Locking mechanism

Abstract

The locking mechanism can be released even if a fault occurs in the power supply line to the actuator that operates the locking mechanism, whether it is a ceiling fault or a ground fault. [Solution] The locking mechanism 50 of the charging connector is locked when the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are ON (connected) and the actuator 210 is energized. The first switch SW1 is provided on the power line L11 that connects the power supply 100 and the actuator 210. The second switch SW2 is provided on the power line L12 that connects the actuator 210 and ground. When at least one of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is OFF (disconnected), the actuator 210 is de-energized and unlocked. Even if the power line L11 has a ceiling fault or the power line L12 has a ground fault, the actuator 210 can be de-energized and the locked state can be released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism, particularly a locking mechanism for locking a charging connector connected to an inlet.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-87198 (Patent Document 1) discloses a plug locking mechanism that fixes (locks) a plug (connector) of a charging cable in a state where it cannot be removed from a charging port (inlet). This plug locking mechanism of Patent Document 1 determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on a monitor signal indicating the state of the plug locking mechanism and an unlock request signal, and when an abnormality occurs, it includes a forced unlock control drive unit that releases the locked state and sets it to the unlocked state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The locking mechanism of Patent Document 1 includes a motor or an actuator for operating a mechanical mechanism for locking. When the motor or the actuator is operated by energization, if the power supply line to the actuator or the like is short-circuited to the sky or grounded, there is a possibility that the locked state cannot be released and shifted to the unlocked state.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable the release of the locked state even when a short circuit to the sky or grounding occurs in the power supply line to the actuator for operating the locking mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The locking mechanism of this disclosure is a locking mechanism for locking a charging connector connected to an inlet. The locking mechanism includes an actuator that locks the charging connector when energized and unlocks it when de-energized, a first switch provided on the power supply side of the actuator and a second switch provided on the ground side of the actuator, and a control device. The control device includes a first control unit that locks the charging connector by connecting the first switch and the second switch.

[0007] In this configuration, the locking mechanism switches between locked and unlocked states using an actuator that locks the charging connector when energized and unlocks it when de-energized. The first control unit of the control device locks the charging connector by connecting the first and second switches. The first switch is located on the power supply side of the actuator, and the second switch is located on the ground side of the actuator. When the power supply side of the actuator experiences a fault, switching the second switch to the off state will de-energize the actuator and unlock the charging connector. When the ground side of the actuator experiences a ground fault, switching the first switch to the off state will de-energize the actuator and unlock the charging connector. Therefore, even if a fault occurs in the power supply line to the actuator, the lock can be released.

[0008] Preferably, the control device may include a second control unit that, when there is a malfunction in the first control unit, shuts off at least one of the first and second switches and unlocks the charging connector.

[0009] With this configuration, even if an abnormality occurs in the first control unit, the second control unit can unlock the charging connector by shutting off either the first or second switch.

[0010] Preferably, the locking mechanism may further include a first signal line connected to a first control unit, a second signal line connected to the first control unit, and a third switch controlled by the second control unit. When a connection command is output from the first control unit to the first signal line, the first switch enters a connected state. When a connection command is output from the first control unit to the second signal line, the second switch enters a connected state. When the third switch is connected by the second control unit, the command on at least one of the first signal line and the second signal line becomes a disconnection command.

[0011] With this configuration, the third switch is connected by the second control unit, which allows the commands for the first and second signal lines to be switched off. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in the first control unit, the second control unit can switch either the first or second switch to the off state, thereby unlocking the charging connector.

[0012] Preferably, the locking mechanism may further include a first signal line connected to the first control unit, a second signal line connected to the first control unit, and a circuit that, when the first control unit is started, generates connection commands to the first and second signal lines, connects the first and second switches, and locks the charging connector. After starting up, the first control unit outputs commands to the first and second signal lines.

