Charger for an electrically powered vehicle

Abstract

A charger for an electrified vehicle includes a charge controller configured to be connected to the electrified vehicle or to a charging source via a first connector, and a plurality of plugs, each plug configured to be connected to the charge controller via a second connector, the second connector selectively connected to the first connector. The second connector includes an identification resistor configured to enable the charge controller to distinguish between different types of plugs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a charger for vehicles that is effectively compatible with a variety of charging sources. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing attention to environmental issues in recent years, the use of environmentally friendly vehicles powered by electric motors is constantly increasing. These eco-friendly vehicles are also known as "electrified vehicles." Representative examples of electrified vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), pure electric vehicles (EVs), and range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs).

[0003] These types of electrified vehicles are equipped with batteries to store electrical energy supplied from external power sources or generated by electricity generation, and to supply the stored electrical energy to electric motors and electronic components. Systems for charging such batteries can be broadly classified as: portable charging systems for charging batteries installed in vehicles using household or industrial AC power and chargers; slow charging systems for slowly charging batteries installed in vehicles via charging stations; and fast charging systems for quickly charging batteries installed in vehicles via electric vehicle charging stations.

[0004] Specifically, in the case of portable charging systems, the charger may integrate an on-cable control box (ICCB) that has the function of communicating with the electric vehicle and controlling the charging status.

[0005] The plug used to receive power from a charging source can vary depending on the maximum allowable current of the charging source and the specific connector standards of each country.

[0006] The above description in the Background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission that such content constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art or any form of advice. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. Several aspects of this disclosure provide a charger for electric vehicles, which is configured to be compatible with various types of plugs, to distinguish between different plug types, and to effectively control the charging state.

[0008] Several aspects of this disclosure provide a charger for electric vehicles that is capable of adapting to various types of plugs using a single ICCB.

[0009] This disclosure has several aspects, not limited to those described above. Other aspects of this disclosure not mentioned herein will become clearer to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a charger for an electrified vehicle is provided. The charger includes a controller configured to connect to an electrified vehicle or to a charging source via a first connector. The charger also includes a plurality of plugs, each configured to connect to the controller via a second connector, the second connector being configured to selectively connect to the first connector. The second connector includes an identification resistor configured to enable the controller to distinguish between different types of plugs.

[0011] In the disclosed embodiments, the second connector may include a connection portion configured to be electrically connected to the first connector. This connection portion may have a consistent shape regardless of the type of plug.

[0012] In the disclosed embodiments, the identification resistor may be configured to have a resistance value selected from different resistance values ​​respectively corresponding to the type of plug.

[0013] In the disclosed implementation, among the multiple plugs, each plug is configured to be distinguished from the others based on its maximum permissible charging current value. The larger the maximum permissible charging current value, the smaller the resistance value that the identification resistor can have.

[0014] In the disclosed embodiments, the second connector may further include a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the mating portion of the first and second connectors. The controller may be further configured to determine the temperature of the mating portion of the first and second connectors based on the mating of the first and second connectors via the temperature sensor, and to determine a current amount limit based on that temperature.

[0015] In the disclosed embodiments, the temperature sensor may include a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) element.

[0016] In the disclosed embodiment, based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector, the first connector can be connected to a power supply circuit configured to provide alternating current and a resistance identification circuit including an identification resistor. The first connector can be configured such that it can be connected to the power supply circuit before being connected to the resistance identification circuit.

[0017] In the disclosed implementation, the controller can be woken up based on a connection to the power supply circuit, and can control not to perform charging based on a connection to the power supply circuit but not to the resistor recognition circuit.

[0018] In the disclosed embodiments, the controller may further include a switch connected in series with the power supply circuit, and the controller may control whether to perform charging of the electric vehicle by controlling the switch.

[0019] In the disclosed implementation, the controller can determine the current limit based on the resistance value of the identification resistor.

[0020] In the disclosed implementation, the larger the resistance value of the identification resistor, the smaller the current limit value can be determined by the controller.

