Lock device

Abstract

This lock device comprises a lock pin, a drive unit, a detection pin, a lock detection unit, and a movement detection unit. The lock pin is movable between a lock position for restricting a tip portion of a charging connector that is inserted into a charging inlet from moving from an engaged state of being engaged with an insertion hole of the inlet to a non-engaged state, and an unlock position for releasing the restriction of the movement of the tip portion. The drive unit moves the lock pin between the lock position and the unlock position. The detection pin is moved to a pushed-in position by the tip portion when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet. The lock detection unit detects movement of the lock pin to the lock position. The movement detection unit detects movement of the detection pin to the pushed-in position. With this structure, it is possible to provide a lock device that can simplify wiring.

Description

Locking device

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device.

[0002] In recent years, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, etc. have become increasingly popular. In these vehicles, when the remaining battery power is low, the battery is charged at a charging facility.

[0003] The battery is charged by connecting a power supply cable extending from a charging facility to a power inlet on the vehicle body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The vehicle charging inlet disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a locking device that locks the charging connector to prevent it from coming loose from the inlet while the vehicle is charging. When the charging connector is inserted into the inlet, the locking device activates, and a locking pin is inserted into an engaging portion (hole) of the charging connector, moving it to a locked position. This prevents the charging connector from coming loose from the inlet.

[0005] If the engaging portion of the charging connector is damaged, the charging connector can be removed from the inlet even if the lock pin is in the locked position. Therefore, the vehicle charging inlet disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured so that charging will not begin unless both a detector that detects the operation of the lock pin and a detector that detects a malfunction of the charging connector are on.

[0006] International Publication No. 2013 / 061401

[0007] However, in the vehicle charging connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, a detection unit that detects a malfunction of the charging connector is disposed on the inlet side, and a detection unit that detects the operation of the lock pin is disposed on the actuator side outside the inlet, resulting in complex wiring.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a locking device that can simplify wiring.

[0009] A locking device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a locking member, a drive unit, a movable member, a lock detection unit, and a movable member detection unit. The locking member is movable between a locked position that restricts movement of an engaging portion of a charging connector inserted into a charging inlet from an engaged state in which the engaging portion is engaged with an engaged portion of the inlet to a disengaged state, and an unlocked position that releases the restriction on movement of the engaging portion. The drive unit moves the locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position. The movable member moves to a predetermined position by the engaging portion when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet. The lock detection unit detects movement of the locking member to the locked position. The movable member detection unit detects movement of the movable member to the predetermined position.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a locking device that can simplify wiring.

[0011] 7( a ) and 7 ( b ) are perspective views showing a portion of a vehicle in which a locking device according to a first embodiment is disposed and a charging connector. A schematic side view showing a state in which the charging connector is inserted into an inlet of the vehicle. A perspective view of a portion of a vehicle in which a locking device according to a first embodiment is disposed and the charging connector, as viewed from the vehicle side. A schematic side view showing a state in which the charging connector is inserted into an inlet of the vehicle when a tip portion of the charging connector is damaged. A perspective view of the locking device according to a first embodiment. A perspective view showing the locking device with a first housing unit removed. (a) A perspective view showing a rack member, a lock pin, a detection pin, a pin support portion, etc. of the locking device. (b) A diagram showing the positional relationship between a pin main body and the lock pin, as viewed from the X1 direction side. A perspective view of FIG. 7( a ) from a different direction. A diagram showing a state in which a switch pressing portion abuts against a movement detection switch and presses the movement detection switch. (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the electrical connection between the lock detection switch and the movement detection switch. A flowchart for explaining a control operation on the vehicle body side until charging is started. 17 is a perspective view showing a part of a vehicle in which a locking device of embodiment 2 is disposed and a charging connector. FIG. 18 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the charging connector is inserted into an inlet of the vehicle. FIG. 19 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the charging connector is inserted into an inlet of the vehicle when an engagement claw of the charging connector is broken. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the locking device of embodiment 2. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device taken along line B-B in FIG. 16 , which is a perspective view of the locking device with the second housing portion removed. FIG. 19 is a view showing a state in which the locking pin is disposed in an unlocked position and the detection member is disposed in a non-pushed position. FIG. 19 is a view showing a state in which the locking pin is disposed in a locked position and the detection member is disposed in a pushed-in position. (a) is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a pivot portion of the charging connector, and (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the detection member is pushed in by the engagement claw.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The locking device of this embodiment can be used to lock a charging connector (an example of an object) connected to a power inlet of a vehicle body. While locking devices are typically provided near the power inlet of a vehicle body, their placement is not limited as long as they can lock the charging connector and prevent it from falling off the power inlet of the vehicle body. As long as the locking device can prevent the charging connector from falling off the power inlet of the vehicle body, it does not have to lock the charging connector itself, and may lock a member connected to the charging connector. As will be described in more detail below, the locking device prevents the charging connector from being removed from the power inlet by protruding a lock pin and restricting movement of the charging connector. The locking device can also be used as a locking device that restricts movement of an object by advancing a pin, such as a fuel lid locking device.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) (Outline of locking device 1) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a vehicle 500 in which a locking device 1 of embodiment 1 is arranged, and a charging connector 600. Fig. 2 is a side schematic view showing a state in which the charging connector 600 is inserted into an inlet 520 of the vehicle 500. As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle 500, which has a battery as a driving source, for example, is equipped with a charging system that can charge the battery of the vehicle 500 from an external power source. The inlet 520 is arranged on a side surface 501 of the vehicle 500.

[0015] 3 is a perspective view of a part of a vehicle in which the lock device 1 of the first embodiment is disposed and a charging connector, as viewed from the vehicle side. A side surface 501 is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the configuration behind the side surface 501 is indicated by a solid line in the drawing.

[0016] Charging connector 600 has an insertion portion 610 that is inserted into inlet 520. Insertion portion 610 has a connector-side connection portion 611 that is electrically connected to inlet 520, and a protrusion portion 612 (engagement portion) that is arranged to surround connector-side connection portion 611.

[0017] 1 and 2 , inlet 520 has an inlet-side connecting portion 521 and an insertion hole 522 (engaged portion). When charging connector 600 is inserted into inlet 520, inlet-side connecting portion 521 is electrically connected to connector-side connecting portion 611. When charging connector 600 is inserted into inlet 520, protrusion 612 is inserted into insertion hole 522.

[0018] 2 and 3, a locking device 1 is disposed above an inlet 520 of a vehicle 500. As an example, the locking device 1 is disposed so that its lock pin 11 moves in the vertical direction. The location of the locking device 1 is not limited to this, and the location and posture of the locking device 1 may be changed as appropriate to suit the object to be locked.

