Charging management method, charging device and system

Abstract

The invention discloses a charging management method, a charging device and a charging system, relates to the technical field of electric vehicle charging, and aims to restrain a user homing behavior in a reliable manner to prevent a gun head from being damaged. The method comprises the steps that when it is detected that a charging gun head is pulled out of a charging interface of a vehicle, whether the charging gun head is inserted into a charging gun base or not is detected; if it is detected that the charging gun head is inserted into the charging gun base within a first preset duration, pushing a charging settlement order to a user; if it is not detected that the gun head of the charging gun is inserted into the charging gun base within the first preset duration, order settlement is forbidden, and prompt information is generated and used for prompting a user to insert the gun head of the charging gun into the charging gun base. Therefore, the user behavior can be restrained by'returning the charging gun to bind order settlement ', so that the reliability, the safety, the usability and the like of charging management are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electric vehicle charging technology, and provides a charging management method, charging device and system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, the number of public charging stations is growing. At the same time, there is a growing demand to install charging stations in unattended parking spaces to meet users' parking and charging needs. In current charging station installation designs, the charging gun head is often hung / inserted onto the charging station body or column mounting base, and after use, the charging cable is coiled and stored, and the charging gun head is returned to its original position.

[0003] However, existing gun holder head return-to-position solutions rely heavily on user behavior and lack a reliable way to constrain user return-to-position behavior. This often results in users failing to return the gun head to its original position after use, leading to damage to the gun head. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a charging management method, charging device, and system, which aims to constrain user homing behavior in a reliable manner to prevent damage to the charging head.

[0005] On one hand, a charging management method is provided, applied to a charging device. The charging device includes a charging pile body, a retractable charging gun cable, a charging gun head, and a charging gun holder. The charging pile body is used to provide electrical energy to a vehicle. One end of the retractable charging gun cable is connected to the charging pile body, and the other end is connected to the charging gun head. The charging gun head is used to connect to the vehicle's charging interface, and the charging gun holder is used to house the charging gun head. The method includes: When it is detected that the charging gun head is pulled out from the vehicle's charging port, it is detected whether the charging gun head is inserted into the charging gun socket; If the charging gun head is detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within a first preset time period, a charging settlement order will be pushed to the user. If the charging gun head is not detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within the first preset time period, the order settlement is prohibited and a prompt message is generated to prompt the user to insert the charging gun head into the charging gun socket.

[0006] Optionally, the charging pile body is provided with a storage mechanism, the storage mechanism including an automatic door mechanism, the storage mechanism being used to store the charging gun head and the charging gun base, and the method further includes: Verify the user's identity based on the verification instructions generated by the user scanning a code or swiping a card; The automatic door mechanism opens automatically after the user's identity is verified. The automatic door mechanism automatically closes when it is detected that the charging gun head is pulled out of the charging gun socket or that the charging gun head is inserted into the charging gun socket.

[0007] Optionally, the charging device further includes: a cable retraction mechanism for releasing or retracting the retractable charging cable; the method further includes: When the charging gun head is detected to be pulled out of the charging gun socket, the retractable charging gun cable is released by the cable extension mechanism; or... When the charging gun head is detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket, the charging cable extension mechanism is controlled to retract the retractable charging cable.

[0008] Optionally, the charging device further includes: a plugging / unplugging state detection mechanism for detecting the plugging / unplugging state of the charging gun head relative to the charging gun socket; When the charging gun head is detected to be unplugged from the vehicle's charging port, a plugging / unplugging status detection mechanism is used to detect whether the charging gun head is inserted into the charging gun socket.

[0009] Optionally, if the charging gun head is not detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within the first preset time period, the method further includes: If the charging gun head is not detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within a second preset time period, maintenance information is pushed to the administrator. The maintenance information is used to prompt the administrator to insert the charging gun head into the charging gun socket and charge the user the corresponding fee. The second preset time period is longer than the first preset time period.

