Systems and methods for charging port closure

Abstract

Method for controlling a charging system (16) of a vehicle (10), comprising the following steps: Receiving a speed of the vehicle (10); Receiving sensor data indicating the position of a flap (22) covering a socket (24) connected to the vehicle's (10) charging system (16), the socket (24) being suitable for receiving a connection device (25) for an external power supply; and Output of one or more control signals to move a locking pin (30) linked to the socket (24) between a first extended position and a second retracted position based on the speed of the vehicle (10) and the position of the flap (22), wherein the movement of the locking pin (30) from the first extended position to the second retracted position is based on the fact that the speed of the vehicle (10) is less than a predetermined threshold speed and the position of the flap (22) is open.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles and more specifically to methods and systems for a charging port closure of a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Certain vehicles, such as electric or hybrid electric vehicles, include a charging port that allows the vehicle to be connected to an external power source. To reduce the risk of material damage, the vehicle generally needs to be stationary during the charging process. In some cases, an electric parking brake can be engaged to immobilize the vehicle for charging, but the electric parking brake may not be effective in all situations.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved systems and methods for charging an electric or hybrid electric vehicle that ensure shutdown in all charging situations. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below and the accompanying claims, together with the accompanying drawings and the preceding technical field and background.

[0004] US 2013 / 0255333A1 relates to a locking device for securing a cover that protects the inlet and a power connector. The locking device includes a helical gear rotated by a motor. The helical gear is connected to a control shaft. The control shaft moves the hook locking rod into a locking position as the helical gear rotates counterclockwise from its reference position. The helical gear is connected to a cover locking rod via a transmission element. A coil spring constantly pushes the cover locking rod toward a locking position. As the helical gear rotates clockwise from its reference position, the cover locking rod moves against the force of the coil spring into the unlocked position.

[0005] DE 10 2008 039 955 A1 concerns a charging station. The charging station has a socket into which an external charging plug is inserted. The charging plug cannot be inserted into the socket if an electric vehicle is not in parked mode. The station determines the driving and / or movement status of the electric vehicle. A socket activation unit, e.g., a flap, is switched based on the driving and / or movement status. The activation unit locks or unlocks the socket. A transmitter sends information about the inserted charging plug to a control unit.

[0006] DE 10 2011 076 451 A1 relates to an interlock device for a charging system on electric vehicles to prevent the vehicle from being driven away while charging. To prevent damage to a cable set used to charge a plug-in electric vehicle if the vehicle is driven away while the cable set is connected, an interlock device can be provided to deactivate the vehicle. Such an interlock device can be based on a protective flap over the charging port that is open or on the detection that a cable set is connected. However, if the vehicle is in an activated state, the interlock device, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, is prevented from deactivating the vehicle. That is, unwanted deactivation of the vehicle is prevented if either there is no indication that a cable set is connected to the vehicle or if the vehicle is in an activated state.

[0007] US 8,075,329 B1 relates to a system and method for preventing the connection between an electrical plug and a charging port on an electric vehicle from becoming disconnected. One or more protrusions are arranged on the electric vehicle. The protrusion has an extended locked position and a retracted unlocked position. An actuator selectively extends and retracts the protrusion between the locked and unlocked positions. When the protrusion is in the locked position, it engages the plug and prevents the connection between the plug and the port from becoming disconnected.

[0008] DE 10 2010 000 322 A1 relates to a plug-in vehicle management system that enables the charging of a plug-in vehicle from a charging station via a power line and communication between the charging station and the vehicle via the power line. When a vehicle-side connector and a station-side connector are connected to enable communication between a vehicle-side power line communication section and a station-side power line communication section via the power line, a vehicle-side safety control section and a station-side safety control section cooperate such that either a vehicle-side input / output section or a station-side input / output section receives an input signal and transmits it to the other of the two vehicle-side input / output sections and station-side input / output sections.

[0009] US 2010 / 0 320 964 A1 relates to a system and method for charging batteries on board a vehicle, whereby charging the batteries is only permitted when the vehicle is parked. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles obtain all or at least part of their energy from the electrical grid. The vehicle is equipped with a power outlet to which a 110-volt AC cable can be connected. According to the present disclosure, connecting to the external power supply and / or charging is prevented when the vehicle is not parked. The parked state is defined as the application of the vehicle's parking brake and / or the shifting of the gear selector lever to the park position.If no parked state is detected, one of the following actions is taken: A relay in the vehicle's on-board charger is opened, preventing charging; an access flap to the socket is locked by an access flap magnet; and a plug ejector prevents a plug from being inserted into the socket.