[0019] When charging connector 600 is inserted into inlet 520 to supply power, lock pin 11 is inserted into lock hole 613 provided in a part of protrusion 612. When lock pin 11 is inserted into lock hole 613, protrusion 612 is prevented from coming out of insertion hole 522. In this manner, the position of lock pin 11 that restricts movement of protrusion 612 from a state where it is inserted into insertion hole 522 (engaged state) to a state where it is disengaged from insertion hole 522 (disengaged state) is shown as lock position P1.

[0020] When removing charging connector 600 from inlet 520, lock pin 11 moves upward and is removed from lock hole 613. The position of lock pin 11 that releases the restriction on movement of protrusion 612 from a state where it is inserted into insertion hole 522 (engaged state) to a state where it is removed from insertion hole 522 (disengaged state) is shown as unlock position P2 (dashed two-dot line).

[0021] Here, if the tip portion 614 (contact portion) of the protrusion 612, which includes the lock hole 613 in the insertion direction into the inlet 520, is missing, the charging connector 600 can be removed from the inlet 520 even when the lock pin 11 is positioned at the lock position P1, which is undesirable. Therefore, the locking device 1 is provided with a detection pin 16 (moving member) that detects damage to the tip portion 614. The detection pin 16 is inserted into a through hole 523 formed in the inlet 520. The through hole 523 is formed in the bottom of the insertion hole 522 of the inlet 520 so as to penetrate to the outside opposite the insertion hole 522 of the inlet 520. The through hole 523 is formed along the X direction, which will be described later. The detection pin 16 protrudes from the outside opposite the insertion hole 522 of the inlet 520 toward the through hole 523 formed in the bottom of the insertion hole 522 of the inlet 520.

[0022] 2, when charging connector 600 is inserted into inlet 520, tip portion 614 of charging connector 600 moves detection pin 16. The position where detection pin 16 is pressed by tip portion 614 is shown as pressed-in position Q1 (predetermined position).

[0023] On the other hand, if tip portion 614 of charging connector 600 is damaged, as shown in Figure 4, even when charging connector 600 is inserted into inlet 520, tip portion 614 cannot press detection pin 16, and therefore detection pin 16 does not move. The position where detection pin 16 is not pressed is shown as non-pressed position Q2. In this way, even when charging connector 600 is inserted into inlet 520, damage to tip portion 614 can be detected by the fact that detection pin 16 does not move from non-pressed position Q2 to pressed position Q1.

[0024] (Configuration of Locking Device 1) Next, the locking device 1 will be described. The movement direction of the locking pin 11 of the locking device 1 is defined as the Z direction. The movement direction in the Z direction from the unlocked position P2 to the locked position P1 is defined as Z1. The movement direction from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2 is defined as Z2. The movement direction of the detection pin 16 is defined as the X direction. The direction in the X direction in which the detection pin 16 (moving member) is pushed in by the tip portion 614 is defined as X1. The opposite side of the X1 direction is defined as the X2 direction. The X direction is perpendicular to the Z direction. The X1 direction can also be referred to as the direction in which the charging connector 600 is inserted into the inlet 520, and the X2 direction can also be referred to as the direction in which the charging connector 600 is removed from the inlet 520. The direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the Y direction. The Y direction is perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 2. Within the Y direction, the direction toward the front of the paper in FIG. 2 is defined as the Y1 direction, and the direction toward the back of the paper in FIG. 2 is defined as the Y2 direction. In this specification, the term "perpendicular" does not necessarily mean perpendicular in the strict sense, but may include a margin of error, as long as it is recognized as perpendicular in accordance with accepted social standards. In addition, in this specification, the term "parallel" does not necessarily mean parallel in the strict sense, but may include a margin of error, as long as it is recognized as perpendicular in accordance with accepted social standards.

[0025] 5 is a perspective view of the locking device 1. The locking device 1 includes a locking pin 11, a housing 12 through which the locking pin 11 is inserted, and a detection pin 16 movably supported by the housing 12.

[0026] The housing 12 has a first housing portion 21 and a second housing portion 22. The first housing portion 21 is box-shaped with one side open. The first housing portion 21 has an open side facing the Z1 direction. The second housing portion 22 is plate-shaped and is arranged to cover the opening of the first housing portion 21. A connector portion 23 is provided on the side facing the X1 direction of the second housing portion 22 for electrically connecting to a vehicle controller.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lock device 1 from which the first housing portion 21 has been removed, as viewed from the Z2 direction side.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the locking device 1 has the above-mentioned lock pin 11 (locking member), the above-mentioned housing 12, a drive unit 13, a lock detection unit 14, an emergency cable 15, a detection pin 16 (moving member), a pin support unit 17, a biasing member 18, a movement detection unit 19 (moving member detection unit), and an output unit 20 (Figure 10 described later).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2 , the lock pin 11 is movable in the Z direction between a lock position P1, which restricts movement of an object, and an unlock position P2, which releases the restriction on movement of the object. The drive unit 13 moves the lock pin 11 between the lock position P1 and the unlock position P2. The lock detector 14 detects movement of the lock pin 11 to the lock position P1. The emergency cable 15 is provided so that, when pulled by an operator, the lock pin 11 moves from the lock position P1 to the unlock position P2 and releases the lock. The detector pin 16 is provided to detect damage to the tip portion 614 of the charging connector 600. The pin support unit 17 supports the detector pin 16 on the housing 12 so that it can move in the X direction. The movement detector 19 detects when the detector pin 16 moves to the pushed-in position Q1. The output unit 20 outputs detection results from the lock detector 14 and the movement detector 19 to the vehicle controller 81.

[0030] 6, the drive unit 13 has a motor 30, a first transmission gear 31, a second transmission gear 32, a third transmission gear 33, a fourth transmission gear 34, a fifth transmission gear 35, and a rack member 36. The motor 30 is disposed such that the output shaft 30a is aligned along the Y direction.

[0031] The first transmission gear 31 is fixed to the output shaft 30a and rotates together with the rotation of the output shaft 30a. The first transmission gear 31 is a helical gear.

[0032] The second transmission gear 32 meshes with the first transmission gear 31. The second transmission gear 32 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The rotation axis of the second transmission gear 32 is parallel to the Y direction. The second transmission gear 32 is a helical gear. The second transmission gear 32 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the first transmission gear 31.

[0033] The third transmission gear 33 is arranged coaxially with the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The third transmission gear 33 is a helical gear. The third transmission gear 33 is arranged further outward (in the Y1 direction) from the housing 12 than the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33 is connected to the second transmission gear 32. The third transmission gear 33 rotates together with the rotation of the second transmission gear 32.