[0021] In the disclosed embodiments, the first connector may include a plurality of connector pins, each connector pin having a first end connected to a controller and a second end selectively connected to a second connector. The first end of each of the plurality of connector pins may have a larger diameter than the second end of each of the plurality of connector pins.

[0022] In the disclosed embodiments, the second connector may further include: a plurality of terminals, each terminal having: i) a first end configured to connect to a corresponding one of a plug or an identification resistor; and ii) a second end selectively connected to the first connector; a first molding member configured to surround the first end of each of the plurality of terminals; and a second molding member configured to surround the second end of each of the plurality of terminals and the first molding member. The second connector may further include: a plurality of seals configured to maintain a seal between the respective second ends of the plurality of terminals and the second molding member.

[0023] In the disclosed embodiments, the first connector and the second connector may further include protrusions and recesses configured to: i) engage with each other based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector; and ii) be offset from each other based on the first connector and the second connector being in other states (e.g., not engaged).

[0024] In the disclosed embodiments, the first connector may include a groove, and the second connector may include a protrusion.

[0025] In the disclosed embodiments, the charger may also include a connector seal configured to remain sealed when the first connector engages with the second connector.

[0026] In the disclosed embodiments, the connector seal may have a different color than that of the first and second connectors. The connector seal may be concealed based on the first and second connectors being fully engaged, and exposed based on other states of the first and second connectors, such as not being fully engaged or not engaged at all.

[0027] In the disclosed embodiments, the connector seal may surround the outer periphery of the second connector and may be attached to the outer wall of the second connector so as to be disposed between the first connector and the second connector when the first connector and the second connector are engaged.

[0028] In the disclosed embodiments, the connector seal may be configured to i) be attached to the first connector; and ii) be disposed between the first connector and the second connector based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector.

[0029] In the disclosed embodiments, the connector seal may be configured to: i) be attached to the first connector; and ii) be disposed between two facing surfaces of the first and second connectors based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector. Attached Figure Description

[0030] From the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other aspects, features, and other advantages of this disclosure should be more clearly understood: Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle charger, a charging source, and an electrified vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing a second connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is an exploded view showing the various components of a second connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a view showing a first connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a view showing a block and a housing included in a first connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a view showing the various components of a block of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a view showing an example of a cross-section of a second connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 This is a view showing an example of a cross-section of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This is a view showing an example of a connector seal applied to the engagement portion of a first connector and a second connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This is a view showing a seal configured to maintain a seal at the second connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 This is a view showing a cross-section of a first connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a first connector, a second connector, and a connector seal; and Figure 13This is a view showing another embodiment of the connector seal. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the reference numerals, identical or similar elements are indicated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The suffixes “module body” and “unit” used herein are for ease of description and are therefore interchangeable without any distinguishing meaning or function. In the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations are omitted if they would obscure the essential points of the disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure should be more clearly understood from the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the drawings, and it should be understood that all changes, equivalents, and substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are included herein.

[0032] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used in this document to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0033] When a component is "connected" or "linked" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or linked to the other component, or that another component may exist between them. Conversely, when a component is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists between them.

[0034] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, singular expressions include plural meanings.

[0035] In this specification, the terms "comprising," "including," etc., are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, element, part, or combination thereof, and do not exclude another feature, number, step, operation, element, part, or any combination thereof or any addition thereof.

[0036] When a component, controller, device, element, unit, or apparatus of this disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation or function, such component, controller, device, element, unit, or apparatus shall be regarded herein as "configured to" satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function. Each component, controller, device, element, unit, or apparatus may be embodied separately as a processor and memory (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium) or included together with a processor and memory as part of an apparatus.