[0010] GB 2 501 727 A concerns improvements in vehicle safety and, in particular, the reduction of vehicle thefts. It relates to a vehicle coupling, a vehicle, and a procedure. SUMMARY

[0011] In one embodiment, a method with the features of claim 1 is provided.

[0012] In another embodiment, a charging system with the features of claim 8 is provided. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the following drawing figures, where the same reference numerals denote the same elements. They show: Fig. 1 a functional block diagram depicting a vehicle comprising a charging system according to various embodiments; Fig. 2. A data flow diagram illustrating a control system of the charging system according to various embodiments; and Fig. 3 a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of the charging system according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The detailed description below is purely exemplary and is not intended to limit applications and uses. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any expressed or conditional theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary, or detailed description below.As used here, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control components, processing logic and / or processor devices, individually or in any combination, which without limitation include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or grouped) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components providing the described function.

[0015] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 comprises a vehicle 10 and a drive train 12 for propulsion. The drive train 12 includes a drive device that supplies energy to a transmission 14. In one example, the drive device includes an electric motor, which can be driven by one or more batteries and / or an internal combustion engine, as is known to those skilled in the art. The transmission 14 transfers the energy from the drive train 12 to a suitable drive shaft, which is coupled to one or more wheels (and tires) of the vehicle 10 so that the vehicle 10 can move. As is known to those skilled in the art, the transmission 14 can include a suitable gear transmission that can be operated at different stages, comprising one or more gears, including, without limitation, a park stage, a neutral stage, a reverse stage, a continuous stage, etc. The vehicle 10 also includes a charging system 16.The charging system 16 enables the charging of one or more batteries connected to the powertrain 12 of the vehicle 10. In one example, the charging system 16 comprises a charging port 18 and a control module 20. Although the figures shown here depict an example with specific arrangements of elements, an actual embodiment may include additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components. It is also understood that... Fig. 1 is purely explanatory and may not be drawn to scale.

[0016] Continuing with reference to Fig. 1. The charging port 18 can be positioned at any desired location on the vehicle 10, and thus the position shown is purely exemplary. In one example, the charging port 18 comprises a flap 22, a socket 24, and one or more sensors 26. The flap 22 is coupled to the body of the vehicle 10 and is movable relative to the vehicle 10 between an open and a closed position to provide access to the socket 24. Generally, the flap 22 is hinged relative to the body of the vehicle 10 to be pivotable relative to the vehicle 10; however, the flap 22 can be moved relative to the vehicle 10 by any suitable mechanism, including, without limitation, sliding.

[0017] The socket 24 is designed and configured to accommodate a suitable connection device 25 of an external power supply 27. The socket 24 includes at least one interface 28 and a locking pin 30. The interface 28 electrically couples the connection device 25 of the external power supply 27 to the one or more batteries of the powertrain 12 to enable charging of the one or more batteries. The interface 28 may, without limitation, include one or more connectors.

[0018] The locking pin 30 is movable relative to the socket 24. In one example, the locking pin 30 is movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position based on the reception of one or more control signals from the control module 20. The locking pin 30 can be coupled to a magnet or other suitable device that receives the control signals from the control module 20 and moves the locking pin 30 between the first and second positions based on the reception of the control signals, as is known to those skilled in the art. In the first extended position, the locking pin 30 blocks a section of the socket 24 and / or the interface 28, so that the connection device 25 of the external power supply 27 cannot be coupled to the socket 24 and / or the interface 28 for the charging process.Thus, in its first extended position, the locking pin 30 prevents the vehicle 10 from being connected to the external power supply. In its second retracted position, the locking pin 30 is retracted into the socket 24 such that the connection device 25 can be connected to the external power supply 27 or is able to be connected to the socket 24 and the interface 28. Therefore, in its second retracted position, the locking pin 30 allows the vehicle 10 to be connected to the external power supply in order to charge the one or more batteries linked to the powertrain 12.