[0034] The fourth transmission gear 34 meshes with the third transmission gear 33. The fourth transmission gear 34 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The fourth transmission gear 34 is disposed on the opposite side of the third transmission gear 33 from the motor 30 (the X2 direction side).

[0035] The fifth transmission gear 35 is arranged coaxially with the fourth transmission gear 34. The fifth transmission gear 35 is rotatably supported by the housing 12. The fifth transmission gear 35 is a helical gear. The fifth transmission gear 35 is arranged more inward (in the Y2 direction) of the housing 12 than the fourth transmission gear 34. The fifth transmission gear 35 is connected to the fourth transmission gear 34. The fifth transmission gear 35 rotates together with the rotation of the fourth transmission gear 34.

[0036] The rack member 36 meshes with the fifth transmission gear 35 and moves in the Z direction as the fifth transmission gear 35 rotates. Fig. 7(a) is a perspective view showing the rack member 36, lock pin 11, lock detector 14, detector pin 16, and movement detector 19. Fig. 8 is a view of Fig. 7(a) as viewed from the Z1 direction. The rack member 36 fits into the end 11a of the lock pin 11 inside the housing 12.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A, the rack member 36 includes a main body 41, a switch pressing portion 42 (second operating portion), and a rack gear 43. The main body 41 is a member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. As shown in FIG. 6, the switch pressing portion 42 protrudes from the main body 41 in the Y2 direction. When the rack member 36 moves in the Z1 direction due to rotation of the fifth transmission gear 35, the switch pressing portion 42 presses the lock detection switch 14a of the lock detection unit 14. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7A, the rack gear 43 is disposed on the surface of the main body 41 facing in the X1 direction. The rack gear 43 is disposed along the Z direction. The peaks of the rack gear 43 are inclined with respect to the Y direction and mesh with the fifth transmission gear 35.

[0038] When the motor 30 is driven and the output shaft 30a rotates, the first transmission gear 31 rotates. The rotation of the first transmission gear 31 rotates the second transmission gear 32 that is meshed with the first transmission gear 31. The rotation of the second transmission gear 32 rotates the third transmission gear 33 that is coaxial with and connected to the second transmission gear 32. The rotation of the third transmission gear 33 rotates the fourth transmission gear 34 that is meshed with the third transmission gear 33. The rotation of the fourth transmission gear 34 rotates the fifth transmission gear 35 that is coaxial with and connected to the fourth transmission gear 34. The rotation of the fifth transmission gear 35 moves the rack member 36 in the Z direction, and the lock pin 11 that is engaged with the rack member 36 also moves in the Z direction.

[0039] (Lock Detector 14) As shown in FIG. 6 , the lock detector 14 is fixed to the second housing portion 22. The lock detector 14 is disposed between the switch pressing portion 42 and the second housing portion 22. The lock detector 14 has a lock detector switch 14a. The lock detector switch 14a is disposed facing in the Z2 direction. When the lock pin 11 moves together with the rack member 36 from the unlock position P2 toward the lock position P1, the rack member 36 presses the lock detector switch 14a. This makes it possible to detect that the lock pin 11 has moved to the lock position P1.

[0040] (Emergency cable 15) The emergency cable 15 is engaged with the rack member 36. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the emergency cable 15 extends outside the housing 12. When an operator pulls the emergency cable 15 in the Z2 direction, the rack member 36 can be moved in the Z2 direction. This causes the lock pin 11 engaged with the rack member 36 to also move in the Z2 direction, and the lock pin 11 can be moved to the unlock position P2.

[0041] (Detection pin 16, pin support portion 17, biasing member 18) Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the locking device 1. As shown in Figs. 4 and 9, the detection pin 16 is arranged along the X direction. The detection pin 16 is arranged along the direction in which the charging connector 600 is pushed into the inlet 520. The detection pin 16 is arranged on the outside (Z1 direction side) of the outer surface 22a of the second housing portion 22. The outer surface 22a is perpendicular to the Z1 direction and faces the Z1 direction side.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5 , the pin support portion 17 supports the detection pin 16 on the housing 12 so as to be movable in the X direction. The pin support portion 17 has a first support portion 51 and a second support portion 52. The first support portion 51 is disposed from the outer surface 22a toward the Z1 direction. The first support portion 51 has a pair of first side walls 51a and a first through-hole forming wall 51b. The pair of first side walls 51a are disposed opposite each other in the Y direction. Each of the first side walls 51a is disposed perpendicular to the Y direction. The first through-hole forming wall 51b connects the ends of the pair of first side walls 51a on the X2 direction side. The first through-hole forming wall 51b is disposed perpendicular to the X direction. A through-hole penetrating in the X direction is formed in the first through-hole forming wall 51b. The first side wall 51a on the Y2 direction side of the pair of first side walls 51a has a notch 51c formed therein. A movement detection switch 19a (described later) is inserted into the notch 51c. A gap is formed between the first through-hole forming wall 51b and the outer surface 22a. As shown in FIG. 5, an end 63d of a switch pressing portion 63 (described later) on the X1 direction side can be inserted into this gap.

[0043] The second support portion 52 is disposed from the outer surface 22a toward the Z1 direction. The second support portion 52 is disposed closer to the X1 direction than the first support portion 51. The second support portion 52 has a pair of second side walls 52a and a second through-hole forming wall 52b. The pair of second side walls 52a are disposed opposite each other in the Y direction. Each of the second side walls 52a is disposed perpendicular to the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 9 , the pair of second side walls 52a are disposed outward from the pair of first side walls 51a in the Y direction. The pair of second side walls 52a are disposed opposite the ends of the pair of first side walls 51a on the X1 direction side. The second through-hole forming wall 52b connects the ends of the pair of second side walls 52a on the X1 direction side. The second through-hole forming wall 52b is disposed perpendicular to the X direction. The second through-hole forming wall 52b is disposed opposite the first through-hole forming wall 51b in the X direction.

