Charging system for vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a charging system for a vehicle, which comprises a guiding channel (10) on the side of the vehicle, the guiding channel is used for receiving and guiding a charging gun (20), and the guiding channel extends from the far end far away from a charging port (3) of the vehicle to the near end close to the charging port. The guide channel has an inlet section (1) tapering in the direction of the charging port for the insertion of the charging gun, along which guide channel the charging gun can be guided from the inlet section to the proximal end of the guide channel and can be electrically connected to the charging port at the proximal end of the guide channel. Therefore, under the condition that the charging gun and the charging port do not need to be accurately mutually positioned in advance, the charging gun can be reliably guided to the charging port, and the electric connection can be reliably established.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a charging system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the electrification and intelligentization of automobiles are continuously developing, and new energy vehicles are increasingly replacing traditional vehicles mainly fueled by gasoline, diesel, or natural gas. With the increasingly widespread popularity of electric vehicles, the charging technology of electric vehicles is currently a hot issue in the development of automotive technology.

[0003] Typically, when an electric vehicle is to be charged, the electric vehicle drives near a charging pile, and the charging gun is manually inserted into the charging port of the electric vehicle. Among them, precise positioning of the charging gun relative to the charging port needs to be achieved manually. Typically, if it is desired to achieve mechanical and electrical connection between the charging gun and the charging port in an automated manner, a high-precision and complex positioning system should be required to achieve precise positioning of the charging gun relative to the charging port before the charging gun is inserted into the charging port. When this positioning is not precise enough, an unsuccessful connection between the charging gun and the charging port may occur, and damage to the charging gun or the charging port may be caused. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The task of this application is to provide a charging system for a vehicle, by means of which, before the charging gun is inserted into the charging port, only a rough positioning of the charging gun relative to the vehicle is required to reliably ensure the mechanical and electrical connection between the charging gun and the charging port.

[0005] The above task is solved by a charging system for a vehicle, the charging system including a guiding channel on the vehicle side, the guiding channel being configured to receive and guide the charging gun, the guiding channel extending from a distal end far from the charging port of the vehicle to a proximal end close to the charging port, the guiding channel having an inlet section tapering in the direction towards the charging port for inserting the charging gun, and the charging gun can be guided along the guiding channel from the inlet section to the proximal end of the guiding channel and can be electrically connected to the charging port at the proximal end of the guiding channel.

[0006] Now, due to the structure of the inlet section according to this application, in the case where the charging gun is only roughly positioned relative to the vehicle, the charging gun can be easily introduced into the inlet section and then reliably reach the charging port under the guidance of the guiding channel. Compared with the prior art, the positioning system for achieving precise positioning of the charging gun relative to the charging port can be cancelled. As an alternative measure, a positioning system for achieving rough positioning of the charging gun relative to the vehicle can be additionally adopted.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inlet section may start from the distal end. In other words, the inlet section is provided at the distal end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the guiding channel extends in the height direction of the vehicle, wherein the inlet section is above the charging port.

[0009] In some embodiments, the guiding channel may be configured to be substantially symmetric about its longitudinal central axis in its longitudinal extension direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a passenger car, a truck or a commercial vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inlet section may taper linearly, taper decrementally or taper incrementally in the direction of the charging port.

[0013] In some embodiments, the guiding channel may have a straight section adjacent to the inlet section, and the straight section has a constant width.

[0014] In some embodiments, the guiding channel may be an integral part of a body component made of plastic material.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner part of the guiding channel may be formed by the body component, and the outer part of the guiding channel may be formed by a plastic component injection-molded on the body component.

[0016] In some embodiments, the body component is a metal component, especially a metal sheet component.

[0017] In some embodiments, the charging gun may have an engaging component inserted into the guiding channel, and the engaging component is limited by the guiding channel in the insertion direction of the charging gun.

[0018] In some embodiments, the guiding channel may have a longitudinally extending opening in its outer part, and the charging gun can be guided in the opening.

[0019] In some embodiments, the guiding channel is arranged such that the charging gun can be guided from the inlet section of the guiding channel to the charging port and electrically connected to the charging port only under the gravity of the charging gun or not only under the gravity of the charging gun but also under an external force (especially under the operation of a multi-axis robotic arm).