[0019] The one or more sensors 26 observe(s) the states of the charging port 18 and generate(s) sensor signals based on the observed states. For example, the sensors 26 include a flap sensor 26' and an interface sensor 26''. The flap sensor 26' observes a state of the flap 22 and generates sensor signals based on the flap 22. For example, the flap sensor 26' observes a position of the flap 22, such as whether the flap 22 is open, partially open, fully open, or closed, and generates sensor signals indicating a position of the flap 22. The interface sensor 26'' observes a state of the interface 28 and generates sensor signals based on the interface 28.For example, the interface sensor 26'' monitors whether the connection device 25 of the external power supply 27 is coupled to the interface 28 and generates sensor signals based on the fact that the connection device 25 is coupled to the interface 28. It should be noted that the sensors 26', 26'' are purely exemplary, as any number of sensors 26 could be used, and furthermore, one or more of the states measured by the sensors 26', 26'' can be derived from other sources, such as through modeling. The signals generated by the sensors 26', 26'' are transmitted to the control module 20 via any suitable communication architecture, such as a bus.

[0020] Additionally, one or more sensors 32, which are associated with the vehicle 10, observe the states of the vehicle 10 and generate sensor signals based on these observed states of the vehicle 10, which can be transmitted to the control module 20. In one embodiment, the sensors 32 are located on board the vehicle 18, but the sensors can also be located remotely from the vehicle 10. In one example, the sensors 32 include a gear position sensor 32', a speed sensor 32'', and an ignition sensor 32'''. The gear position sensor 32' observes a state of the transmission 14 and generates sensor signals based on the observed state of the transmission 14. For example, the gear position sensor 32' observes a gear selected for the transmission 14 of the vehicle 10 and generates sensor signals indicating the selected gear.In general, the gear position sensor 32' generates sensor signals and / or data indicating whether the selected gear position is PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED, or SLOW. The PARK gear position may include a mechanical pawl that prevents movement of the drive shaft by engaging with a drive unit or axle, as is commonly known. It should be noted that the gear positions provided here are purely exemplary, as any number of gear positions can be used and observed by the gear position sensor 32'. Furthermore, although the gear position sensor 32' is shown as linked to the transmission 14, the position selected for the transmission 14 may also be observed by a gear selector or shift lever linked to the vehicle 10. Thus, the position of the gear position sensor 32' is purely exemplary.

[0021] The speed sensor 32'' observes the speed of the vehicle 10 and generates sensor signals based on this speed. For example, the speed sensor 32'' can be an independent sensor, or it can be linked to a section of the drivetrain 12, and the speed of the vehicle 10 can be calculated based on the observations of the drivetrain 12. Furthermore, the speed sensor 32'' can be linked to one or more wheels or tires of the vehicle 10. Thus, the speed sensor 32'' shown here is purely exemplary.

[0022] The ignition sensor 32''' monitors the ignition state of the vehicle 10 and generates sensor signals based on the observed ignition state. For example, the ignition sensor 32''' monitors the ignition switch-on state of the vehicle 10 and generates sensor signals indicating the ignition switch-on state, such as OFF, ON, START MODE, or MAINTENANCE MODE.

[0023] It should also be noted that sensors 32', 32'', 32''' are purely exemplary, as any number of sensors 32 could be used, and furthermore, one or more of the states measured by sensors 32', 32'', 32''' can be derived from other sources, such as through modeling. The signals generated by sensors 32', 32'', 32''' are transmitted to the control module 20 via any suitable communication architecture, such as a bus.

[0024] In various embodiments, the control module 20 controls the locking pin 30 of the charging system 16 based on one or more sensor signals, inputs received from other modules linked to the vehicle 10, and the methods of the present disclosure. In one example, the control module 20 generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin 30 based on the gear position of the transmission 14, the vehicle speed, the ignition on state, the position of the flap 22, and the status of the interface 28.

[0025] Now, with reference to Fig. 2 and further with reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a data flow diagram of various embodiments of the control module 20 of the charging system 16. Various embodiments of the control module 20 according to the present disclosure can comprise any number of submodules embedded in the control module 20. It is understood that the Fig. The two sub-modules shown can be combined and / or further subdivided to generate similar control signals for the locking pin 30 of the charging port 18.