[0044] The lock pin 11 is inserted into the through hole of the first through hole forming wall 51b and the through hole of the second through hole forming wall 52b. The first support portion 51 is omitted in Figures 7(a) and 8.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8 , the detection pin 16 has a pin body 61, a restricting portion 62, and a switch pressing portion 63 (first operating portion). The pin body 61 has a shape extending in the X direction. The pin body 61 is, for example, cylindrical. The pin body 61 is inserted into the through hole of the first through hole forming wall 51 b and the through hole of the second through hole forming wall 52 b. The pin body 61 is arranged along the X direction. FIG. 7( b) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the pin body 61 and the lock pin 11 as viewed from the X1 direction. As shown in FIG. 7( b) , when the lock pin 11 is arranged in the lock position P1, the pin body 61 overlaps with the lock pin 11 as viewed along the X direction.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 7A, the restricting portion 62 is disposed on the pin body 61. As shown in Fig. 5, the restricting portion 62 is disposed between the first through-hole forming wall 51b and the second through-hole forming wall 52b. The restricting portion 62 extends from the pin body 61 toward the outer surface 22a (Z2 direction). As shown in Fig. 9, the restricting portion 62 is disposed between the pair of first side walls 51a.

[0047] The locking device 1 includes a biasing member 18 that biases the detection pin 16 in the X2 direction toward the non-pushed position Q2. The biasing member 18 is disposed around the pin body 61. The biasing member 18 is, for example, a coil spring. As shown in FIG. 5 , the biasing member 18 is disposed between the restricting portion 62 and the second support portion 52. The X2-side end of the biasing member 18 abuts against the restricting portion 62, and the X1-side end abuts against the second support portion 52. The restricting portion 62 is biased in the X2 direction by the biasing member 18, but its movement in the X2 direction is restricted by abutment against the first through-hole forming wall 51b of the first support portion 51. In this way, the biasing member 18 biases the restricting portion 62 and the pin body 61 in the X2 direction, so that the detection pin 16 is biased toward the non-pushed position Q2.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8 , the switch pressing portion 63 is disposed on the outer surface 22a side (Z2 direction side) of the restricting portion 62. The switch pressing portion 63 is generally plate-shaped. The switch pressing portion 63 is disposed facing the outer surface 22a. The switch pressing portion 63, together with the restricting portion 62, is disposed between the first through-hole forming wall 51b and the second through-hole forming wall 52b. The switch pressing portion 63, together with the restricting portion 62, is disposed between the pair of first side walls 51a. The switch pressing portion 63 has a pressing surface 63a at its end on the Y2 direction side. The pressing surface 63a presses the movement detection switch 19a of the movement detection unit 19. The pressing surface 63a has an inclined surface at its end on the X2 direction side so as to gradually press the movement detection switch 19a with movement in the X1 direction. The inclined surface is inclined toward the Y1 direction as it approaches the X2 direction. The switch pressing portion 63 has an end 63d that protrudes in the X2 direction from the restricting portion 62. When the restricting portion 62 abuts against the first through-hole forming wall 51b, the end 63d is inserted into the gap between the first through-hole forming wall 51b and the outer surface 22a, as shown in FIG.

[0049] (Movement detection unit 19) The movement detection unit 19 detects the movement of the detection pin 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the movement detection unit 19 is fixed to the outer surface 22a. The movement detection unit 19 is disposed on the Y2 direction side of the pair of first side walls 51a. The movement detection unit 19 has a movement detection switch 19a (moving member detection switch). The movement detection switch 19a is disposed so as to protrude from the notch 51c toward the pin body 61 in the Y1 direction.

[0050] When the pin body 61 moves in the X1 direction, the movement detection switch 19a is pressed by the pressing surface 63a of the switch pressing portion 63, and the movement detection switch 19a is pressed. Figure 9 shows the state in which the switch pressing portion 63 abuts against the movement detection switch 19a and the movement detection switch 19a is pressed. In Figure 9, the state in which the detection pin 16 is positioned at the pressed position Q1 is shown by a solid line, and the state in which the detection pin 16 is positioned at the non-pressed position Q2 is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 2, when charging connector 600 is inserted into inlet 520, if tip portion 614 is not damaged, tip portion 614 presses detection pin 16 in the X1 direction, moving it to pressed-in position Q1. When it moves to pressed-in position Q1, movement detection switch 19a is pressed by switch pressing portion 63 of detection pin 16. This indicates that tip portion 614 is not damaged. On the other hand, if movement detection switch 19a is not pressed when charging connector 600 is inserted into inlet 520, it can be determined that tip portion 614 is damaged because detection pin 16 is not pressed.

[0052] (Output Unit 20) Fig. 10(a) is a diagram showing the electrical connection between the lock detection switch 14a and the movement detection switch 19a. The lock detection switch 14a and the movement detection switch 19a are electrically connected in series. The output unit 20 has a first terminal 71 and a second terminal 72. The output unit 20 is provided in the connector unit 23. A signal is output from the output unit 20 to the vehicle controller 81.

[0053] The first terminal 71 is connected to one terminal of the lock detection switch 14a. The other terminal of the lock detection switch 14a is connected to one terminal of a first resistor 73. The other terminal of the first resistor 73 is connected to one terminal of the movement detection switch 19a. The other terminal of the movement detection switch 19a is connected to the second terminal 72. The second resistor 74 is arranged in parallel with the movement detection switch 19a. One terminal of the second resistor 74 is connected to the other terminal of the first resistor 73, and the other terminal of the second resistor 74 is connected to the second terminal 72.

[0054] In Fig. 10(a), the lock detection switch 14a is pressed (ON state), and the movement detection switch 19a is pressed (ON state). If the resistance value of the first resistor 73 is R1 (Ω), the resistance value of the second resistor 74 is R2 (Ω), and a current of I (A) flows from the first terminal 71 to the second terminal 72, in the state shown in Fig. 10(a), electricity flows through the movement detection switch 19a rather than the second resistor 74, resulting in a voltage of I x R1 (V) between the first terminal 71 and the second terminal 72. The voltage of I x R1 (V) is defined as the first voltage value.

[0055] In FIG. 10( b), the lock detection switch 14a is pressed (ON state), and the movement detection switch 19a is not pressed (OFF state). In this case, no electricity flows through the movement detection switch 19a, but rather through the second resistor 74, resulting in a voltage of I×(R1+R2)(V) between the first terminal 71 and the second terminal 72. This voltage of I×(R1+R2)(V) is defined as the second voltage value. Furthermore, when the lock detection switch 14a is not pressed (OFF state), no voltage is generated even when current flows from the first terminal 71 to the second terminal 72, resulting in a voltage of 0 (V). This 0 (V) is defined as the third voltage value.

[0056] In this way, even if the same current is applied to the first terminal 71 and the second terminal 72, three different first voltages including 0 volts to the third voltage value are output depending on the state of the lock detection switch 14a and the movement detection switch 19a.

[0057] These voltage values ​​(signals) are input to a controller 81 provided in the vehicle 500. The controller 81 includes a processor and a storage device. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor executes processing for controlling the charging of the vehicle according to a program stored in the storage device. The storage device includes a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device may include an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device is an example of a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. The controller 81 outputs a signal for controlling the vehicle 500 based on the acquired data.