[0020] In some embodiments, when the charging gun is inserted into the guiding channel, the engaging member of the charging gun has an H shape, a rectangular shape or an oval shape when viewed from above.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the charging gun is inserted into the guiding channel, the engaging member has a circular shape, an oval shape or a rectangular shape when viewed against the insertion direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the charging gun is inserted into the guiding channel, the engaging member of the charging gun has an H shape when viewed from above, one side leg of the H shape is within the guiding channel, the other side leg of the H shape is outside the guiding channel, the neck connecting the two side legs of the H shape is within the opening, and the engaging member clamps the wall of the outer portion in the section of the guiding channel adjacent to the charging port.

[0023] In some embodiments, the charging system may include a multi-axis robotic arm, and the charging gun is disposed on the multi-axis robotic arm.

[0024] In some embodiments, the multi-axis robotic arm may include:

[0025] A first sliding carriage capable of moving in a first horizontal direction along a first guide rail;

[0026] A second sliding carriage capable of moving in a second horizontal direction different from the first horizontal direction, particularly orthogonal to the first horizontal direction, along a second guide rail on the first sliding carriage;

[0027] A vertical arm capable of moving in a vertical direction relative to the second sliding carriage;

[0028] A swivel arm capable of rotating relative to the vertical arm, and the swivel arm has a holder for the charging gun at its free end.

[0029] In some embodiments, the multi-axis robotic arm may further include: a sensing device for determining the parking position of the vehicle.

[0030] In some embodiments, the sensing device may be an optical sensor (such as a camera), radar and / or lidar.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sensing device may be disposed on the first sliding carriage, the second sliding carriage, the vertical arm or the swivel arm.

[0032] The technical features mentioned above, the technical features to be mentioned below, and the technical features shown separately in the drawings can be combined with each other arbitrarily, as long as the combined technical features are not contradictory to each other. All feasible combinations of features are the technical content clearly recorded in this article. Any one of the sub-features included in the same statement can be applied independently without necessarily being applied together with other sub-features. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] The present utility model will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings by means of exemplary embodiments. The brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0034] Figure 1 is a side view sketch of a vehicle having a charging structure on the vehicle side according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 2 is a side view sketch of a vehicle having a charging structure on the vehicle side according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 3 is a sketch of a charging structure on the vehicle side according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 4 is a sketch of a charging structure on the vehicle side according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 5 is a top view sketch of a charging system according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 6 is a top view sketch of a charging system according to the second embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Figure 7 is a top view sketch of a charging system according to the third embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a multi-axis robotic arm for a charging system according to the present application. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0042] Now, multiple exemplary embodiments will be described more comprehensively with reference to the drawings. It should be recognized that for the purposes of facilitation of description and understanding, elements that are not necessary for understanding the present utility model may be omitted in the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may represent the same components or components having the same functions. Many specific details are set forth in the following description, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that not all of these specific details need to be employed. The exemplary embodiments should not be construed as restrictive.

[0043] First, with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 3 the charging structure on the vehicle side according to the first embodiment of the present application will be described. In some embodiments, the charging structure may constitute a charging system for the vehicle 100. In other words, the charging system only includes this charging structure, or is constituted by this charging structure. In some other embodiments, the charging structure may constitute a part of the charging system for the vehicle 100. In other words, in addition to this charging structure, the charging system may further include a conventional charging gun known in practice or a charging gun 20 improved according to the present application, and / or may further include other components.

[0044] The vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle, such as a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, such as a passenger car, a truck or a commercial vehicle. The power battery of the vehicle 100 can be charged by means of the charging structure or the charging system.

[0045] The charging system for the vehicle 100 may include a guiding channel 10 on the vehicle side, and the guiding channel 10 is configured to receive and guide the charging gun 20 (see Figures 5 to 7 ). The guiding channel 10 extends from a distal end far from the charging port 3 of the vehicle 100 to a proximal end close to the charging port 3. The guiding channel 10 has an inlet section 1 that tapers in the direction of the charging port 3 for inserting the charging gun 20. The charging gun 20 can be guided along the guiding channel 10 from the inlet section 1 to the proximal end of the guiding channel 10 and can be electrically connected to the charging port 3 at the proximal end of the guiding channel 10. Typically, the inlet section 1 may start from the distal end. Advantageously, the guiding channel 10 may extend in the height direction of the vehicle 100, wherein the inlet section 1 is above the charging port 3.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the charging structure on the vehicle side or the guiding channel 10 is provided near the rear wheels of the vehicle 100. In an alternative embodiment, the charging structure on the vehicle side or the guiding channel 10 may also be provided in the front part of the vehicle, the rear part of the vehicle or the area adjacent to the front wheels of the vehicle 100. It goes without saying that the same vehicle 100 may have multiple such charging structures or guiding channels 10.