[0026] Inputs to the control module 20 can be recorded by the vehicle 10 ( Fig. 1) are received by other control modules (not shown) in the vehicle 10 and / or are determined / modeled by other sub-modules (not shown) in the control module 20. In various embodiments, the control module 20 comprises a vehicle control module 100 and a charging control module 102.

[0027] The vehicle control module 100 receives speed data 104, gear position data 106, and ignition data 108 as input. For example, the speed data 104 includes the vehicle's speed 10, received from the speed sensor 32''. The gear position data 106 includes the gear position 14, received from the gear position sensor 32'. The ignition data 108 includes the ignition on state, received from the ignition sensor 32'''. Based on the speed data 104, the gear position data 106, and the ignition data 108, the vehicle control module 100 sets the vehicle status data 110 for the charging control module 102. The vehicle status data 110 includes the vehicle's speed, the gear position, and the ignition on state.

[0028] The charging control module 102 receives the vehicle status data 110 from the vehicle control module 100 and also receives flap data 112 and interface data as input. The flap data 112 includes the position of the flap 22 of the charging port 18, which is received by the flap sensor 26'. The interface data 114 includes the state of the interface 28 (i.e., whether the connector 25 of the external power supply 27 is connected to the interface 28), which is received by the interface sensor 26''. Based on the vehicle status data 110, the flap data 112, and the interface data 114, the charging control module 102 outputs one or more control signals 116 for the locking pin 30.

[0029] Now, with reference to Fig. 3 and further with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 depicts a flowchart of a control procedure that can be executed by the control module 20 according to the present disclosure. It is understood from the disclosure that the sequence of operations within the procedure is not limited to sequential execution as described in Figure 2. Fig. The procedure shown in Figure 3 is limited, but can be carried out in one or more different sequences as needed and according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, it is understood that one or more steps of the procedure can be added or removed without changing the spirit of the procedure.

[0030] The procedure can start at 200. Generally, the procedure runs essentially continuously throughout the lifetime of the vehicle 10, but it can also run for predefined periods. Additionally, the procedure can end if an input to the control module 20 is invalid or indeterminate. In this case, the control module 20 outputs one or more control signals 116 to the locking pin 30, if necessary to move the locking pin 30 to the second retracted position to achieve a standard state for the socket 24. In this standard state, the connector 25 from the external power supply 27 can be inserted into the socket 24 for charging, even if the procedure is terminated. Fig. 3 cannot be executed.

[0031] At 210, the speed data (104), the stage data (106), and the ignition data (108) are received. At 220, the procedure determines whether the ignition is switched on, based on the ignition data (108). If the ignition is switched on, the procedure continues at 230. Otherwise, the procedure loops back to 210.

[0032] At 230, the procedure determines whether the gear 14 is in park, based on gear data 106. If the gear 14 is not in park, the procedure continues at 240. Otherwise, the procedure loops back to 210. At 240, the procedure determines whether the vehicle 10's speed is greater than a small value, for example, approximately three kilometers per hour (kph), based on speed data 104. If the vehicle 10's speed is greater than the small value, for example, approximately three kph, the procedure continues at 250. Otherwise, the procedure loops back.

[0033] At 250, one or more control signals 116 are output to move the locking pin 30 into the first extended position to prevent the external power supply connection 27 from being coupled to the vehicle 10. At 260, the current speed data 104, the stage data 106, and the ignition data 108 are received. At 270, the procedure determines whether the speed of the vehicle 10 is less than a predetermined threshold speed, such as approximately three kiloph, based on the speed data 104. If the speed of the vehicle 10 is not less than the predetermined threshold speed, the procedure loops back to 250.

[0034] Otherwise, at 280, the procedure determines whether the gear 14 is in park, based on the gear data 106. If the gear 14 is not in park, the procedure loops back to 270. Otherwise, at 290, the flap data 112 and the interface data 114 are received. At 300, the procedure determines whether the flap 22 of the charging port 18 is open relative to the vehicle body 10, thus providing access to the socket 24, based on the flap data 112. If the flap 22 is open, the procedure continues at 310. Otherwise, at 320, the procedure determines whether the ignition is off, based on the ignition data 108, and calculates the time period since the ignition was switched off.If the ignition is switched OFF and the elapsed time is greater than a predetermined threshold time, for example, 60 seconds, the procedure continues at step 310. Otherwise, at step 330, the procedure determines whether the vehicle's speed is greater than the predetermined threshold speed, such as approximately three kiloph, based on the speed data from step 104. If the vehicle's speed is greater than the predetermined threshold speed, the procedure continues at step 250. Otherwise, the procedure continues at step 320.