[0037] As used in this disclosure, the term "~controller" can mean including software, firmware, and / or hardware components, and that the "controller" performs certain functions. Components can include resistors, transistors, switches, etc., for performing the described operations. These components can include integrated circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). However, the "~controller" is not limited to software, firmware, or hardware. At least a portion of the "~controller" may reside on an addressable storage medium and be configured to reproduce one or more processors. The "~controller" can include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0038] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle charger, charging source, and electrified vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle charger 300 may include a charging controller 310 (sometimes simply referred to herein as the "controller"), multiple plugs 340 and 340', a first connector 320, and multiple second connectors 330 and 330'. The vehicle charger 300 may be connected to a vehicle 100 and multiple charging sources 200 and 200'.

[0041] The vehicle 100 may be equipped with a power receiving port (not shown) that serves as a charging port. One end of the charger 300 may be connected to a power supply port (not shown) to supply power to the vehicle 100; the power supply port is a plug that can be connected to the power receiving port.

[0042] In addition, the other end of the charger 300 can be connected to one of a plurality of plugs 340 and 340', each plug being used to receive AC power from a corresponding one of a plurality of charging sources 200 and 200'.

[0043] The charging controller 310 can selectively supply charging power to the vehicle 100 via AC power. The charging controller 310 can limit the charging current. The charging controller 310 can also monitor the status of the charger 300.

[0044] The charging controller 310 can be connected to the first connector 320. The plug-1 340, configured to receive power from the charging source-1 200, can be connected to its corresponding second connector 330. The first connector 320 and the second connector 330 can be selectively engaged to supply the power obtained from the charging source-1 200 to the vehicle 100 via the charging controller 310.

[0045] Similarly, the first connector 320 can engage with the second connector 330' corresponding to the plug 2 340' configured to receive power from the charging source 2 200'.

[0046] In the following text, for convenience, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that vehicle 100 receives power from charging source 1 200 for charging via plug-1 340 and its corresponding second connector 330.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the second connector according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded view showing the various components of the second connector according to an embodiment.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second connector 330 may include multiple terminals 332 and 333. Terminal 332 may be connected to an identification resistor 334 or a temperature sensor (not shown) consisting of a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) element. Terminal 333 may be connected to a plug 340.

[0049] Multiple terminals 332 and 333 may be surrounded by a first molding 335. The first molding 335 may be surrounded by second moldings 331 and 336. The second molding 331 may be configured to surround the connection portion connected to the second connector 330. The second molding 336 may be configured to surround the first molding 335.

[0050] Additionally, the second connector 330 may further include a connector seal 337 configured to maintain a seal between the first connector 320 and the second connector 330, and a plurality of seals 338 and 339 configured to maintain a seal between the second connector 330 and the first connector 320.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a view showing the first connector according to an embodiment. Figure 5 This is a view showing the block and housing included in the first connector according to the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a view showing the various components of the block of the first connector according to an embodiment.

[0052] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The first connector 320 may include a block 320B and a housing 320A. The housing 320A may be configured to surround the block 320B and be mated to the second connector 330.

[0053] refer to Figure 6 The block 320B of the first connector 320 may include a plurality of connector pins 323B connected to the identification resistor 334 and the temperature sensor, and a plurality of connector pins 324B configured to receive AC power from the charging source 200. The plurality of connector pins 323B and 324B may be surrounded by a housing 322B. The plurality of connector pins 324B receiving AC power may be further protected by a metal bushing 321B and a cap 325B made of insulating material.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a second connector according to an embodiment.

[0055] refer to Figure 7 It is along Figure 2 An example of a cross section of the second connector 330 taken from line A-A' and parallel to the xy-plane.

[0056] Of the multiple terminals 332, terminal 332a not connected to a power source can be connected to a temperature sensor. When the first connector 320 is engaged with the second connector 330, the temperature sensor can be connected to the charging controller 310. The charging controller 310 can measure the temperature at the engagement portion of the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 using the temperature sensor, and can determine a current limit to prevent overheating of the engagement portion.