[0047] In the case of Figure 1 and Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet section 1 tapers linearly in the direction of the charging port 3. The guide channel 10 has a straight section 2 adjacent to the inlet section 1, and the straight section 2 has a constant width. This straight section 2 leads to the charging port 3 on the side facing away from the inlet section 1. Here, the guide channel 10 can be configured substantially symmetrically with respect to its longitudinal central axis, and this longitudinal central axis can extend substantially in the vertical direction of the vehicle. Typically, the charging port 3 can be configured to be recessed relative to the body component of the vehicle 100 towards the interior of the vehicle.

[0048] Figure 2 is a side view sketch of a vehicle 100 having a vehicle-side charging structure according to a second embodiment of the present application, and Figure 4 is a sketch of a vehicle-side charging structure according to a second embodiment of the present application. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the inlet section 1 of the guide channel 10 tapers in a decreasing manner in the direction of the charging port 3. Here, the straight section 2 can be omitted. Alternatively, a straight section 2 that is significantly shorter compared to the Figure 1 embodiment can also be provided. In an embodiment not shown, the inlet section 1 can also taper in an increasing manner in the direction of the charging port.

[0049] Figure 5 is a top view sketch of a charging system according to a first embodiment of the present application, and this charging system can include a vehicle-side charging structure as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 or a vehicle-side charging structure as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 In Figure 5 , the charging gun 20 is partially described and has been inserted into the guide channel 10 along the insertion direction or along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The guide channel 10 can have a peripheral wall, which includes an inner part 4 and an outer part 5. In an advantageous embodiment, the guide channel 10 can be an integral part of a body component made of plastic material. In an advantageous alternative embodiment, the guide channel 10 can include an inner part 4 formed by a metallic body component and an outer part 5 formed by a plastic component injection-molded onto the body component. This body component can in particular be a metal sheet component, such as a steel sheet component or an aluminum sheet component. The guide channel 10 has a longitudinally extending opening 6 in its outer part 5, and the charging gun 20 can be guided in this opening 6. The charging gun 20 can have an engaging component 7 inserted into the guide channel 10, and the engaging component 7 is limited by the guide channel 10 in the insertion direction of the charging gun 20. Thus, when the charging gun 20 is inserted into the guide channel 10, it can move substantially in a vertical plane.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5As shown, the engaging member 7 has an H shape when viewed from above, wherein one side leg of the H shape is outside the guiding channel, and the other side leg is also outside the guiding channel, and the neck between the two side legs is in the opening 6. Due to the significantly larger width dimension of the inlet section 1 (this dimension is determined in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the Figure 5 embodiment), the charging gun 20 can have a relatively large movement space in the inlet section 1 substantially in a vertical plane. As the charging gun 20 gradually moves towards the charging port in the guiding channel 10, this movement space gradually shrinks until the charging gun 20 is restricted by the straight section 2, so that it can only move linearly and is finally accurately guided to the charging port 3. When the charging gun is about to enter the straight section 2 from the inlet section 1, the engaging member 7 starts to clamp the wall of the outer portion 5 of the guiding channel 10, and this clamping can continue until the charging gun 20 reaches the charging port 3.

[0051] When viewed in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the charging gun 20 into the guiding channel 10, that is, when viewed along the direction of arrow P, the engaging member 7 can have a generally circular, generally elliptical or generally rectangular profile.

[0052] Figure 6 is a top view schematic diagram of a charging system according to a second embodiment of the present application. The main difference between this second embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the structure of the engaging member 7 of the charging gun 20. Here, the engaging member 7 has a rounded rectangular shape when viewed from above and is completely within the guiding channel 10. Similarly, when viewed in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the charging gun 20 into the guiding channel 10, the engaging member 7 can have a generally circular, generally elliptical or generally rectangular profile.