[0058] The controller 81 stores a first threshold value that is a value between the first voltage and the second voltage, and a second threshold value that is a value between the first voltage and the third voltage. By comparing the voltage applied between the first terminal 71 and the second terminal 72 with the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the controller 81 can determine which of the first voltage value, the second voltage value, and the third voltage value is output between the first terminal 71 and the second terminal 72, and can determine the on / off state of the lock detection switch 14a and the on / off state of the movement detection switch 19a.

[0059] When it is determined that the second voltage value is being output between the first terminal 71 and the second terminal 72, the controller 81 can determine that the lock detection switch 14a is in the ON state and the movement detection switch 19a is in the OFF state. This enables the controller 81 to determine that although the lock pin 11 has moved to the lock position P1, the tip portion 614 is damaged and the charging connector 600 may not be locked.

[0060] When it is determined that the first voltage value is being output between the first terminal 71 and the second terminal 72, the controller 81 can determine that the lock detection switch 14a is in the on state and that the movement detection switch 19a is in the on state. As a result, the controller 81 can determine that the lock pin 11 has moved to the lock position P1 and the tip portion 614 is normal, and therefore the charging connector 600 is locked.

[0061] When it is determined that the third voltage value is being output between the first terminal 71 and the second terminal 72, the controller 81 can determine that the lock detection switch 14a is in the OFF state. This means that the lock pin 11 has not moved to the lock position P1, and the charging connector 600 is not in the locked state by the lock pin 11.

[0062] A signal from connection detection unit 82 is input to controller 81. One of the signal lines formed by connecting a signal terminal of charging connector 600 and a signal terminal of inlet 520 is used to detect connection of charging connector 600 to inlet 520. Therefore, the corresponding signal terminals of charging connector 600 and inlet 520 constitute connection detection unit 82. When charging connector 600 is connected to inlet 520, a signal indicating connection is output to controller 81 due to conduction between the signal terminals.

[0063] (Control Operation at the Start of Charging) Next, the control operation at the start of charging will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the control operation on the vehicle 500 side from when the operator performs an operation to start charging on the charging station side until charging starts.

[0064] First, an operator inserts charging connector 600 into inlet 520 and operates a charging start button on the charging stand where charging connector 600 is installed.

[0065] In step S11, controller 81 detects whether charging connector 600 is connected to inlet 520. When the operator inserts charging connector 600 into inlet 520, a signal indicating connection is input from connection detection unit 82 to controller 81, and controller 81 determines that charging connector 600 is connected to inlet 520. Meanwhile, until the signal indicating connection is input to controller 81, controller 81 puts control at the start of charging into a standby state.

[0066] If it is determined that charging connector 600 is connected to inlet 520, then in step S12, controller 81 outputs a drive signal to motor 30 to drive motor 30 by a predetermined amount.

[0067] Next, in step S13, the controller 81 determines whether the lock detection switch 14a is in the ON state. If it is determined that the lock detection switch 14a is in the ON state, control proceeds to step S14. Specifically, if the voltage from the output unit 20 is the first voltage value or the second voltage value, the controller 81 determines that the lock detection switch 14a is in the ON state. This allows the controller 81 to determine that the lock pin 11 is inserted into the lock hole 613 of the charging connector 600 and is positioned in the locked position P1.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that lock detection switch 14a is not in the on state, control proceeds to step S15. In step S15, controller 81 outputs a lock abnormality signal to, for example, a display of a power feeding device provided with charging connector 600 or a display of vehicle 500. As a result, the display can display a message indicating that charging connector 600 is not locked, thereby notifying the operator.

[0069] In step S14, the controller 81 determines whether the movement detection switch 19a is in the ON state. If it is determined that the movement detection switch 19a is in the ON state, the control proceeds to step S16, where the controller 81 starts charging the vehicle 500.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that movement detection switch 19a is not in the on state, control proceeds to step S17. In step S17, controller 81 outputs a charging connector abnormality signal to, for example, a display of a power feeding device provided with charging connector 600 or a display of vehicle 500. As a result, the display can display a message indicating that charging connector 600 is damaged, thereby notifying the operator.

[0071] (Features, etc.) Both the lock detection unit 14 that detects movement of the lock pin 11 and the movement detection unit 19 that detects damage to the tip portion 614 (engagement portion) are provided in the lock device 1 and not on the inlet 520 side, so that the wiring for detection comes only from the lock device 1 side, simplifying the wiring. Furthermore, because there is no longer any wiring for detection from the inlet 520 side, there is no need to consider interference with other components, and the degree of freedom in vehicle design can be improved.

[0072] When the detection pin 16 is pushed in, the movement detection switch 19a is pressed by the switch pressing portion 63, so that the movement of the detection pin 16 can be detected by the tip portion 614, and it can be determined that the tip portion 614 is not damaged.

[0073] By connecting the movement detection switch 19a and the lock detection switch 14a in series, the wiring can be simplified compared to when an ON or OFF signal is output from each of the movement detection switch 19a and the lock detection switch 14a, and the control can be simplified compared to when the detection results are input separately from each of the movement detection switch 19a and the lock detection switch 14a.

[0074] Since the lock pin 11 and the detection pin 16 are integrated into the lock device 1, the positional relationship between the lock pin 11 and the detection pin 16 does not shift due to dimensional errors, etc., compared to when the detection pin is located inside the inlet 520, and positioning during assembly is also simple.

[0075] (Embodiment 2) Next, a locking device 101 according to embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a portion of a vehicle 700 in which the locking device 101 according to embodiment 2 is disposed, and a charging connector 800. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the charging connector 800 inserted into an inlet 720 of the vehicle 700. For example, a vehicle 700 equipped with a battery as a driving source is equipped with a charging system capable of charging the battery of the vehicle 700 using an external power source. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , an inlet 720 is disposed on a side surface 701 of the vehicle 700. An engaging claw insertion hole 730 is formed on the side surface 701 adjacent to the inlet 720. An engaging protrusion 740 (protrusion) is disposed on a wall portion 750 surrounding the inlet 720, facing the engaging claw insertion hole 730.