[0013] In this configuration, when the first control unit wakes from sleep mode, when the first control unit is reset by the watchdog timer, etc., connection commands are generated on the first and second signal lines, and the locked state of the charging connector is maintained. This prevents the charging connector from being unintentionally unlocked. Furthermore, after the first control unit is activated, it can be switched to the unlocked state by either the first or second control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, the locked state can be released even if a ceiling or earth fault occurs in the power supply line to the actuator for operating the locking mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the schematic configuration of the vehicle and charging equipment according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the general configuration of the locking mechanism. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates ceiling and ground faults in a locking mechanism. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the schematic configuration of the locking mechanism in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a vehicle 1 and charging equipment 20 according to this embodiment. The vehicle 1 comprises a battery 10, a control device 100, an inlet 120, and a charging circuit 130. The vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle (xEV) configured to run using the power stored in the battery 10, and may be, for example, a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). The battery 10 is a known secondary battery for vehicles, and may be, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0018] The inlet 120 includes a charging lid 121 and a charging port 123. The charging lid 121 is configured to be openable and closable by the user, covering the charging port 123 when closed and exposing the charging port 123 when open. When charging the battery 10, the charging lid 121 is open and the charging connector 25 is connected to the charging port 123. The charging circuit 130 charges the battery 10 using power supplied to the charging port 123 from outside the vehicle.

[0019] The control device 100 includes a charge control ECU 101 and a smart ECU 102. The charge control ECU 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 and a memory 112. Similarly, the smart ECU 102 also includes a CPU and a memory (not shown).

[0020] The charging equipment (EVSE: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) 20 charges the battery 10 with the power supplied from an external power source PG (for example, a power grid). The EVSE 20 includes a circuit unit 21 and a control unit 22. The EVSE 20 further includes a charging cable 24 that extends outward from the main body of the EVSE 20. The control unit 22 includes a CPU and a memory and controls the circuit unit 21. The circuit unit 21 includes, for example, a power conversion circuit and a circuit for charging the battery 10 with the power supplied from the external power source PG. At the tip of the charging cable 24, a charging connector (plug) 25 that can be detached from and attached to the charging port 123 of the inlet 120 is provided. When the charging connector 25 is connected to the inlet 120 (charging port 123) of the vehicle 1, charging from the EVSE 20 to the vehicle 1 (battery 10) becomes possible.

[0021] The EVSE 20 includes an operation unit 23. The operation unit 23 may be composed of, for example, a touch panel display that also serves as a display unit. The operation unit 23 has a charging start button and operation buttons for operating the locking and unlocking of a lock mechanism described later.

[0022] The charging connector 25 has connector terminals (not shown) formed on the end face that is connected to the inlet 120 (charging port 123). The connector terminals include a terminal L1, a terminal L2, a terminal PE, a terminal PP, and a terminal CP. The charging port 123 of the inlet 120 is provided with inlet terminals similar to the connector terminals. The terminals L1 and L2 are terminals to which power is supplied. For example, in the case of DC (AC) power, the terminals L1 and L2 may be Hot terminals or Cold terminals. In the case of DC (DC) power, the terminals L1 and L2 may be positive or negative terminals. The terminal PE is a ground (GND) terminal.

[0023] Terminal PP is a terminal for proximity detection of the connection state between the charging connector 25 and the inlet 120 (hereinafter also referred to as "PISW"). Terminal PP outputs a potential signal (PISW signal) indicating the connection state of the connector to the vehicle 1 side. Terminal CP corresponds to a terminal for a CPLT signal (hereinafter also referred to as "CPLT") defined, for example, in the standard "IEC / TS 62763:2013". The CPLT signal is a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal used in the communication between the vehicle 1 and the EVSE 20. The vehicle 1 and the EVSE 20 may perform HLC (High Level Communication) communication superimposed on the CPLT signal. Also, a configuration in which CAN (Controller Area Network) communication is performed between the vehicle 1 and the EVSE 20 may be adopted.

[0024] In the present embodiment, a lock mechanism 50 is provided in the inlet 120. The lock mechanism 50 includes an actuator 210 and a lock pin 220. The actuator 210 is controlled by the control device 100 and the control unit 22 to drive the lock pin 220 forward and backward. When the charging connector 25 is fitted into the inlet 120, the lock mechanism 50 puts the charging connector 25 in a locked state where it cannot be removed from the inlet 120. In the locked state, the lock pin 220 protrudes and engages with the recess of the charging connector 25. Thereby, the charging connector 25 is in a locked state where it cannot be removed from the inlet 120. A configuration may be adopted in which the lock pin 220 abuts against a latch provided on the charging connector 25 and the latch release button of the charging connector 25 cannot be operated, so that the locked state is achieved. The position of the lock pin 220 in the locked state is also referred to as the lock position.