[0053] Figure 7 is a top view schematic diagram of a charging system according to a second embodiment of the present application, and this charging system can include a vehicle-side charging structure as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 or a vehicle-side charging structure as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown. In Figure 7In this case, the charging gun 20 is described locally and has been inserted into the guiding channel 10 along the insertion direction, that is, along the transverse direction of the vehicle 100. The guiding channel 10 may have a peripheral wall including an inner part 4 and an outer part 5. Here, the guiding channel 10 may include an inner part 4 formed by a metallic body part and an outer part 5 formed by a plastic part injection-molded on the body part. The metallic body part may form a recess 8 through a sheet metal forming process, and the plastic outer part 5 may be formed as a smooth continuation of the body part outside the recess 8. Similarly, the guiding channel 10 has a longitudinally extending opening 6 in its outer part 5, and the charging gun 20 can be guided in this opening 6. The charging gun 20 may have an engaging part 7 inserted into the guiding channel 10, and the engaging part 7 is limited by the guiding channel 10 in the insertion direction of the charging gun 20. Therefore, when the charging gun 20 is inserted into the guiding channel 10, it can move substantially in a vertical plane. As Figure 7 shown, the engaging part 7 has a substantially oval shape when viewed from above. Similarly, when viewed against the insertion direction of the charging gun 20 into the guiding channel 10, the engaging part 7 may have a substantially circular, substantially oval or substantially rectangular profile.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiments, the guiding channel 10 may be arranged such that the charging gun 20 can be guided from the inlet section 1 of the guiding channel 10 to the charging port 3 only under the action of the gravity of the charging gun 20 or not only under the action of the gravity of the charging gun 20 but also under the action of an external force, and be electrically connected to the charging port 3. This electrical connection can be achieved by means of a plug-socket connection or can be achieved by the relative positioning of a pair of induction coils. In the case of an electrical connection by a plug-socket connection, the charging gun 20 may have electrically contacting heads that can be extended and retracted controllably to electrically couple and decouple from the charging port 3.

[0055] Bringing the charging gun 20 close to the charging port of the vehicle 100 and then inserting the charging gun 20 into the inlet section 1 of the guiding channel 10 until the charging gun 20 is mechanically and / or electrically connected to the charging port 3 can be carried out partially or fully automatically.

[0056] The separation process of the charging gun 20 from the vehicle 100 can be realized reversely to the combination process of the two. First, the charging gun 20 is decoupled electrically from the charging port 3, then guided along the guiding channel 10 to the inlet section 3, and finally pulled out of the guiding channel 10 against the insertion direction in the inlet section 3.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the engaging member 7 or the portion of the engaging member 7 within the guiding channel 10 is elastically configured. When the engaging member 7 or the portion of the engaging member 7 within the guiding channel 10 is elastically deformed by a pulling force, the charging gun 20 is directly pulled out from the charging port 3 over the outer portion 5 of the guiding channel 10.

[0058] Figure 8 is a schematic view of a multi-axis robotic arm 30 for a charging system according to the present application. The robotic arm 30 may have a holder 15 for holding a charging gun 20 (not shown) in Figure 8 which is not shown. The multi-axis robotic arm 30 may include the following components:

[0059] - A first carriage 11 movable along a first rail 9 in a first horizontal direction x. The first horizontal direction x may, for example, generally correspond to the lateral direction of the vehicle 100.

[0060] - A second carriage 12 movable along a second rail on the first carriage 11 in a second horizontal direction y orthogonal to the first horizontal direction x. The second horizontal direction y may, for example, generally correspond to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100.

[0061] - A vertical arm 13 movable in a vertical direction relative to the second carriage 12.

[0062] - A swivel arm 14 rotatable relative to the vertical arm 13, the swivel arm 14 having a holder 15 for the charging gun 20 at its free end. For the rotatability of the swivel arm 14, a pivot hinge or a ball joint 16 may be provided.

[0063] - A plurality of servo motors, each for implementing one of the aforementioned movements.

[0064] Optionally, the robotic arm 30 may further include a sensing device 17 for determining the parking position of the vehicle 100. Thereby, the vehicle 100 can be roughly positioned. The sensing device may be an optical sensor (such as a camera), a radar, and / or a lidar. As Figure 8 shown, the sensing device 17 is provided at the top of the vertical arm 13. It can be understood that the sensing device 17 may be provided on other components of the robotic arm 30, such as the first carriage 11.

