 c according to the second modification.

[0074] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a tip portion according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Reference Figure 10 The tapered section 23d1 of the tip portion 23d according to the third modification of the present invention may define an end of the protrusion of the tip portion 23d in the second direction (e.g., downward). The tip portion 23d may be provided with a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the third direction (e.g., left-right direction).

[0076] The tapered section 23d1 may have a shape in which its width in the first direction becomes narrower as it goes in the second direction (e.g., downward direction). For example, the tapered section 23d1 may have a truncated cone shape in which the width of the upper end in the first direction is greater than the width of the lower end in the first direction.

[0077] Refer again Figure 1and Figure 2 The driving component 24a can provide rotational power to the movable component 22a. For example, the driving component 24a can rotate the movable component 22a about a driving rotation axis Xd. As an example, the driving component 24a can be a motor including a stator, a rotor, a shaft, and a housing. As an example, the driving rotation axis Xd can be defined as an imaginary straight line parallel to the reference rotation axis Xc. As a detailed example, the reference rotation axis Xc and the driving rotation axis Xd can be defined as the same imaginary straight line.

[0078] The driving member 24a may be supported by the fixing member 21. For example, the driving member 24a may be supported by the fixing member 21 so that its relative position with respect to the fixing member 21 is fixed.

[0079] The elastic member 25 can be configured such that one end thereof is connected to the fixed part 21 and the other end thereof is connected to the movable body 22a3. As an example, the elastic member 25 can be configured as a tension coil spring. The elastic member 25 can extend or contract so that the distance between the two opposite ends of the elastic member 25 increases or decreases.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 When the movable part 22a is in the first position (when the movable body 22a3 is oriented parallel to the docking direction D1), the elastic member 25 may be oriented in a direction intersecting the docking direction D1. For example, when the movable part 22a is in the first position, the other end of the elastic member 25 may be oriented so that the other end of the elastic member 25 is located below one end of the elastic member 25 or in the docking direction D1. One end of the elastic member 25 may be located above the reference rotation axis Xc (or the drive rotation axis Xd).

[0081] Below, refer to Figures 2 to 7 A process of opening the charging cover Cc by using the charging port opening and closing portion 20 is described.

[0082] Reference Figure 2 When the movable part 22 a is located at the second position, the docking area 11 can perform an operation of approaching the charging port Ch in the docking direction D1 .

[0083] Reference Figure 3 After performing the above approach operation, the driving part 24a can perform a movable part rotation operation, that is, an operation of rotating the movable part 22a in the docking direction D1 and upward, so that the movable part 22a changes from the second position to the first position.

[0084] Reference Figure 4After performing the above movable component rotation operation, the tip portion coupling operation of moving the electric vehicle charging device 1 in the docking direction D1 can be performed so that the lower end of the tapered section of the tip portion 23a is coupled to the upper end of the charging cover Cc.

[0085] Reference Figure 5 After performing the tip portion engagement operation, the tip portion insertion operation can be performed. This operation involves moving the electric vehicle charging apparatus 1 downward so that the tapered section of the tip portion 23a is inserted between the charging cover Cc and the charging port Ch. During the tip portion insertion operation, the charging cover Cc can rotate relative to the charging port Ch about the cover rotation axis Xa. The cover rotation axis Xa can be defined as an imaginary straight line extending perpendicular to the up-down direction "H" and the docking direction D1 and passing through the lower end of the charging cover Cc.

[0086] Reference Figure 6 After the tip portion insertion operation is performed, the charging port opening operation can be performed, i.e., the operation of moving the electric vehicle charging apparatus 1 downward in the opposite docking direction D2 can be performed, so that the charging port Ch is opened in the opposite docking direction D2. For example, when performing the charging port opening operation, the charging cover Cc can be rotated downward in the opposite docking direction D2 about the cover rotation axis Xa.

[0087] Reference Figure 7 After performing the charging port opening operation, the docking preparation operation can be performed, that is, the driving part 24a rotates the movable part 22a, so that the electric vehicle charging device 1 moves in the opposite docking direction D2, and the movable part 22a switches from the first position to the second position.