[0076] Charging connector 800 has an insertion portion 810, a rotating portion 820, and a claw operation portion 830. Insertion portion 810 is inserted into inlet 720. Rotating portion 820 is disposed adjacent to insertion portion 810. Rotating portion 820 has an engaging claw 821 (claw portion). Engaging claw 821 is a portion of rotating portion 820 on the insertion portion 810 side. Rotating portion 820 is configured to be rotatable by operation of claw operation portion 830. Rotating portion 820 is rotatable in the direction of arrow A1 toward insertion portion 810 and in the direction of arrow A2 away from insertion portion 810. For example, rotating portion 820 is biased in the direction of arrow A1 by a biasing member (not shown). When claw operation portion 830 is pressed by an operator, rotating portion 820 moves in the direction of arrow A2.

[0077] When charging connector 800 is inserted into inlet 720, inserting insertion portion 810 toward inlet 720 and rotating portion 820 toward engaging claw insertion hole 730 causes engaging claw 821 of rotating portion 820 to abut against engaging protrusion 740. When rotating portion 820 is further inserted against the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown), engaging claw 821 overcomes engaging protrusion 740 and engages with engaging protrusion 740.

[0078] On the other hand, when removing charging connector 800 from inlet 720, by pressing claw operating portion 830, rotating portion 820 rotates in the direction of arrow A2 as shown in Figure 13, and engaging claw 821 disengages from engaging protrusion 740 (see rotating portion 820 indicated by the two-dot chain line). This allows charging connector 800 to be removed from inlet 720.

[0079] 12 and 13, the locking device 101 of the second embodiment is disposed so as to face the engaging claw insertion hole 730. The locking device 101 moves the lock pin 111 in the left-right direction in FIG.

[0080] 13 , when engagement claw 821 is engaged with engagement protrusion 740, lock device 101 moves lock pin 111 to a lock position P1 (solid line) above pivot portion 820 (to the right in FIG. 13 ), thereby restricting pivoting of pivot portion 820 in direction A2 by operating claw operation unit 830. At lock position P1, lock pin 111 is positioned on the opposite side of wall portion 750 across pivot portion 820. When charging connector 800 is to be removed from inlet 720, lock pin 111 is moved to an unlock position P2 (two-dot chain line) to the left of lock position P1 (to the left in FIG. 13 ), thereby releasing the restriction on pivoting of pivot portion 820.

[0081] As in the first embodiment, if the engaging claw 821 is damaged, it is undesirable because the charging connector 800 can be removed from the inlet 720 even when the lock pin 111 is positioned at the lock position P1. For this reason, the locking device 101 is provided with a detection member 116 (an example of a moving member) that detects damage to the engaging claw 821. The detection member 116 protrudes into the engaging claw insertion hole 730.

[0082] 13, when charging connector 800 is inserted into inlet 720, engaging claw 821 pushes detection member 116 toward lock device 101. The position where detection member 116 is pushed in by engaging claw 821 is shown as pushed-in position Q1.

[0083] On the other hand, if the engaging claw 821 of the charging connector 800 is damaged, the detecting member 116 will not move even when the charging connector 800 is inserted into the inlet 720, because the engaging claw 821 cannot push the detecting member 116, as shown in FIG. 14 . The position where the detecting member 116 is not pushed in is shown as the non-pushed position Q2. In this way, damage to the engaging claw 821 can be detected by the fact that the detecting member 116 does not move from the non-pushed position Q2 to the pushed position Q1. The shapes of the detecting member 116 and the rotating portion 820 will be described in detail later.

[0084] (Configuration of Locking Device 101) Next, the locking device 101 will be described. In Fig. 13, the movement direction of the lock pin 11 of the locking device 101 is the X direction, the movement direction within the X direction from the unlocked position P2 to the locked position P1 is X2, and the movement direction from the locked position P1 to the unlocked position P2 is X1. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and perpendicular to the paper surface of Fig. 13 is the Y direction. Within the Y direction, the front direction of the paper surface of Fig. 13 is the Y1 direction, and the direction into the paper surface of Fig. 13 is the Y2 direction. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is the Z direction. Within the Z direction, the downward direction on the paper surface is Z1, and the upward direction on the paper surface is Z2.

[0085] 15 is a perspective view of the locking device 1. The locking device 1 includes a locking pin 111, a housing 112 through which the locking pin 111 is inserted, and a detecting member 116 movably supported on the housing 112.

[0086] The housing 112 has a first housing portion 121 and a second housing portion 122. The first housing portion 121 is box-shaped with one side open. The first housing portion 121 has an opening on the side facing the Z2 direction. The second housing portion 122 is plate-shaped and is arranged to cover the opening of the first housing portion 121. In the second embodiment, the connector portion for electrically connecting the lock device 101 to the vehicle controller is omitted.

[0087] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the locking device 101 from which the second housing portion 122 has been removed, as viewed from the Z2 direction. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the locking device 101 taken along line B-B in Fig. 16 .

[0088] 15 and 16 , the locking device 101 includes the lock pin 111, the housing 112, the drive unit 113, the lock detector 114, the emergency cable 115, a detector 116, a biasing member 118, and a movement detector 119. The housing 112 houses the drive unit 113, the lock detector 114, and the movement detector 119.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 13 , the lock pin 111 is movable in the X direction from a lock position P1, which restricts movement of an object, to an unlock position P2, which releases the restriction on movement of the object. The drive unit 113 moves the lock pin 111 in the X direction between the lock position P1 and the unlock position P2. The lock detector 114 detects the movement of the lock pin 111 to the lock position P1. The emergency cable 115 is provided so that, when pulled by an operator, the lock pin 111 moves from the lock position P1 to the unlock position P2 and releases the lock. The detector 116 is provided to detect damage to the engaging claw 821 of the charging connector 800. The movement detector 119 detects that the detector 116 has moved to the push-in position Q1.

[0090] 16, the drive unit 113 has a motor 130, a first transmission gear 131, a second transmission gear 132, a third transmission gear 133, a fourth transmission gear 134, and a rack member 136. The motor 130 is disposed such that the output shaft 130a is aligned along the Y direction.

[0091] The first transmission gear 131 is fixed to the output shaft 130a. The first transmission gear 131 rotates together with the rotation of the output shaft 130a. The first transmission gear 131 is a helical gear.

[0092] The second transmission gear 132 meshes with the first transmission gear 131. The second transmission gear 132 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The rotation axis of the second transmission gear 132 is parallel to the Z direction. The second transmission gear 132 is a helical gear. The second transmission gear 132 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the first transmission gear 131.

[0093] The third transmission gear 133 is arranged coaxially with the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The third transmission gear 133 is a helical gear. The third transmission gear 133 is arranged on the Z2 direction side of the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133 is connected to the second transmission gear 132. The third transmission gear 133 rotates together with the rotation of the second transmission gear 132.