[0065] In an embodiment not shown, the positioning system of the vehicle 100 itself (such as the sensing device of the vehicle 100 or the GPS positioning device of the navigation system) may also be used to determine the rough position of the vehicle 100 (especially the charging port of the vehicle 100) relative to the charging pile, especially relative to the robotic arm 30.

[0066] Note that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the one" shall include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and "comprising", and other similar terms, when used in the application, specify the presence of the stated operations, elements and / or components, without precluding the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, like reference numerals always denote like elements.

[0067] The thickness of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. It will also be understood that if an element is referred to as being on, coupled to or connected to another element, then the one element may be directly formed on, coupled to or connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intervening elements therebetween. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on...", "directly coupled to..." and "directly connected to..." are used herein, then it means there are no intervening elements. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between..." and "directly between...", "attached" and "directly attached", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.

[0068] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc. are used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer or region to another element, layer or region as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that these terms should also encompass other orientations of the device in addition to the orientations described in the drawings.

[0069] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept of the present utility model.

[0070] It may also be contemplated that all of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with each other arbitrarily. Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only for understanding the present utility model and do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, modifications can be made on the basis of the above embodiments, and these modifications do not depart from the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A charging system for a vehicle, characterized in that, The charging system includes a guiding channel (10) on the vehicle side, which is configured to receive and guide a charging gun (20). The guiding channel extends from a distal end away from the charging port (3) of the vehicle to a proximal end close to the charging port. The guiding channel (10) has an inlet section (1) that tapers in the direction of the charging port for inserting the charging gun. The charging gun (20) can be guided along the guiding channel (10) from the inlet section (1) to the proximal end of the guiding channel and can be electrically connected to the charging port (3) at the proximal end of the guiding channel.

2. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet section (1) starts from the distal end.

3. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guiding channel (10) extends in the height direction of the vehicle, wherein the inlet section (1) is above the charging port (3).

4. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inlet section (1) tapers linearly, tapers decrementally, or tapers incrementally in the direction of the charging port.

5. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guiding channel (10) has a straight section (2) adjacent to the inlet section (1), and the straight section has a constant width.

6. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The guiding channel (10) is an integral part of a body component made of plastic material.

7. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner part (4) of the guiding channel (10) is formed by the body component, and the outer part (5) of the guiding channel (10) is formed by a plastic component injection-molded on the body component.

8. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charging gun (20) has an engaging component (7) inserted into the guiding channel (10), and the engaging component is limited by the guiding channel in the insertion direction of the charging gun.

9. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The guiding channel (10) has a longitudinally extending opening (6) in its outer part, and the charging gun (20) can be guided in this opening.

10. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the charging gun (20) is inserted into the guiding channel (10), the engaging component (7) of the charging gun has an H shape, a rectangular shape, or an elliptical shape when viewed from above; and / or the engaging component has a circular shape, an oval shape, or a rectangular shape when viewed against the insertion direction.

11. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the charging gun (20) is inserted into the guiding channel (10), the engaging component (7) of the charging gun has an H shape when viewed from above. One side leg of the H shape is inside the guiding channel, the other side leg of the H shape is outside the guiding channel, and the neck connecting the two side legs of the H shape is in the opening. The engaging component clamps the wall of the outer part in the section of the guiding channel adjacent to the charging port.

12. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guiding channel (10) is arranged such that the charging gun (20) can be guided from the inlet section (1) of the guiding channel to the charging port (3) and electrically connected to the charging port only under the gravity of the charging gun or not only under the gravity of the charging gun but also under an external force.

13. The charging system for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charging system includes a multi-axis robotic arm (30), and the charging gun is arranged on the multi-axis robotic arm. The multi-axis robotic arm (30) includes: A first carriage (11) that can move along a first guide rail (9) in a first horizontal direction (x); A second carriage (12) that can move along a second guide rail on the first carriage in a second horizontal direction (y) orthogonal to the first horizontal direction; A vertical arm (13) that can move in the vertical direction (z) relative to a second carriage; A swivel arm (14) that can rotate relative to the vertical arm, the swivel arm having a holder (15) for a charging gun at its free end; and A sensing device (17) for determining the parking position of the vehicle.

Images