[0010] Optionally, the retractable charging cable includes multiple retractable charging cable segments, and the charging device further includes multiple cable extension mechanisms and a tension sensor. Each cable extension mechanism corresponds one-to-one with one of the multiple retractable charging cable segments. Each cable extension mechanism is used to release or retract its corresponding retractable charging cable. The tension sensor is used to monitor the tension changes of each retractable charging cable segment in real time. The method further includes: When the tension of a certain section of the retractable charging cable increases, the corresponding cable extension mechanism is controlled to release the corresponding retractable charging cable.

[0011] Optionally, the charging device further includes: a sensing system for detecting the surrounding environment and obstacles; the method further includes: When the charging gun head is detected to be pulled out of the charging gun socket, the required charging cable length is predicted based on the sensing data of the sensing system. Based on the required cable length, the multiple cable extension mechanisms are controlled to release the retractable charging cable.

[0012] On the one hand, a charging device is provided, including: a charging pile body, a retractable charging gun cable, a charging gun head, a charging gun base, and a charging control unit; The charging pile body is used to provide power to the vehicle. One end of the retractable charging gun cable is connected to the charging pile body, and the other end is connected to the charging gun head. The charging gun head is used to connect to the vehicle's charging interface. The charging gun holder is used to store the charging gun head. The charging control unit is used to execute the charging management method described above.

[0013] Optionally, the charging device further includes: a cable telescopic mechanism; The telescopic charging cable mechanism is installed on the telescopic charging cable.

[0014] On the one hand, a charging system is provided, including at least two power modules, each power module including a controller for executing the charging management method described in any of the preceding claims.

[0015] On the one hand, a storage medium is provided that stores computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement any of the above-mentioned charging management methods.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: In this application, during charging management, firstly, when it is detected that the charging gun head has been unplugged from the vehicle's charging port, it can be detected whether the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging gun socket; then, if it is detected that the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging gun socket within a first preset time period, a charging settlement order is pushed to the user; otherwise, if it is not detected that the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging gun socket within the first preset time period, order settlement is prohibited, and a prompt message is generated to remind the user to insert the charging gun head into the charging gun socket.

[0017] Therefore, in this application, since the return of the charging gun head to its original position after use is strongly linked to the charging settlement order, it can be ensured that users can smoothly return and store the charging gun head and cable after charging, thus ensuring the safe use of the charging station. Furthermore, since the charging device also includes a retractable charging cable, it not only further ensures the safe storage and organization of the charging cable but also extends the cable's lifespan, preventing malfunctions caused by haphazard cable placement and improving the safety, ease of use, and reliability of charging management. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a charging device provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of insertion / removal status detection provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of a charging management method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the charging management method provided in this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a charging system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] The diagram shows the following labels: 110 - Power module, 120 - Charging interface, 130 - Controller, 140 - Power divider. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Furthermore, although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than that shown here.

[0022] Currently, with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, the number of public charging stations is growing. Simultaneously, there is a growing demand to deploy charging stations in unattended parking spaces to meet users' charging needs. Current charging station installation designs typically involve hanging / inserting the charging gun heads onto the charging station body or column mounting base, and then coiling and storing the charging cables and returning the charging gun heads to their original positions after use. Furthermore, for AC charging scenarios, some manufacturers use a spring-loaded turntable solution to coil and store the AC charging cables, thus achieving cable management functionality.

[0023] Based on this, the existing charging management technology has the following problems: (1) The gun head placement scheme of the gun holder is highly dependent on the user's behavior. There is no reliable way to constrain the user's placement behavior, which can easily lead to damage to the gun head; (2) The gun cable is affected by environmental factors, mopping and rain during use, which can cause the gun cable to become contaminated. It is difficult to require the user to coil and store the gun cable, which can easily lead to cable damage. At the same time, since the storage of the gun cable is unrestrained, it can also have adverse effects on surrounding people, vehicles and small animals and other third parties; (3) The spring turntable scheme is affected by the mechanism scheme, and the gun cable length is relatively short. In many scenarios, it cannot meet the user's charging parking space restriction needs. At the same time, the spring turntable scheme is affected by the mechanical aging of the spring. When the spring force fails, the storage function is easily disabled, which seriously affects the user's normal charging use and may even lead to damage to the gun cable, causing more serious charging risks. It is also not applicable to DC gun cables.