[0057] For example, if the charging controller 310 limits the charging current to half of the current charging current to prevent the temperature of the joint from rising further, the heat generated at the joint can be reduced to 1 / 4 of the current heat, because the power loss caused by resistance is proportional to the square of the current value.

[0058] Another pair of terminals 332b and 332c can be connected to the identification resistor 334. When the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are engaged, the resistor identification circuit, including the identification resistor 334, can be connected to the internal configuration of the charger 300. The charging controller 310 can measure the resistance value of the identification resistor 334 included in the resistor identification circuit.

[0059] Since the multiple charging sources 200 and 200' have different maximum allowable current values, the corresponding maximum allowable charging current values ​​of plugs 340 and 340' can also be different. Therefore, it is necessary for the charging controller 310 to determine the current limit based on the maximum allowable charging current.

[0060] To achieve this, the multiple second connectors 330 and 330' can each include an identification resistor 334 with different resistance values. For example, the larger the maximum allowable charging current of the plug 340, the smaller the resistance value of the identification resistor 334 included in the corresponding second connector 330 can be.

[0061] In this situation, even if the charging controller 310 incorrectly identifies the resistance value of the identification resistor 334 as higher than its actual value due to foreign objects between the first connector 320 and the second connector 330, the charging controller 310 can still determine the current limit to be less than the maximum allowable charging current of the plug 340. Therefore, safety problems caused by incorrect resistor identification can be prevented.

[0062] Furthermore, by using the identification resistor 334 to distinguish the type of plug 340, while maintaining the physical shape of the second connector 330 and the consistent arrangement of the multiple connector pins 323B and 324B regardless of the type of plug 340, production efficiency can be improved during the mass production of the charger 300.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a first connector according to an embodiment.

[0064] refer to Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 An example of a cross-section of the first connector 320 taken along line C-C' and parallel to the xy-plane. For convenience, components unrelated to the description of groove 336b will be simplified.

[0065] The first connector 320 according to the disclosed embodiment may include a housing 320A ( Figure 5 The housing 320A may include a recess 336b configured to engage with a protrusion 336a of the second connector 330. When the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are fully engaged, the recess 336b and the protrusion 336a are also engaged. In other states (e.g., not fully engaged or not engaged), the recess 336b and the protrusion 336a may be misaligned. Therefore, engagement or misalignment can be verified through auditory and tactile feedback.

[0066] However, the configuration can also be changed so that the second connector 330 includes a protrusion 336a, while the first connector 320 includes a recess 336b (not shown).

[0067] Figure 9 This is a view showing an example of a connector seal applied to the engagement portion of a first connector and a second connector according to an embodiment.

[0068] refer to Figure 9The second connector 330 may include a connector seal 337 configured to maintain a seal at the engagement portion of the second connector 330 when the second connector 330 engages with the first connector 320. Furthermore, the connector seal 337 may have a different color than that of the first connector 320 and the second connector 330.

[0069] When the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are fully engaged, the connector seal 337 can be completely concealed by the housing 320A of the first connector 320. However, when the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are not fully engaged, a portion of the connector seal 337 can be exposed. This allows the user to visually verify whether the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are fully engaged.

[0070] Figure 10 This is a view showing a seal configured to maintain a seal at the second connector according to an embodiment.

[0071] refer to Figure 10 , showed Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of portion 701 in the diagram. Since multiple terminals 332 and 333 are partially exposed to allow electrical connection to multiple connector pins 323B and 324B of the first connector 320, moisture, dust, etc., may enter the joint between the multiple terminals 332 and 333 and the second molding parts 331 and 336. Therefore, multiple seals 338 and 339 can be provided at the joint to improve durability.

[0072] As an example of the plurality of seals 338 and 339, a plurality of resilient O-rings can be inserted between a plurality of terminals 332 and 333 and the second moldings 331 and 336.

[0073] Figure 11 This is a view showing a cross-section of the first connector according to an embodiment.