[0088] After the docking preparation operation is performed, a docking operation of the mobile electric vehicle charging apparatus 1 may be performed such that the docking area 11 is engaged with the charging port Ch.

[0089] The approach operation, movable part rotation operation, tip insertion operation, charging port opening operation, docking preparation operation, and docking operation can be controlled by the charging robot. The charging robot can be electrically connected to the electric vehicle charging device 1 and can be implemented by a process having a function of decoding and executing commands based on input information.

[0090] Second embodiment

[0091] Below, we will refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 An electric vehicle charging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the electric vehicle charging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, differences from the first embodiment of the present invention will be mainly described.

[0092] Figure 11is a perspective view of an electric vehicle charging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the tip moving in the docking direction.

[0093] The electric vehicle charging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include an electric vehicle charging unit 10 and a charging port opening and closing unit 20. The description of the electric vehicle charging unit 10 and the charging port opening and closing unit 20 according to the second embodiment is replaced by the description of the electric vehicle charging unit 10 and the charging port opening and closing unit 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0094] The charging port opening and closing portion 20 according to the second embodiment may include a fixed member 21, a movable member 22b, a tip portion 23a, and a driving member 24b. The description of the fixed member 21 and the tip portion 23a according to the second embodiment is replaced by the description of the fixed member 21 and the tip portion 23a according to the first embodiment.

[0095] The movable member 22b according to the second embodiment may have a structure including a plurality of links. The movable member 22b may include a first link 22b1, a second link 22b2, and a driving link 22b3.

[0096] One end of the first link 22b1 may be rotatably connected to the fixed member 21. For example, one end of the first link 22b1 may be rotatably connected to the fixed member 21 about the reference rotation axis Xc. Furthermore, the other end of the first link 22b1 may be configured to rotate about the reference rotation axis Xc.

[0097] One end of the second link 22b2 may be connected to the other end of the first link 22b1 to be rotatable. The tip portion 23a may be connected to the other end of the second link 22b2.

[0098] One end of the drive link 22b3 can be connected to the drive component 24b. One end of the drive link 22b3 can be configured to rotate around the drive rotation axis Xd. One end of the drive link 22b3 can be arranged in the docking direction D1 (or the docking opposite direction D2) of one end of the first link 22b1. For example, the drive rotation axis Xd can be located in the docking direction D1 (or the docking opposite direction D2) of the reference rotation axis Xc. In other words, the drive rotation axis Xd and the reference rotation axis Xc can be spaced apart from each other in the docking direction D1.

[0099] The other end of the drive link 22b3 can be rotatably connected to the second link 22b2. For example, the other end of the drive link 22b3 can be disposed between one end of the second link 22b2 and the other end of the second link 22b2. In other words, the other end of the drive link 22b3 can be connected to an area of ​​the second link 22b2 spaced apart from the other end of the second link 22b2. The other end of the drive link 22b3 can be configured to rotate about the drive rotation axis Xd.

[0100] For example, the other end of the driving link 22b3 may be positioned closer to one end of the second link 22b2 than the other end of the second link 22b2. As a detailed example, the first distance, i.e., the spacing distance between the other end of the driving link 22b3 and one end of the second link 22b2, may be smaller than the spacing distance between the other end of the driving link 22b3 and the other end of the second link 22b2.

[0101] Third embodiment

[0102] Below, we will refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 An electric vehicle charging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the electric vehicle charging apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, differences from the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be mainly described.

[0103] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle charging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the tip moving in the docking direction.

[0104] The electric vehicle charging device according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include an electric vehicle charging unit 10 and a charging port opening and closing unit 20. The description of the electric vehicle charging unit 10 and the charging port opening and closing unit 20 according to the third embodiment is replaced by the description of the electric vehicle charging unit 10 and the charging port opening and closing unit 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0105] The charging port opening and closing portion 20 according to the third embodiment may include a fixed member 21, a movable member 22c, a tip portion 23a, and a driving member 24c. The description of the fixed member 21 and the tip portion 23a according to the third embodiment is replaced by the description of the fixed member 21 and the tip portion 23a according to the first embodiment.