[0024] Based on this, this application provides a charging management method. In this method, firstly, when it is detected that the charging gun head has been unplugged from the vehicle's charging port, it can be detected whether the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging socket. Then, if it is detected that the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging socket within a first preset time period, a charging settlement order is pushed to the user. Conversely, if it is not detected that the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging socket within the first preset time period, order settlement is prohibited, and a prompt message is generated to remind the user to insert the charging gun head into the charging socket. Therefore, in this application, since the return of the charging gun head after use is strongly correlated with the charging settlement order, it can be ensured that the user can smoothly return and store the charging gun head and cable after charging, ensuring the safe use of the charging pile. Furthermore, since the charging device also includes a retractable charging cable, it not only further ensures the safe storage and organization of the charging cable but also extends the cable's lifespan, preventing malfunctions caused by haphazard cable placement and improving the safety, ease of use, and reliability of charging management.

[0025] After introducing the design concept of the embodiments of this application, the following is a brief introduction to the application scenarios to which the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied. It should be noted that the application scenarios described below are only for illustrating the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope. In specific implementation, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application can be flexibly applied according to actual needs.

[0026] like Figure 1The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a charging device provided in an embodiment of this application. The charging device includes a charging pile body, a retractable charging gun cable, a cable extension mechanism, a charging gun head, and a charging gun holder. The charging pile body is used to provide power to the vehicle. One end of the retractable charging gun cable is connected to the charging pile body, and the other end is connected to the charging gun head. The charging gun head is used to connect to the vehicle's charging interface, and the charging gun holder is used to store the charging gun head.

[0027] Specifically, the charging pile itself is the core component of the entire charging device. It is used to control components such as the cable extension mechanism, as well as to send order information, reminder information, and maintenance information to users.

[0028] The retractable charging cable is used for power transmission. When used in conjunction with the cable extension mechanism, the charging cable can be automatically extended and retracted, thus preventing the charging cable from dragging on the ground, getting tangled, or wearing down, reducing safety hazards, and keeping the site clean.

[0029] The charging gun head is used to charge electric vehicles; it is a component that interfaces with the car's charging port.

[0030] Charging gun holder, used to hold the charging gun head.

[0031] In one possible implementation, a charging control unit can be configured within the charging pile itself. The core functions of this control unit include charging logic and process control, safety protection, communication interaction, power and energy management, fault diagnosis and anomaly handling, and metering and settlement. Furthermore, this charging control unit can also be used to process sensor data and control the extension and retraction of the retractable charging cable.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the charging device may further include a telescopic charging cable mechanism; wherein the telescopic charging cable mechanism is mounted on the telescopic charging cable for driving the telescopic charging cable, and is suitable for DC charging scenarios.

[0033] In one possible implementation, a plug-in / plug-out status detection mechanism, such as a microswitch, limit switch, or magnetic reed switch, can be configured in the charging gun socket. This mechanism can detect the plug-in / plug-out status of the charging gun head relative to the charging gun socket, i.e., whether the charging gun head is fully inserted into the charging gun socket. Specifically, this plug-in / plug-out status detection mechanism can feed back a gun head positioning detection signal to the charging control unit of the charging pile body via a signal line. Then, the charging control unit determines the open / closed state of the plug-in / plug-out status detection mechanism based on the gun head positioning detection signal to determine whether the user has unplugged the charging gun or returned the charging gun head to its original position.