[0074] refer to Figure 11 It is along Figure 4 An example of a cross-section of the first connector 320 taken along line B-B' and parallel to the xy-plane. The first connector 320 may include a plurality of connector pins 323B and 324B. Each of the plurality of connector pins 323B and 324B may be always connected at one end to the charging controller 310 and selectively connected at the other end to a corresponding terminal among a plurality of terminals 332 and 333 of the second connector 330.

[0075] One end of each of the plurality of connector pins 323B and 324B is surrounded by a housing 322B, but the other end of each of the plurality of connector pins 323B and 324B is exposed to the outside, and therefore, moisture, dust, etc., may enter. To prevent the ingress of moisture, dust, etc., each of the plurality of connector pins 323B and 324B may be configured to have a step between its two ends. For example, each of the plurality of connector pins 323B and 324B may be configured such that the diameter of one end is larger than the diameter of the other end.

[0076] Furthermore, among the multiple connector pins 323B and 324B, the length of connector pin 323B, which connects to the identification resistor 334 and the temperature sensor, can be different from the length of connector pin 324B, which is configured to receive AC power. Therefore, when the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are engaged, the power supply circuit can be connected first, followed by the resistor identification circuit and the temperature sensor circuit.

[0077] When the power supply circuit is connected, the charging controller 310 can be woken up. When the power supply circuit is connected but the resistor recognition circuit and the temperature sensor circuit are not connected, the charging controller 310 can determine the charging state as a charging standby state and thus limit the charging current.

[0078] When a resistor identification circuit and a temperature sensor circuit are subsequently connected in addition to the power supply circuit, the charging controller 310 can determine the charging current limit based on the resistance value of the identification resistor 334 in the resistor identification circuit, determine the charging state as the charging start state, and provide the vehicle 100 with the charging current within the charging current limit range.

[0079] In an embodiment of the method of controlling the charging current by the charging controller 310, the charging controller 310 may include a switch (not shown) connected in series with the power supply circuit, and therefore the charging current can be controlled by controlling the on / off state of the switch.

[0080] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a first connector, a second connector, and a connector seal according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0081] refer to Figure 12 It is along Figure 4 The cross section of line C-C' in the xy-plane, in which the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are in the engaged state.

[0082] The charger 300 may also include a connector seal 337 configured to prevent moisture, dust, etc. from entering between the mating portions of the first connector 320 and the second connector 330.

[0083] In one embodiment, when the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are engaged, the connector seal 337 may surround the outer periphery of the second connector 330 and may be attached to the outer wall of the second connector 330 to be disposed between the first connector 320 and the second connector 330.

[0084] In another embodiment, a connector seal (not shown) may be attached to the inner surface of the housing 320A such that when the first connector 320 and the second connector 330 are engaged, the connector seal is disposed between the first connector 320 and the second connector 330, while surrounding the periphery of the second connector 330.

[0085] Figure 13 This is a view showing another embodiment of the connector seal.

[0086] refer to Figure 13 An embodiment of a connector seal 337' attached to a housing 322B of a first connector 320 is shown. The connector seal 337' can be attached to an engagement portion of the housing 322B such that when the first connector 320 is engaged with the second connector 330, the connector seal 337' is arranged between two opposing surfaces of the connectors 320 and 330. For example, the connector seal 337' made of an elastic material such as rubber can be attached to the housing 322B. In this case, when the connectors 320 and 330 are engaged, the connector seal 337' can deform to fill any gap between the engagement portions of the connectors 320 and 330.

[0087] As is evident from the above description, the charging controller included in the charger according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be connected to various types of plugs and can appropriately control the charging state according to the type of plug. Furthermore, a seal can be maintained between the connectors before and after connection, thereby achieving high durability. These features provide an economical and safe vehicle charger.

[0088] The effects that can be obtained in the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art should more clearly understand from the above description other effects of this disclosure not described herein.