[0106] The movable member 22c according to the third embodiment may have a telescopic structure, and the distance between the two opposite ends thereof may be adjusted. The movable member 22c may include a connection region 22c1 and a movable region 22c2.

[0107] The connection area 22c1 can be connected to the fixing part 21 so that its relative position relative to the fixing part 21 is fixed. An accommodation space can be formed inside the connection area 22c1 to accommodate the movable area 22c2. For example, the accommodation space can have a concave shape in the opposite docking direction D2.

[0108] The movable region 22c2 can be configured to move linearly relative to the fixed member 21, either moving farther away from the connection region 22c1 in the docking direction D1 or closer to the connection region 22c1 in the opposite docking direction D2. In other words, the movable region 22c2 is designed to move linearly relative to the fixed member 21, either increasing its distance from the connection region 22c1 in the docking direction D1 or decreasing its distance in the opposite docking direction D2. For example, as the movable region 22c2 moves farther away from the connection region 22c1 in the docking direction D1, the movable region 22c2 can deviate from the accommodating space in the opposite docking direction D2. As a detailed example, as the movable region 22c2 moves farther away from the connection region 22c1 in the docking direction D1, the end of the movable region 22c2 in the opposite docking direction D2 can move farther away from the end of the accommodating space in the opposite docking direction D2. In other words, as the movable region 22c2 moves farther away from the connection region 22c1 in the docking direction D1, the area of ​​the movable region 22c2 inserted into the accommodating space can decrease.

[0109] Furthermore, as the movable region 22c2 moves closer to the connection region in the opposite-dock direction D2, the movable region 22c2 can be inserted into the accommodation space. For example, as the movable region 22c2 moves closer to the connection region in the opposite-dock direction D2, the end of the movable region 22c2 in the opposite-dock direction D2 can move closer to the end of the accommodation space in the opposite-dock direction D2. In other words, as the movable region 22c2 moves closer to the connection region in the opposite-dock direction D2, the area of ​​the movable region 22c2 inserted into the accommodation space can increase.

[0110] The tip portion 23a may be connected to the end of the movable region 22c2 in the docking direction D1. The movable region 22c2 may include a plurality of unit movable members. When two adjacent movable members of the plurality of unit movable members are defined as a first movable member and a second movable member, respectively, the relationship between the first movable member and the second movable member may correspond to the relationship between the connection region 22c1 and the movable region 22c2.

[0111] For example, when it is assumed that the movable member located in the relative docking opposite direction D2 of the first member and the second member is the first movable member, a first accommodating space that can accommodate the second movable member can be formed in the first movable member. In addition, the second movable member can be configured to move linearly relative to the first movable member so that the end of the second movable member in the docking opposite direction D2 becomes farther away from or closer to the end of the first accommodating space in the docking opposite direction D2. At the same time, the plurality of unit movable members can include not only the first movable member and the second movable member, but also three or more movable members, and the description of two adjacent unit movable members in the plurality of unit movable members is replaced by the description of the first movable member and the second movable member. The driving component 24c can be an actuator for linearly moving the movable area 22c2 relative to the connection area 22c1.

[0112] The electric vehicle charging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention automates and eliminates manual intervention in the process of charging an electric vehicle.

[0113] In the above description, only because all parts constituting the embodiment of the present invention are described as combination or combined operation, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. In other words, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all parts can be operated with one or more selective combinations. In addition, above-mentioned terms such as "comprise", "comprising" or "having" mean that corresponding components can exist, and therefore do not exclude other components, unless there is a specific description to the contrary, on the contrary, it should be interpreted as being able to include other components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical terms or scientific terms have the same meaning as the meaning generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Commonly used terms such as those defined in dictionaries should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of relevant technology, and are not interpreted as ideal or too formal meanings, unless clearly defined in the present invention.