[0034] For example, a microswitch can be installed in the charging gun holder. Based on this, when the charging gun head is fully inserted into the holder, the head presses down the microswitch, closing the circuit. The charging control unit then detects the open / closed state of the microswitch via a feedback signal indicating the charging gun head is in its correct position, thus determining whether the charging gun head has returned to its original position. Specifically, when the microswitch is closed, the charging control unit receives the feedback signal indicating the charging gun is in its correct position; when the microswitch is open, the charging control unit receives the same signal, indicating whether the charging gun has been pulled out or is not fully inserted.

[0035] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, when a user is ready to start charging, they first pull the charging gun head out of the charging gun socket. The insertion / removal status detection mechanism (such as the aforementioned microswitch) immediately detects this action and sends a head-in-position detection signal back to the charging control unit. For the charging pile with a telescopic charging cable mechanism of this application, the charging control unit sends a telescopic charging cable mechanism control signal to the mechanism, instructing it to release the retractable charging cable for user convenience. In this application, the telescopic charging cable mechanism can be a reel system with motor control. After receiving the signal from the charging control unit, the motor drives the reel to rotate, releasing a sufficient length of charging cable. Based on this, the user can easily pull the charging gun to the vehicle's charging port without having to pull the cable forcefully.

[0036] After the user finishes charging, the charging control unit detects whether the user has unplugged the charging gun and waits for the user to return the charging gun head to its original position. Then, the plug-in / unplug status detection mechanism determines whether the charging gun head is back in place. After detecting that the charging gun head is back in place via the gun head positioning detection signal, the charging control unit activates the cable extension mechanism to retract the retractable charging cable, reports to the charging device that the gun has been returned to its original position, and sends a charging settlement order to the user.

[0037] In one possible implementation, for AC charging (or charging scenarios without a telescopic mechanism), after the user pulls out the charging gun head, the user can pull out the telescopic charging gun cable by holding the gun head, and then insert the charging gun head into the vehicle's charging gun socket to start charging.

[0038] For charging scenarios equipped with a telescopic mechanism, as mentioned above, when the user pulls out the charging gun head, the charging pile control unit can detect the user's pulling action through the gun head positioning detection signal fed back by the insertion / removal status detection mechanism. Based on this, the charging pile control unit will control the gun head telescopic mechanism to release the gun line through the gun line telescopic mechanism control line, thereby making it convenient for the user to hold the gun head for charging.

[0039] In one possible implementation, if the user fails to return the charging gun head to its original position, the order cannot be settled. Therefore, to improve the charging efficiency and safety of the charging device, the charging device can be set to send a gun head return reminder message to the user via SMS or other means after a first preset time period to remind the user to return the gun head. In addition, if the user fails to return the charging gun head to its original position, the user will not be able to charge the device again if there are any outstanding orders. At the same time, the charging device can be set to push maintenance information to the equipment management / inspection party after a second preset time period, so that service personnel can return the gun head to its original position and charge the user a certain fee to offset the maintenance cost.

[0040] In another possible implementation, the retractable charging gun cable can be designed as a coiled type, similar to the telephone cord of an old-fashioned telephone. Based on this, the retractable charging gun cable can achieve the cable extension function by utilizing its own elastic plastic deformation without relying on a cable extension mechanism, thereby reducing resource consumption.

[0041] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of a plug-in / plug-out state detection method provided in this application embodiment. The gun head positioning detection mechanism uses a microswitch, and the charging control unit includes a DC power supply, a current-limiting resistor, a logic judgment circuit, a microcontroller unit (MCU), and a 4G antenna. Based on this... Figure 2 If the charging gun head fails to return to its original position for more than the second preset time, maintenance information can be pushed to the management personnel via the 4G antenna.

[0042] Of course, the methods provided in the embodiments of this application are not limited to... Figure 1 The charging device structure shown can also be used for other possible charging device structures, and the embodiments of this application do not impose limitations. Figure 1 The functions of each component of the charging device structure shown will be described in subsequent method embodiments, and will not be elaborated upon here. The method of this application embodiment will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0043] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a charging management method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can... Figure 1 The charging device in the process is used to perform the operation. Specifically, the process flow of this method is described below.