[0094] The fourth transmission gear 134 meshes with the third transmission gear 133. The fourth transmission gear 134 is rotatably supported by the housing 112. The fourth transmission gear 134 is disposed on the X2 direction side of the third transmission gear 133.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 16 , the rack member 136 has a main body 141, a switch pressing portion 142 (second operating portion), and a rack gear 143. The main body 141 is supported by the housing 12 so as to be movable in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 17 , the main body 141 is fitted onto the end 111 a of the lock pin 111. As shown in FIG. 16 , the switch pressing portion 142 protrudes from the main body 141 toward the Y1 direction. When the rack member 136 moves in the X2 direction due to rotation of the fourth transmission gear 134, the switch pressing portion 142 presses the lock detection switch 114 a of the lock detection unit 114. The switch pressing portion 142 has an inclined portion at its end toward the X2 direction so as to gradually press the lock detection switch 114 a as it moves in the X2 direction. The inclined portion is inclined so as to be positioned toward the Y2 direction as it moves in the X2 direction. The rack gear 143 is disposed on the surface of the main body 141 on the Y2 direction side. The rack gear 143 is disposed along the X direction. The crest of the rack gear 143 is inclined with respect to the Z direction and meshes with the fourth transmission gear 134.

[0096] (Lock Detector 114) As shown in Fig. 16, the lock detector 114 is fixed to the second housing portion 122. The lock detector 114 is disposed on the Y1 side of the switch pressing portion 142. The lock detector 114 has a lock detection switch 114a. The lock detection switch 114a is disposed facing in the Y2 direction.

[0097] Fig. 18A is a diagram showing a state in which the lock pin 111 is disposed at the unlocked position P2 and the detection member 116 is disposed at the non-pushed position Q2. Fig. 18A is a diagram showing the drive unit 113, the lock detection unit 114, the detection member 116, and the movement detection unit 119 as viewed from the Z2 direction side. Fig. 18B is a diagram showing a state in which the lock pin 111 is disposed at the locked position P1 and the detection member 116 is disposed at the pushed-in position Q1 from the state shown in Fig. 18A.

[0098] When the lock pin 111 moves together with the rack member 136 from the unlocked position P2 toward the locked position P1, the lock detection switch 114a is pressed by the switch pressing portion 142 of the rack member 136. This makes it possible to detect that the lock pin 111 has moved to the locked position P1.

[0099] (Emergency cable 115) The emergency cable 115 is engaged with the rack member 136. The emergency cable 115 extends outside the housing 112. When the operator pulls the emergency cable 115 in the X1 direction, the rack member 136 can be moved in the X1 direction. This moves the lock pin 111, which is positioned at the locked position P1, in the X1 direction, and moves the lock pin 111 to the unlocked position P2.

[0100] (Detection Member 116, Biasing Member 118) As shown in FIG. 16 , the detection member 116 has a main body 161, a restricting portion 162, and a switch pressing portion 163 (first operation portion). The main body 161 has a shape extending in the X direction. The main body 161 is, for example, cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 17 , the main body 161 is inserted movably in the X direction into a through hole 121c (moving member insertion hole) provided in a side wall 121a on the X2 direction side of the first housing portion 121. As shown in FIG. 17 , the main body 161 has a through hole 161a (locking member insertion hole) formed along the X direction, and the lock pin 111 is inserted into this through hole 161a movably in the X direction. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 , the main body 161 has an outer surface 161b on the X2 direction side. The outer surface 161b is formed with a recess 161c recessed in the X1 direction. An engagement claw 821 of the charging connector 800 abuts against an abutment portion 161d of the outer surface 161b on the opposite side of the recess 161c from the lock pin 111, and the main body 161 is pushed in the X1 direction (see FIG. 13 ).

[0101] FIG. 19A is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the rotating portion 820 of the charging connector 800. As shown in FIG. 19A , the rotating portion 820 has an engagement claw 821 and a claw support portion 822 at its tip end. The claw support portion 822 supports the engagement claw 821. The claw support portion 822 is connected to the claw operation portion 830. The engagement claw 821 is disposed on the insertion portion 810 side of the claw support portion 822. In this embodiment, for example, when viewed along the X direction, the claw support portion 822 is formed in a substantially T-shape, and the engagement claw 821 is disposed at the lower end of the T of the claw support portion 822, so that the rotating portion 820 as a whole is also formed in a substantially T-shape. Meanwhile, the recess 161c described above is formed in a shape that allows the claw support portion 822 of the rotating portion 820 to be inserted therein. In this embodiment, the recess 161c is formed in a substantially T-shape when viewed along the X direction to correspond to the claw support portion 822. The recess 161c may have any shape as long as the claw support portion 822 can be fitted therein, and is not limited to the approximate T-shape of the present embodiment. The rotating portion 820 is also not limited to the approximate T-shape.

[0102] 19B is a perspective view showing a state in which the detecting member 116 is pushed in the X1 direction by the engaging claw 821. The engaging claw 821 abuts against the abutting portion 161d, and the claw support portion 822 faces the recess 161c.

[0103] Here, if the engaging claw 821 is damaged, there is no part of the rotating portion 820 that abuts against the abutment portion 161d, and as shown in Figure 14, the claw support portion 822 fits into the recess 161c, so the detection member 116 including the main body portion 161 is not pushed in the X1 direction.

[0104] In this way, since the recess 161c is provided in the detection member 116, the detection member 116 cannot be pushed in by the claw support portion 822 alone, so even if only the engaging claw 821 of the rotating portion 820 that abuts the engaging protrusion 740 is damaged, it can be determined that the engaging claw 821 is damaged.

[0105] The restricting portion 162 is disposed inside the housing 12 at the end of the main body 161 on the X1 direction side. The restricting portion 162 protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the main body 161. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 162 is formed in an annular shape, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as it can restrict the detection member 116 from coming out of the housing 112.

[0106] The biasing member 118 shown in FIG. 17 biases the detection member 116 toward the X2 direction, and the restricting portion 162 abuts against the side wall 121a, thereby restricting the detection member 116 from coming out of the housing 112. The biasing member 118 is, for example, a coil spring. The X1 end of the biasing member 118 abuts against a protruding wall 123 that protrudes toward the Z2 direction from the bottom surface 121b of the first housing portion 121. The X2 end of the biasing member 118 abuts against the main body portion 161 of the detection member 116. This causes the biasing member 118 to bias the detection member 116 toward the non-pushed position Q2. Note that FIGS. 16 and 17 show the detection member 116 in the pushed-in position Q1.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 16 , the switch pressing portion 163 protrudes from the restricting portion 162 in the Y1 direction. The switch pressing portion 163 is generally plate-shaped. The switch pressing portion 163 presses the movement detection switch 119a of the movement detection unit 119. The switch pressing portion 163 has an inclined portion at the end on the X1 direction side so as to gradually press the movement detection switch 119a as the switch pressing portion 163 moves in the X1 direction. The inclined portion is inclined so as to move toward the Y2 direction as it moves toward the X1 direction.