[0035] At 310, one or more control signals 116 are output to the locking pin 30 to move the locking pin 30 from the first extended position to the second retracted position. The movement of the locking pin 30 from the first extended position to the second retracted position enables the insertion of the external power supply connector 25 into the socket 24 and its electrical coupling with the interface 28. At 340, the method determines whether the external power supply connector 25 is coupled with the interface 28, based on the interface data 114. If the external power supply connector 25 is coupled with the interface 28, the method at 350 enables electrical communication between the interface 28 and the external power supply 27, so that the one or more batteries connected to the drive train 12 can be controlled.are, can be recharged, as is generally known in engineering. If the connection device 25 of the external power supply 27 is not coupled to the interface 28, the procedure goes through a loop up to 270.

[0036] At step 360, the procedure determines whether the connection device 25 of the external power supply 27 has been removed or disconnected from the interface 28. If so, the procedure returns to step 270. Otherwise, the procedure loops back to step 350. Examples

[0037] Example 1. A method for controlling a vehicle's charging system, comprising the following steps: Receiving a speed reading of the vehicle; Receiving sensor data indicating the position of a flap covering a socket linked to the vehicle's charging system, the socket being suitable for accommodating an external power supply connection device; and Outputting one or more control signals to move a locking pin linked to the socket between a first extended position and a second retracted position based on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the flap.

[0038] Example 2. The method according to Example 1, wherein the socket includes an interface, and the connection device of the external power supply can be coupled to the interface in the second retracted position.

[0039] Example 3. The method according to Example 2, wherein the locking pin in the first extended position prevents the coupling of the external power supply connection device to the interface.

[0040] Example 4. The procedure according to one of Examples 1 to 3, further comprising the following steps: Receiving a gear signal from a transmission connected to the vehicle; and Outputting one or more control signals to move the locking pin based on the gear position of the transmission.

[0041] Example 5. The procedure according to one of Examples 1 to 4, further comprising the following steps: Receiving an ignition power-on status linked to the vehicle; and Outputting one or more control signals to move the locking pin based on the ignition's on-state status.

[0042] Example 6. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the output of the one or more control signals to move the locking pin between the first extended position and the second retracted position further comprises the following step: Moving the locking pin from the first extended position to the second retracted position, based on the fact that the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined threshold speed and the flap position is open.

[0043] Example 7. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the output of the one or more control signals to move the locking pin between the first extended position and the second retracted position further comprises the following step: Moving the locking pin from the second retracted position to the first extended position, based on the fact that the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined threshold speed and the flap is in the closed position.

[0044] Example 8. The procedure according to one of Examples 2 to 7, further comprising the following steps: Receiving data about the state of the interface; and Outputting one or more control signals to move the locking pin based on the state of the interface.

[0045] Example 9. A charging system for a vehicle, comprising: a socket for receiving a connection device for an external power supply; a locking pin that is linked to the socket and is movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position; a source of stage data that specifies a stage of a vehicle's transmission; a source of speed data that indicates the speed of the vehicle; and a control module that generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin between the first extended position and the second retracted position based on the stage data and the speed data.

[0046] Example 10. The charging system according to Example 9, wherein the socket includes an interface, and the connection device of the external power supply can be coupled to the interface in the second retracted position.

[0047] Example 11. The charging system according to Example 10, wherein in the first extended position the locking pin prevents the coupling of the external power supply connection device to the interface.

[0048] Example 12. The charging system according to one of Examples 9 to 11, further comprising: a source of ignition data that indicates the on-state of an ignition system associated with the vehicle, the control module generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin based on the ignition's on status.

[0049] Example 13. The charging system according to one of Examples 9 to 12, further comprising: a source of flap data that specifies the position of a flap associated with the vehicle, the control module generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin based on the position of the flap.

[0050] Example 14. The charging system according to Example 13, wherein the control module generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin to the second retracted position from the first extended position when the transmission is in a park position and the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined threshold speed.