[0044] Step 301: When it is detected that the charging gun head has been pulled out of the vehicle's charging port, check whether the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging gun socket.

[0045] In this application, after the charging pile body is powered on, it remains in standby mode. To improve charging efficiency, a plug-in / plug-out status detection mechanism in the charging gun socket is used to detect in real time whether the charging gun head is in position. If the charging gun head is not detected to be in position, i.e., when the charging gun head is detected to be pulled out of the charging gun socket, the plug-in / plug-out status detection mechanism in the charging gun socket can send a head-in-position detection signal back to the charging pile body. Then, based on the head-in-position detection signal, the charging control unit in the charging pile body can send a head-in-position control signal to the head-in-position extension mechanism, and then control the head-in-position extension mechanism to release the retractable charging gun cable according to the head-in-position extension mechanism control signal. Conversely, if the charging gun head is detected to be in position, i.e., the user has not pulled the charging gun head out of the charging gun socket, the charging pile body remains in standby mode.

[0046] Based on this, in order to charge the car, the user can generate a charging command by scanning a code, and the charging device can receive the charging command generated by the user by scanning the code or swiping a card; then, according to the charging command, a charging start order can be established, thereby activating the charging pile body, switching it from standby state to working state, and establishing a power supply connection for startup.

[0047] Then, after charging is complete, the charging gun holder can be used to detect whether the charging gun head has returned to its original position. That is, in this application, after charging is complete, when the charging control unit detects that the user has pulled out the charging gun head, the charging device begins to wait for the user to return the charging gun. Based on this, after charging is complete, the insertion / removal status detection mechanism of the charging gun holder can be used to detect that the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging gun holder within a first preset time period, that is, to detect whether the charging gun head has returned to its original position.

[0048] Step 302: If the charging gun head is detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within the first preset time period, a charging settlement order is pushed to the user.

[0049] In this application, the first preset duration can be determined based on historical charging data (e.g., 10 minutes). Based on this, if it is detected that the charging gun head is inserted into the charging gun socket within the first preset duration (the charging gun head is detected to be in place), the charging pile body is used to push a charging settlement order to the user, and the gun cable extension mechanism is controlled to retract the retractable charging gun cable, and real-time detection and recording are maintained.

[0050] Step 303: If the charging gun head is not detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within the first preset time period, the order settlement is prohibited and a prompt message is generated.

[0051] In this application, the prompt message is used to remind the user to insert the charging gun head into the charging gun socket (reminding the user to return the charging gun head to its proper position). For example, this prompt message can be given directly via voice prompts from the charging station, displayed on the charging station's screen, or sent to the user via SMS or other means.

[0052] In another possible implementation, if no insertion of the charging gun head into the charging socket is detected within the first preset time period, it can first be determined whether the insertion of the charging gun head into the charging socket is detected within the second preset time period. Next, if it is determined that no insertion of the charging gun head into the charging socket is detected within the second preset time period, maintenance information is pushed to the administrator. The maintenance information is used to prompt the administrator to insert the charging gun head into the charging socket and charge the user the corresponding fee. The second preset time period is much longer than the first preset time period, for example, the second preset time period is 40 minutes.

[0053] In another possible implementation, if no charging gun head is detected being inserted into the charging gun socket within a second preset time period, the user can be marked; wherein, the mark is used to prevent the user from charging the charging device for the next time.

[0054] In one possible implementation, in order to address the potential damage and risks to equipment, other people, and objects caused by externally mounted charging guns, a storage mechanism can also be provided on the charging pile body. This storage mechanism includes an automatic door mechanism and is used to store the charging gun head and charging gun base, thereby closing the charging gun storage space inside the door.

[0055] Specifically, before the retractable charging gun cable is released by the charging pile body and the gun cable extension mechanism, the user's identity is verified according to the verification command generated by the user scanning the code or swiping the card; after the user's identity is verified, the automatic door mechanism is automatically opened; when the charging gun head is detected to be pulled out of the charging gun socket or the charging gun head is detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket, the automatic door mechanism is automatically closed.