[0025] The actuator 210 drives the lock pin 220 forward and backward, and when the lock pin 220 disengages from the recess in the charging connector 25, the charging connector 25 can be removed from the inlet 120. This state is referred to as the unlocked state, and the position of the lock pin 220 in the unlocked state is also referred to as the unlocked position. Alternatively, the connection between the latch on the charging connector 25 and the lock pin 220 may be released, making the latch release button on the charging connector 25 operable, thus achieving the unlocked state. The unlocked state is the state in which the locked state has been released.

[0026] In automatic mode, the charging connector 25 is mated to the inlet 120, and when the control device 100 or control unit 22 detects that the charging connector 25 and the inlet 120 (charging port 123) are connected based on the PISW signal, the actuator 210 is activated by a command from the control device 100 or control unit 22 and enters the locked state. In manual mode, the charging connector 25 is locked by operating the lock button (not shown) on the operation unit 23 of the EVSE 20, locking with the smart key 300, etc.

[0027] The locked and unlocked states of the locking mechanism 50 are also linked to the operation of the smart key 300. This allows the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism 50 to be performed using the smart key 300. The smart key 300 is a portable device carried by the user and communicates with the smart ECU 102 to lock and unlock the doors of the vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle 1 (smart ECU 102) transmits a polling signal in the LF (Low Frequency) band at predetermined intervals. The smart key 300, upon receiving the polling signal, transmits a response signal in the RF (Radio Frequency) band. The smart ECU 102, upon receiving the response signal, performs authentication processing. Once authentication is successful and the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, touching the touch sensor provided on the door handle of the vehicle 1), the smart ECU 102 locks and unlocks the doors and controls the actuator 210 so that the locked and unlocked states of the locking mechanism 50 are linked to the locking and unlocking of the doors.

[0028] The charge control ECU 101 detects the connection status of the charging connector 25 and the inlet 120 based on the PISW signal. When the locking mechanism 50 is locked, it works in cooperation with the EVSE 20 (control unit 22) to prepare the battery 10 for charging. When the battery 10 is ready for charging, the charge control ECU 101 requests the EVSE 20 to start charging the battery 10 and controls the charging circuit 130. While the battery 10 is charging, the locking mechanism 50 is locked, and the charging connector 25 cannot be removed from the inlet 120.

[0029] In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 50 remains locked until the user performs an unlock operation. The user performs the unlock operation by operating the unlock button 125 provided on the inlet 120, or the unlock button (not shown) on the operating section 23 of the EVSE 20. The lock mechanism 50 also becomes unlocked in conjunction with the unlocking of the door by the smart key 300. The door may also be unlocked and the lock mechanism 50 unlocked by operating the unlock switch 301 provided on the smart key 300.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the locking mechanism 50. The actuator 210 is composed of, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid, and when energized, it drives the lock pin 220 to the locked position, and the locking mechanism 50 enters the locked state. When the actuator 210 is de-energized, the lock pin 220 returns to the unlocked position, and the locking mechanism 50 enters the unlocked state. The actuator 210 is connected to the power supply 200 by power line L11. The actuator 210 is connected to the ground by power line L12. The ground may be the frame ground (chassis ground). A first switch SW1 is provided on power line L11. A second switch SW2 is provided on power line L12. The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 may be mechanical relays or semiconductor switches. The semiconductor switches may be IPDs (Intelligent Power Devices) or FETs (Field Effect Transistors). A current monitor 250 is provided on the power line L12 between the second switch SW2 and the actuator 210. The current monitor 250 may be an ammeter.

[0031] When the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are closed (ON) and connected, current supplied from the power supply 200 flows through power lines L11 and L12, energizing the actuator 210, and the locking mechanism 50 enters a locked state. When at least one of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is opened (OFF) and disconnected, the current flowing through power lines L11 and L12 is interrupted, the actuator 210 is de-energized, and the locking mechanism 50 enters an unlocked state.

[0032] The first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are controlled by the first control unit 500. The first control unit 500 may be a functional block of the charge control ECU 101, or it may be composed of hardware provided in the charge control ECU 101. The first control unit 500 has a high-side output terminal HP and a low-side output terminal LP. The high-side output terminal HP is connected to the signal line L21. The low-side output terminal LP is connected to the signal line L22. The first switch SW1 is ON when the signal on the signal line L21 is a high-level signal (H signal), and OFF when the signal on the signal line L21 is a low-level signal (L signal). The second switch SW2 is ON when the signal on the signal line L22 is an H signal, and OFF when the signal on the signal line L22 is an L signal. A reference voltage Vcc is applied to the signal lines L21 and L22 via a pull-up resistor R1. The reference voltage Vcc is applied to the signal lines L21 and L22 by the reference voltage line L20 and may be, for example, +5[V].