[0089] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charger for an electric vehicle, the charger comprising: The controller is configured to connect to the electrified vehicle or to a charging source via a first connector; as well as Multiple plugs, each configured to connect to the controller via a second connector, the second connector being configured to selectively connect to the first connector. The second connector includes an identification resistor configured to enable the controller to distinguish between different types of the plug.

2. The charger according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector further includes a connection portion configured to be electrically connected to the first connector; and The connection portion is configured to have a consistent shape regardless of the type of the plug.

3. The charger according to claim 1, wherein, The identification resistor is configured to have a resistance value selected from different resistance values ​​respectively corresponding to the type of the plug.

4. The charger according to claim 1, wherein: In the plurality of said plugs, each plug is configured to be distinguished from the others based on the maximum permissible charging current value of said plug; and The identification resistor is also configured such that the larger the maximum allowable charging current value, the smaller its resistance value.

5. The charger according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector further includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the mating portion of the first connector and the second connector; and The controller is also configured to base its operation on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector: The temperature of the mating portion of the first connector and the second connector is determined by connecting to the temperature sensor, and The current limit is determined based on the temperature.

6. The charger according to claim 5, wherein, The temperature sensor includes a negative temperature coefficient element.

7. The charger according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector, the first connector is configured to connect to a power supply circuit for supplying alternating current and a resistor identification circuit including the identification resistor, wherein the first connector is configured to connect to the power supply circuit before connecting to the resistor identification circuit.

8. The charger according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is configured as follows: He was awakened based on the connection formed with the power circuit; and Charging is controlled to not be performed based on the fact that it is connected to the power supply circuit but not to the resistor recognition circuit.

9. The charger according to claim 7, wherein: The controller also includes a switch connected in series with the power supply circuit, and The controller is also configured to control whether to perform charging of the electrified vehicle by controlling the switch.

10. The charger according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to determine a current limit based on the resistance value of the identified resistor.

11. The charger according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured such that the larger the resistance value of the identification resistor, the smaller the current limit value will be.

12. The charger according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes a plurality of connector pins, each connector pin having: i) configured to connect to a first end of the controller; and ii) configured to selectively connect to a second end of the second connector; and The first end of each of the plurality of connector pins is configured to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the second end of each of the plurality of connector pins.

13. The charger according to claim 1, wherein: The second connector also includes: Multiple terminals, each terminal being configured to have a first end connected to a corresponding one of the plug or the identification resistor and a second end selectively connected to the first connector; A first molded part, configured to surround a first end of each of the plurality of terminals; and A second molding member is configured to surround a second end of each of the plurality of terminals and the first molding member; and The second connector also includes a plurality of seals configured to maintain a seal between the respective second ends of the plurality of terminals and the second molding.

14. The charger according to claim 7, wherein, The first connector and the second connector further include protrusions and recesses, the protrusions and recesses being configured to: i) engage with each other based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector; And ii) based on the fact that the first connector and the second connector are not engaged and are offset from each other.

15. The charger according to claim 14, wherein: The first connector includes the groove; and The second connector includes the protrusion.

16. The charger according to claim 1, further comprising: A connector seal configured to remain sealed when the first connector engages with the second connector.

17. The charger according to claim 16, wherein: The connector seal is configured to have a color different from that of the first connector and the second connector; and The connector seal is further configured to: i) be concealed based on the first connector being fully engaged with the second connector; and ii) be exposed based on the first connector not being fully engaged or not engaged with the second connector.

18. The charger according to claim 16, wherein, The connector seal is configured to: i) surround the outer periphery of the second connector; and ii) be attached to the outer wall of the second connector, and be arranged between the first connector and the second connector based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector.

19. The charger according to claim 16, wherein, The connector seal is further configured to: i) be attached to the first connector; and ii) be disposed between the first connector and the second connector based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector.

20. The charger according to claim 16, wherein, The connector seal is further configured to: i) be attached to the first connector; and ii) be disposed between two facing surfaces of the first connector and the second connector based on the engagement of the first connector and the second connector.

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