[0051] Example 15. The charging system according to Example 13, wherein the control module generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin to the second retracted position from the first extended position when the transmission is in a park position, the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined threshold speed, and the flap position is open.

[0052] Example 16. The charging system according to Example 12, wherein the control module generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin to the second retracted position from the first extended position when the transmission is in a park position, the vehicle speed is less than a predetermined threshold speed, and the ignition switch-on state is OFF.

[0053] Example 17. Procedure for controlling a vehicle's charging system, comprising the following steps: Receiving a stage of a transmission linked to the vehicle; Receiving sensor data indicating the position of a flap covering a socket linked to the vehicle's charging system, the socket comprising an interface for coupling an external power supply connection device to the vehicle; and Outputting one or more control signals to move a locking pin linked to the socket from a first extended position to a second retracted position to enable coupling of the connecting device to the interface based on the gear stage and the flap position.

[0054] Example 18. The method according to Example 17, wherein in the first extended position the locking pin prevents the coupling of the external power supply connection device to the interface.

[0055] Example 19. The procedure according to Example 17 or 18, further comprising the following steps: Receiving an ignition power-on status linked to the vehicle; and Outputting one or more control signals to move the locking pin based on the ignition's on-state status.

[0056] Example 20. The procedure according to one of Examples 17 to 19, further comprising the following steps: Receiving a speed reading of the vehicle; and Outputting one or more control signals to move the locking pin based on the vehicle's speed.

[0057] Although at least one embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it is understood that numerous variations exist. It is also understood that the embodiment or embodiments are purely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide the person skilled in the art with practical guidance for implementing the embodiment or embodiments. It is understood that various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements can be made without departing from the scope of the accompanying claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

[1] Method for controlling a charging system (16) of a vehicle (10), comprising the following steps: Receiving a speed of the vehicle (10); Receiving sensor data indicating the position of a flap (22) covering a socket (24) connected to the vehicle's (10) charging system (16), the socket (24) being suitable for receiving a connection device (25) for an external power supply; and Output of one or more control signals to move a locking pin (30) linked to the socket (24) between a first extended position and a second retracted position based on the speed of the vehicle (10) and the position of the flap (22), wherein the movement of the locking pin (30) from the first extended position to the second retracted position is based on the fact that the speed of the vehicle (10) is less than a predetermined threshold speed and the position of the flap (22) is open. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the socket (24) comprises an interface (28) and the connection device (25) of the external power supply can be coupled to the interface (28) in the second retracted position. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the locking pin in the first extended position prevents the coupling of the connection device (25) of the external power supply with the interface (28). [4] A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the following steps: Receiving a gear stage of a transmission (14) linked to the vehicle (10); and Outputting one or more control signals to move the locking pin (30) based on the gear stage of the transmission (14). [5] A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the following steps: Receiving an ignition power-on status linked to the vehicle (10); and Outputting one or more control signals to move the locking pin (30) based on the ignition's on-state. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output of one or more control signals to move the locking pin (30) between the first extended position and the second retracted position further comprises the following step: Moving the locking pin (30) from the second retracted position to the first extended position, based on the fact that the speed of the vehicle (10) is greater than a predetermined threshold speed and the position of the flap (22) is closed. [7] Method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising the following steps: Receiving data about a state of the interface (28); and Outputting one or more control signals to move the locking pin (30) based on the state of the interface (28). [8] Charging system (16) for a vehicle (10), comprising: a socket (24) for receiving a connection device (25) of an external power supply, wherein the socket (24) is covered by a flap (22); a locking pin (30) which is linked to the socket (24) and is movable between a first extended position and a second retracted position; a source of stage data that specifies a stage of a transmission (14) of the vehicle (10); a source of flap data that specifies a position of the flap (22), a source of speed data indicating a speed of the vehicle (10); and a control module (20) that generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin (30) between the first extended position and the second retracted position based on the stage data and the speed data, wherein the movement of the locking pin (30) from the first extended position to the second retracted position is based on the fact that the speed of the vehicle (10) is less than a predetermined threshold speed and the position of the flap (22) is open. [9] Charging system (16) according to claim 8, wherein the control module (20) generates one or more control signals to move the locking pin to the second retracted position from the first extended position when the transmission (14) is in a park position and the speed of the vehicle (10) is less than a predetermined threshold speed.

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