[0056] That is, when a user starts charging, the user's identity can be verified based on the verification command generated by scanning a code or swiping a card; after the user's identity is verified, the automatic door mechanism can be opened automatically to remove the charging gun; then, when the charging gun head is detected to be removed from the charging gun socket (charging gun head removed), the automatic door mechanism can be closed automatically to improve the safety of the charging device.

[0057] Furthermore, after charging is complete and the user returns the charging gun head to its original position, the user will verify their identity again. Once the user's identity is verified, the automatic door mechanism will open automatically. When the charging gun head is detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket (the charging gun head is returned to its original position), the automatic door mechanism will close automatically.

[0058] For example, an electrically operated sliding door can be installed on the charging station itself, covering the storage area for the charging gun and cable. Based on this, upon arriving at the charging station, the user first verifies their identity via a mobile app by scanning a QR code or swiping a card. After successful verification, the charging device opens the sliding door, allowing the user to retrieve the charging gun. Next, once the user removes the charging gun from its holder, the sliding door automatically closes to protect the remaining equipment. Then, after charging is complete, the user verifies their identity again, and upon successful verification, the sliding door opens to allow the return of the charging gun. Finally, once the charging gun is correctly returned to its original position, the charging device closes the sliding door again, completing the entire process. This avoids risks such as equipment damage, personnel safety issues, and environmental impact that might arise from externally mounted charging guns.

[0059] In summary, this application strongly links the return of the charging gun head to its proper place after use to the charging settlement order. This ensures that users can smoothly return the charging gun head and cable after charging, guaranteeing the safe use of the charging station. Furthermore, since the charging device includes a retractable charging cable, it not only further ensures the proper storage of the charging cable but also extends its lifespan, preventing malfunctions caused by haphazard cable placement and improving the safety, ease of use, and reliability of charging management.

[0060] Furthermore, when applying the charging management method of this application in the underground parking lot of a large commercial center, due to space constraints and dense vehicle traffic, charging piles usually need to be installed on the wall or pillar next to the parking space. This layout can easily lead to the charging gun cable having to travel a long distance to connect to the charging port of a vehicle in a different location. However, existing cable extension mechanisms are often unable to adapt to this complex usage environment. In particular, when users need to connect the charging gun to a vehicle far away from the charging pile, the cable extension mechanism may not be able to provide sufficient cable length, or it may easily get tangled with surrounding vehicles or obstacles during the retraction process. This not only affects the charging efficiency but also increases the risk of equipment damage and safety accidents.

[0061] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, in this application, the retractable charging gun cable can be a multi-segment retractable charging gun cable, which is used to extend and retract the retractable charging gun cable in segments; in this application, the multi-segment retractable charging gun cable is designed as multiple retractable segments, each of which can extend and retract independently.

[0062] In addition, the charging device also includes multiple cable extension mechanisms (e.g., micro-motor drive devices) and tension sensors. Each cable extension mechanism corresponds to a specific segment of the retractable charging cable. Each cable extension mechanism is used to release or retract its corresponding retractable charging cable, and the tension sensors are used to monitor the tension changes of each segment of the retractable charging cable in real time. In this application, the intelligent tension sensor needs to be installed at each connection point of the cable segments.

[0063] Furthermore, when an increase in tension is detected in a certain section of the retractable charging cable, the corresponding cable extension mechanism is controlled to release the corresponding retractable charging cable.

[0064] In another possible implementation, the charging device further includes a sensing system for detecting the surrounding environment and obstacles. In this application, the sensing system includes an ultrasonic sensor and a camera.

[0065] Based on this, when the charging gun head is detected to be pulled out of the charging gun socket, the required charging cable length is predicted based on the sensing data of the sensing system; then, based on the required cable length, multiple cable extension mechanisms are controlled to release the retractable charging cable.