[0033] The first control unit 500 receives lock commands and unlock commands from the control unit 22, charge control ECU 101, and smart ECU 102 of the EVSE 20. The lock command is a command to put the lock mechanism 50 into a locked state. The unlock command is a command to put the lock mechanism 50 into an unlocked state. When the first control unit 500 receives a lock command, it outputs an H signal from the high-side output terminal HP and the low-side output terminal LP. When the first control unit 500 receives an unlock command, it outputs an L signal from the high-side output terminal HP and the low-side output terminal LP. The voltage of the H signal may be, for example, +5[V], and the voltage of the L signal may be 0[V]. If the output of the high-side output terminal HP and the low-side output terminal LP is unstable (in a high-impedance state), the pull-up resistor R1 fixes the signals on signal lines L21 and L22 to an H signal.

[0034] The reference voltage line L20 is connected to ground via the third switch SW3. The second switch SW2 may be a mechanical relay or a semiconductor switch. The third switch SW3 is controlled by the second control unit 510. The second control unit 510 detects abnormalities or failures in the first control unit 500 and may be an ECU provided in the control device 100, or a functional block of the control unit 22, etc. When the first control unit 500 is functioning normally, the second control unit 510 outputs an L signal to the signal line L23. When the first control unit 500 is abnormal, the second control unit 510 outputs an H signal to the signal line L23. The third switch SW3 is OFF (disconnected) when the signal on the signal line L23 is an L signal. The third switch SW3 is ON (connected) when the signal on the signal line L23 is an H signal. An abnormality in the first control unit 500 includes abnormalities in the charge control ECU 101 and the control unit 22, which output lock and unlock commands.

[0035] When the third switch SW3 is OFF (when the first control unit 500 is functioning normally), if the first control unit 500 receives a lock command, the signals on signal lines L21 and L22 become H signals, so the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 turn ON (connected). As a result, the actuator 210 is energized and the locking mechanism 50 enters a locked state. In this state, if the first control unit 500 receives an unlock command, the signals on signal lines L21 and L22 become L signals, so the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 turn OFF (disconnected). As a result, the power to the actuator 210 is cut off and it becomes unpowered, and the locking mechanism 50 enters an unlocked state (the lock state is released).

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates the overhead and ground faults in the locking mechanism 50. As shown in Figure 3, if the power line L11 between the first switch SW1 and the actuator 210 is short-circuited to the power supply 200, an overhead fault STB occurs in the power supply line of the actuator 210. When an overhead fault STB occurs, or when the first switch SW1 becomes stuck, or when there is an abnormality in the high-side output terminal HP or signal line L21, even if the first control unit 500 receives an unlock command and controls the first switch SW1 to OFF (disconnected state), it may not be able to disconnect the connection between the power supply 200 and the actuator 210. Even in such cases, in the locking mechanism 50 of this embodiment, the second switch SW2 is turned OFF by the L signal output from the low-side output terminal LP. This disconnects the power supply to the actuator 210 and allows the locking mechanism 50 to be put into the unlocked state.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, a ground fault STG may occur in the power line L12 between the second switch SW2 and the actuator 210. When a ground fault STG occurs, or when the second switch SW2 becomes stuck, or when an abnormality occurs in the low-side output terminal LP or signal line L22, even if the first control unit 500 receives an unlock command and controls the second switch SW2 to OFF (disconnected state), it may not be able to disconnect the connection between ground and the actuator 210. Even in such cases, the lock mechanism 50 of this embodiment turns the first switch SW1 OFF by the L signal output from the high-side output terminal HP. This disconnects the power supply to the actuator 210 and allows the lock mechanism 50 to be put into the unlocked state.

[0038] If an abnormality or malfunction occurs in the first control unit 500, the first control unit 500 may not be able to control the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2. In this case, even if the first control unit 500 receives an unlock command, it may not be able to turn off the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, and therefore may not be able to release the locked state of the lock mechanism 50 and put it into the unlocked state. When an abnormality occurs in the first control unit 500, the second control unit 510 outputs an H signal to the signal line L23. Then, the third switch SW3 turns ON (connected state). When the third switch SW3 is connected, the signal lines L21 and L22 are connected to ground via the third switch SW3, and the signals on the signal lines L21 and L22 are fixed to L signals. As a result, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 turn OFF (disconnected), and the actuator 210 is de-energized, so the lock mechanism 50 can be put into the unlocked state.