[0114] The above description is a simple exemplary description of the technical spirit of the present invention, and a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs can make various corrections and modifications without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not used to limit the technical spirit of the present invention but to describe the technical spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the attached claims, and all technical spirits within the scope of equivalents should be interpreted as included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle charging device, comprising: an electric vehicle charging portion including a docking area configured to engage a charging port of an electric vehicle; as well as A charging port opening and closing unit is configured to be mounted on the electric vehicle charging unit. Wherein, the charging port opening and closing unit includes: a fixing member fixed to the electric vehicle charging unit; and A movable component is configured to be movably connected to the fixed component, wherein the movable component is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the fixed component, wherein in the first position, an end of the movable component in the docking direction is located in the docking direction of the docking area, and the second position is located in the opposite docking direction, and the opposite docking direction is a direction opposite to the docking direction of the docking area.

2. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein: The docking direction intersects the up-down direction, The movable component is arranged at the lower side of the docking area.

3. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 2, wherein: The movable parts include: a connecting region defining one end of the movable member and connected to the fixed member; and a moving region defining the other end of the movable member and configured to be movable relative to the connecting region, Wherein, the charging port opening and closing unit further includes: A tip portion is connected to the moving area and includes a section having a shape protruding in a direction intersecting the mating direction relative to the moving area when the movable member is oriented parallel to the mating direction.

4. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 3, wherein: The connecting region is connected to the fixed component so as to be rotatable about a reference rotation axis, The moving region is configured to revolve around the reference rotation axis, wherein the reference rotation axis is an imaginary straight line extending in a direction intersecting the docking direction and passing through a portion where the connection region and the fixing member are connected to each other.

5. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 3, wherein: The movable parts include: a movable body extending between the connection region and the movement region and connecting the connection region and the movement region, Wherein, the charging port opening and closing unit further includes: An elastic member includes one end connected to the fixed part and the other end connected to the movable body to extend or contract.

6. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 5, wherein: The elastic member is configured as a tension coil spring, and when the movable body is oriented parallel to the docking direction, the elastic member is oriented in a direction crossing the docking direction.

7. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 6, wherein: When the movable body is oriented parallel to the docking direction, the elastic member is oriented such that the other end of the elastic member is located on a lower side of one end of the elastic member and in the docking direction.

8. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 3, wherein: The shape of the segment of the tip portion has a width in the first direction, the width becoming smaller as it advances in the second direction, The first direction is a direction in which the connection region faces the movement region, the second direction is a direction crossing the first direction, and the section of the tip portion protrudes in the second direction.

9. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 1, wherein: The charging port opening and closing unit further includes: a driving member configured to rotate the movable member relative to the fixed member, Wherein, the movable component includes: a first link having one end connected to the fixed member and configured to be rotatable; a second link having one end connected to the other end of the first link and configured to be rotatable; and a driving link configured to be rotatable and including one end connected to the driving member and the other end connected to the second link, Wherein, the charging port opening and closing unit further includes: A tip portion is connected to the other end of the second link and has a shape protruding downward when the second link is oriented parallel to the mating direction.

10. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 9, wherein: When an imaginary straight line extending in a direction intersecting the docking direction and passing through a portion where the drive link and the drive member are connected to each other is defined as a drive rotation axis, One end of the driving link is configured to rotate around the driving rotation axis, and the other end of the driving link is configured to revolve around the driving rotation axis. When an imaginary straight line extending parallel to the driving rotation axis and passing through a portion where the fixing member and the first link are connected to each other is defined as a reference rotation axis, One end of the first link is connected to a fixing member to be rotatable about the reference rotation axis, and the reference rotation axis and the driving rotation axis are spaced apart from each other in the docking direction.

11. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 9, wherein: One end of the driving connecting rod is arranged in the docking direction of one end of the first connecting rod. The other end of the driving link is arranged between one end of the second link and the other end of the second link.

12. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 11, wherein: A spacing distance between the other end of the driving link and one end of the second link is smaller than a spacing distance between the other end of the driving link and the other end of the second link.

13. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 3, wherein: The moving region is configured to move linearly relative to the fixed component to become farther away from the connection region in the mating direction or to become closer to the connection region in the opposite direction to the mating.

14. The electric vehicle charging device according to claim 13, wherein: The movable part has a telescopic structure, An accommodating space configured to accommodate the moving area is formed inside the connecting area. The charging port opening and closing unit further includes: The driving member is configured to linearly move the moving region relative to the fixing member so that the moving region is inserted into the accommodation space or the moving region is separated from the accommodation space.

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