[0066] Furthermore, based on this multi-segment retractable charging cable, when the user pulls out the charging gun, the required cable length can be predicted based on the environmental perception data detected by the sensing system. Thus, the multi-segment retractable charging cable can be released segment by segment through the cable extension mechanism.

[0067] During the charging process, a tension sensor continuously monitors the status of the charging cable. If a sudden increase in tension is detected (for example, the cable is caught), the multi-segment retractable charging cable can be controlled by the cable extension mechanism to release more cable appropriately to avoid damage.

[0068] After charging is complete, the user returns the charging gun to its original position. Then, the multi-segment retractable charging gun can be retracted to the furthest segment via the gun cable extension mechanism. Subsequently, it can be retracted segment by segment inward.

[0069] During the retraction of the gun line segment, a sensing system can be used to detect surrounding obstacles in real time. If an obstacle is detected, the retraction of the gun line segment is paused, and the process waits for the obstacle to be removed or the retraction path to be adjusted.

[0070] In addition, the charging control unit can dynamically adjust the retraction speed and force of each section of the cable based on data from the tension sensor and the sensing system, thereby ensuring smooth storage. Clearly, this design can flexibly meet different charging distance requirements, while intelligent control prevents the charging cable from getting tangled or colliding with the surrounding environment. This not only improves charging efficiency and user experience, but also greatly reduces the risk of equipment damage and safety accidents, making it particularly suitable for underground parking environments with limited space and dense traffic. Specific implementation examples: like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the charging management method provided in this application.

[0072] First, the charging station itself can be powered on.

[0073] Then, the charging station itself goes into standby mode.

[0074] Next, the insertion / removal status detection mechanism can be used to determine whether the charging gun head has been detected as being pulled out of the charging gun socket.

[0075] Then, if it is determined that the charging gun head has been pulled out of the charging gun socket, the retractable charging gun cable is released by the cable extension mechanism; otherwise, if it is determined that the charging gun head has not been pulled out of the charging gun socket, the charging pile body continues to standby.

[0076] Next, users can initiate a charging order by scanning a code or swiping a card.

[0077] Then, the user can hold the retractable charging cable and start charging the car.

[0078] Next, after charging is complete, the insertion / removal status detection mechanism can determine whether the charging gun head has been detected as being inserted into the charging gun socket.

[0079] Then, if it is determined that the charging gun head has been inserted into the charging gun socket, a charging settlement order is pushed to the user, and the retractable charging gun cable is retracted by the cable extension mechanism; otherwise, if it is determined that the charging gun head has not been inserted into the charging gun socket, the order settlement is prohibited, and a prompt message is generated.

[0080] In some possible implementations, this application also provides a charging system, such as Figure 5The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a charging system provided in an embodiment of this application. The charging system includes at least two power modules 110, a controller 130, a power distributor 140, and at least one charging interface 120. The power distributor is connected to the controller, each power module, and each charging interface. The power module 110 converts AC power from the power grid into DC power to supply the charging interfaces. The controller acquires the power demand of each charging interface and generates scheduling commands based on the connection relationships of the controllable switches in the power distributor and the power demand. The power distributor controls the opening or closing of the controllable switches according to the scheduling commands to distribute the output power of each power module to each charging interface.

[0081] In one optional implementation, the charging system provided in this application is an integrated DC charging pile, with the charging interface 120 used to connect the charging gun, and the charging gun connected to the host of the charging system via the charging gun socket on the main body of the charging system.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the charging system provided in this application is a split-type DC charging pile. The charging system also includes multiple charging terminals. The charging interface 120 is used to connect the charging terminals. The charging terminals are set separately from the main body of the charging system. The charging terminals are equipped with a single charging gun or dual charging guns for outputting power to electric vehicles.

[0083] In some possible implementations, various aspects of the methods provided in this application can also be implemented as a program product comprising program code that, when run on a computer device, causes the computer device to perform the steps of the methods according to the various exemplary embodiments of this application described above. For example, the computer device may perform actions such as... Figure 3-4 The method performed by the charging management device in the illustrated embodiment.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it performs the steps of the above method embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as mobile storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks. Alternatively, if the integrated units of this application are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of software products. These computer software products are stored in a storage medium and include several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as mobile storage devices, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0085] Although preferred embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this application.