[0039] Even if a malfunction occurs in the first control unit 500 and a ceiling fault STB occurs (or the first switch SW1 becomes stuck), the second control unit 510 can turn on the third switch SW, which turns off the second switch SW2, thereby de-energizing the actuator 210 and unlocking the locking mechanism 50. Furthermore, even if a malfunction occurs in the first control unit 500 and a ground fault STG occurs (or the second switch SW2 becomes stuck), the second control unit 510 can turn on the third switch SW, which turns off the first switch SW1, thereby de-energizing the actuator 210 and unlocking the locking mechanism 50.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the locking mechanism 50 switches between a locked state and an unlocked state by an actuator 210 that locks the charging connector 25 when energized and unlocks it when de-energized. The first control unit 500 of the control device locks the charging connector 25 by connecting the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2. The first switch SW1 is provided on the power supply 200 side of the actuator 210, and the second switch SW2 is provided on the ground side of the actuator 210. When the power supply side of the actuator 210 experiences a ceiling fault, switching the second switch SW2 to the off state will de-energize the actuator 210 and unlock the charging connector 25. When the ground side of the actuator 210 experiences a ground fault, switching the first switch SW1 to the off state will de-energize the actuator 210 and unlock the charging connector 25. Therefore, even if a ceiling fault or ground fault occurs in the power supply line to the actuator 210, the locked state can be released.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the locking mechanism 50 includes a second control unit 510 that, when there is a malfunction in the first control unit 500, turns off at least one of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, thereby unlocking the charging connector 25. Even if a malfunction occurs in the first control unit 500, the second control unit 510 can turn off either the first switch SW1 or the second switch SW2, thereby unlocking the charging connector 25.

[0042] The locking mechanism 50 includes signal lines L21 (first signal line) and L22 (second signal line) connected to the first control unit 500, and a third switch SW3 controlled by the second control unit 510. When a connection command is output from the first control unit 500 to signal line L21, the first switch SW1 is set to the connected state. When a connection command is output from the first control unit 500 to signal line L22, the second switch SW2 is set to the connected state. When the third switch SW3 is connected by the second control unit 510, the command for at least one of the signal lines L21 and L22 becomes a disconnection command. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in the first control unit 500, the second control unit 510 can set either the first switch SW1 or the second switch SW2 to the disconnection state, thereby unlocking the charging connector 25.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 were configured to turn ON (connected) when an H signal was output from the high-side output terminal HP and the low-side output terminal LP. However, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 may be configured to turn ON (connected) when an L signal is output from the high-side output terminal HP and the low-side output terminal LP. In this case, the first control unit 500 outputs an L signal to the high-side output terminal HP and the low-side output terminal LP when it receives a lock command, and outputs an H signal when it receives an unlock command. Furthermore, the circuit may be configured to fix signal lines L21 and L22 to an H signal when the third switch SW3 is connected.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the actuator 210, lock pin 220, first control unit 500, etc., were provided in the vehicle 1. However, the actuator 210, lock pin 220, first control unit 500, etc., may also be provided in the EVSE 20. For example, the actuator 210 and lock pin 220 may be provided in the charging connector 25, and the first control unit 500 may be provided in the control unit 22. In this case, for example, the lock pin 220 may engage with a recess provided in the inlet 120 to lock the charging connector 25. Also, the lock mechanism 50 may be appropriately distributed between the vehicle 1 and the EVSE 20. For example, the actuator 210 and lock pin 220 may be provided in the vehicle 1 (inlet 120), and the first control unit 500 may be provided in the EVSE 20 (control unit 22). In this case, the first switch SW1, etc., may be controlled by CPLT communication (HLC communication) or CAN communication. The second control unit 510 may be provided in either the control device 100 or the control unit 22. The control device 100 and the control unit 22 are examples of the "control device" in this disclosure.

[0045] (modified version) Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the lock mechanism 50A in a modified example. In the modified lock mechanism 50A, a delay circuit 550 is provided between the power supply with a reference voltage Vcc and the pull-up resistor R1. The other configurations are the same as in the embodiment described above. The delay circuit 550 delays the reference voltage Vcc and supplies it to the pull-up resistor R1 when the lock mechanism 50A is first connected to the power supply (initial power-on). As enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 4, at time t0, when power is supplied to the lock mechanism 50, the reference voltage Vcc supplied to the pull-up resistor R1 is 0[V] because it is delayed by the delay circuit 550. Then, after power-on of the lock mechanism 50, at time t1, the reference voltage Vcc (+5[V]) is supplied to the pull-up resistor R1. From time t0 to time t1 after power-on of the lock mechanism 50, the reference voltage Vcc supplied to the pull-up resistor R1 is 0[V], so the pull-up resistor R1 acts as a pseudo-pull-down resistor. As a result, the signals on signal lines L21 and L22 are fixed to an L signal (0[V]) between time t0 and time t1. Therefore, between time t0 and time t1, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are OFF (disconnected), and the locking mechanism 50 is in the unlocked state.

[0046] From time t1 onward, the pull-up resistor R1 fixes the signals on signal lines L21 and L22 to H signals. Therefore, when the first control unit 500 wakes up from sleep mode, when the first control unit 500 is reset by the watchdog timer, etc., the pull-up resistor R1 fixes the signals on signal lines L21 and L22 to H signals, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are turned ON (connected), and the lock mechanism 50 is locked. The startup of the first control unit 500 may also include the startup of the control device 100 (charge control ECU 101) and the control unit 22.

[0047] According to this modification, when the lock mechanism 50 is powered on, the lock mechanism 50 is in an unlocked state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lock mechanism 50 from unintentionally becoming locked. Also, when the first control unit 500 is started up, such as when the first control unit 500 wakes up from sleep mode after time t1, the lock mechanism 50 maintains its locked state. This prevents the charging connector 25 from being unintentionally unlocked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the charging connector 25 from being unintentionally removed from the inlet 120 when the first control unit 500 is started up. After the first control unit 500 is started up, the locked / unlocked state of the lock mechanism 50 can be controlled by the output signals (H signal, L signal) of the high-side output terminal HP and the low-side output terminal LP. In addition, the lock mechanism 50 can be unlocked by the third switch SW3 controlled by the second control unit 510.

[0048] Furthermore, the H signal and L signal in signal lines L21 and L22 (output signals from the high-side output terminal HP and the low-side output terminal LP) correspond to the "commands (connection command, disconnection command)" in this disclosure.

[0049] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1 Vehicle, 10 Battery, 20 EVSE, 22 Control Unit, 23 Operating Unit, 25 Charging Connector, 50 Locking Mechanism, 100 Control Device, 101 Charging Control ECU, 102 Smart ECU, 120 Inlet, 123 Charging Port, 125 Unlock Button, 210 Actuator, 220 Lock Pin, 300 Smart Key, 500 First Control Unit, 510 Second Control Unit, R1 Pull-up Resistor, SW1 First Switch, SW2 Second Switch, SW3 Third Switch, L21, L22, L23 Signal Lines.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for locking a charging connector connected to an inlet, The locking mechanism is An actuator that locks the charging connector when power is supplied and unlocks the charging connector when power is removed, A first switch provided on the power supply side of the actuator, A second switch provided on the ground side of the actuator, Includes a control device, The control device is A locking mechanism including a first control unit that locks the charging connector by connecting the first switch and the second switch.

2. The control device is The locking mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a second control unit that, when there is a malfunction in the first control unit, shuts off at least one of the first switch and the second switch and sets the charging connector to the unlocked state.

3. The locking mechanism is A first signal line connected to the first control unit, The second signal line connected to the first control unit, The system further includes a third switch controlled by the second control unit, When a connection command is output from the first control unit to the first signal line, the first switch enters a connected state. When a connection command is output from the first control unit to the second signal line, the second switch enters a connected state. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, wherein when the third switch is connected by the second control unit, the command on at least one of the first signal line and the second signal line becomes a cutoff command.

4. The locking mechanism is A first signal line connected to the first control unit, The second signal line connected to the first control unit, The circuit further includes, when the first control unit is started, a circuit that generates connection commands for the first signal line and the second signal line, connects the first switch and the second switch, and locks the charging connector, The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first control unit outputs commands to the first signal line and the second signal line after being activated.

Images