[0086] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A charging management method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a charging device, which includes a charging pile body, a retractable charging gun cable, a charging gun head, and a charging gun holder. The charging pile body provides electrical energy to a vehicle. One end of the retractable charging gun cable is connected to the charging pile body, and the other end is connected to the charging gun head. The charging gun head is used to connect to the vehicle's charging interface, and the charging gun holder is used to house the charging gun head. When it is detected that the charging gun head is pulled out from the vehicle's charging port, it is detected whether the charging gun head is inserted into the charging gun socket; If the charging gun head is detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within a first preset time period, a charging settlement order will be pushed to the user. If the charging gun head is not detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within the first preset time period, the order settlement is prohibited and a prompt message is generated to prompt the user to insert the charging gun head into the charging gun socket.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The charging pile body is provided with a storage mechanism, which includes an automatic door mechanism. The storage mechanism is used to store the charging gun head and the charging gun base. The method further includes: Verify the user's identity based on the verification instructions generated by the user scanning a code or swiping a card; The automatic door mechanism opens automatically after the user's identity is verified. The automatic door mechanism automatically closes when it is detected that the charging gun head is pulled out of the charging gun socket or that the charging gun head is inserted into the charging gun socket.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The charging device further includes: a cable retraction mechanism for releasing or retracting the retractable charging cable; the method further includes: When the charging gun head is detected to be pulled out of the charging gun socket, the retractable charging gun cable is released by the cable extension mechanism; or... When the charging gun head is detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket, the charging cable extension mechanism is controlled to retract the retractable charging cable.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The charging device further includes: a plugging / unplugging state detection mechanism, used to detect the plugging / unplugging state of the charging gun head relative to the charging gun socket; When the charging gun head is detected to be unplugged from the vehicle's charging port, a plugging / unplugging status detection mechanism is used to detect whether the charging gun head is inserted into the charging gun socket.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the charging gun head is not detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within the first preset time period, the method further includes: If the charging gun head is not detected to be inserted into the charging gun socket within a second preset time period, maintenance information is pushed to the administrator. The maintenance information is used to prompt the administrator to insert the charging gun head into the charging gun socket and charge the user the corresponding fee. The second preset time period is longer than the first preset time period.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The retractable charging cable includes multiple retractable charging cable segments. The charging device further includes multiple cable extension mechanisms and a tension sensor. Each cable extension mechanism corresponds one-to-one with one of the multiple retractable charging cable segments. Each cable extension mechanism is used to release or retract its corresponding retractable charging cable. The tension sensor is used to monitor the tension changes of each retractable charging cable segment in real time. The method further includes: When the tension of a certain section of the retractable charging cable increases, the corresponding cable extension mechanism is controlled to release the corresponding retractable charging cable.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The charging device further includes: a sensing system for detecting the surrounding environment and obstacles; the method further includes: When the charging gun head is detected to be pulled out of the charging gun socket, the required charging cable length is predicted based on the sensing data of the sensing system. Based on the required cable length, the multiple cable extension mechanisms are controlled to release the retractable charging cable.

8. A charging device, characterized in that, include: The charging station body, retractable charging gun cable, charging gun head, charging gun base and charging control unit; The charging pile body is used to provide power to the vehicle. One end of the retractable charging gun cable is connected to the charging pile body, and the other end is connected to the charging gun head. The charging gun head is used to connect to the charging interface of the vehicle. The charging gun holder is used to store the charging gun head. The charging control unit is used to execute the charging management method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The charging device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The charging device also includes: a cable telescopic mechanism; The telescopic charging cable mechanism is installed on the telescopic charging cable.

10. A charging system, characterized in that, It includes at least two power modules, each power module including a controller for performing the charging management method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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