[0108] (Movement detection unit 119) The movement detection unit 119 detects movement of the detection member 116. The movement detection unit 119 is fixed to the bottom surface 121b of the first housing unit 121. The movement detection unit 119 is arranged on the Y1 direction side of the detection member 116. The movement detection unit 119 has a movement detection switch 119a (moving member detection switch). The movement detection switch 119a is arranged facing the Y2 direction side.

[0109] When the main body 161 is pushed by the engaging claw 821 and moves from the state of FIG. 18A in the X1 direction, the tip of the movement detection switch 119a is pressed by the switch pressing portion 163 as shown in FIG. 18B.

[0110] As shown in Figure 13, when charging connector 800 is inserted into inlet 720, if engaging claw 821 is not damaged, engaging claw 821 presses detection member 116 in the X1 direction and moves to pushed-in position Q1. When moved to pushed-in position Q1, movement detection switch 119a is pressed by switch pressing portion 163 of detection member 116. This indicates that engagement claw 821 is not damaged. On the other hand, if movement detection switch 119a is not pressed when charging connector 800 is inserted into inlet 720, it can be determined that detection member 116 is not pushed in, and therefore engagement claw 821 is damaged. The movement direction of detection member 116 is parallel to the movement direction of lock pin 111.

[0111] The lock detection switch 114a and the movement detection switch 119a are directly connected as in the first embodiment, and the determination of whether the switch is on or off by the controller 81 is also the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the control operation at the start of charging in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] (Features, etc.) Both the lock detector 114 that detects movement of the lock pin 111 and the movement detector 119 that detects breakage of the engagement claw 821 are provided in the lock device 101 and not on the inlet 720 side, so that the wiring for detection comes only from the lock device 101 side, simplifying the wiring. Furthermore, because there is no longer any wiring for detection from the inlet 720 side, there is no need to consider interference with other components, and the degree of freedom in vehicle body design can be improved.

[0113] When the detection member 116 is pushed in, the movement detection switch 119a is pressed by the switch pressing portion 163, so that the engagement claw 821 can detect that the detection member 116 has moved, and it can be determined that the engagement claw 821 is not damaged.

[0114] By connecting the movement detection switch 119a and the lock detection switch 114a in series, the wiring can be simplified compared to when an ON or OFF signal is output from each of the movement detection switch 119a and the lock detection switch 114a, and the control can be simplified compared to when the detection results are input separately from each of the movement detection switch 119a and the lock detection switch 114a.

[0115] Since the lock pin 111 and the detection member 116 are integrated into the lock device 1, the positional relationship between the lock pin 111 and the detection member 116 does not shift due to dimensional errors, etc., compared to when the detection member is located inside the inlet 720, and positioning during assembly is also simple.

[0116] (Other Embodiments) One embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0117] (A) In the first embodiment, the first transmission gear 31, the second transmission gear 32, the third transmission gear 33, the fourth transmission gear 34, and the fifth transmission gear 35 are provided, but this configuration is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the rack member 36 can be moved by the driving force of the motor 30. In the second embodiment, the first transmission gear 131, the second transmission gear 132, the third transmission gear 133, and the fourth transmission gear 134 are provided, but this configuration is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the rack member 136 can be moved by the driving force of the motor 130.

[0118] (B) In the drawings of the first embodiment, the lock pin 11 moves vertically and the detection pin 16 moves horizontally, but this is not limiting. For example, the lock pin 11 may move horizontally and the detection pin 16 may move vertically, or both the lock pin 11 and the detection pin 16 may move within the same plane.

[0119] (C) In the drawings of the second embodiment, the lock pin 111 and the detection member 116 move horizontally, but this is not limiting and they may also move vertically, for example.

[0120] (D) In ​​the above first and second embodiments, a lock abnormality signal and a charging connector abnormality signal are output to a display, and the lock abnormality or charging connector abnormality is displayed on the display. However, this is not limited to this, and the lock abnormality or charging connector abnormality may be notified to the operator by sound, light, or the like.

[0121] (E) In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the state of each switch is determined to be in the on state by pressing the lock detection switch and the movement detection switch with the switch pressing portion. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the on state may be determined by the switch pressing portion coming into contact with the lock detection switch and the movement detection switch.

[0122] The locking device of the present invention has the effect of simplifying wiring, and is useful as a device for locking power supply cables of plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc.

[0123] 1: Locking device 11: Lock pin 13: Driving unit 14: Lock detection unit 16: Detection pin 19: Movement detection unit 520: Inlet 600: Charging connector 614: Tip portion

Claims

1. A locking device comprising: a locking member movable between a locked position, which restricts the movement of an engaging portion of a charging connector inserted into a charging inlet from an engaged state in which it is engaged with an engaged portion of the inlet to a disengaged state, and an unlocked position, which releases the restriction on the movement of the engaging portion; a drive unit which moves the locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position; a moving member which is moved to a predetermined position by the engaging portion when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet; a lock detection unit which detects the movement of the locking member to the locked position; and a moving member detection unit which detects the movement of the moving member to the predetermined position.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein the movable member detection portion has a movable member detection switch, and the movable member has a first operation portion that operates the movable member detection switch by moving to the predetermined position.

3. The locking device according to claim 2, wherein the lock detection unit has a lock detection switch, the locking member has a second operation unit that operates the lock detection switch by moving from the unlocked position to the locked position, the moving member detection switch and the lock detection switch are connected in series, and the locking device further comprises an output unit that outputs to the outside one of a signal indicating that the moving member detection switch is on and that the lock detection switch is on, a signal indicating that the moving member detection switch is off and that the lock detection switch is on, or a signal indicating that the lock detection switch is off when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet.

4. The locking device described in claim 1, wherein the movement direction of the locking member is perpendicular to the movement direction of the moving member, and when viewed along the movement direction of the moving member, the locking member in the locked position overlaps with the moving member, and the engagement portion has an abutment portion that abuts against the moving member when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet, and the abutment portion is positioned between the locking member and the moving member when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet and the locking member has moved to the locked position.

5. A locking device as described in claim 1, wherein the movement direction of the locking member is parallel to the movement direction of the movable member, the engaged portion of the inlet has a wall portion with a protrusion formed thereon, the engaging portion of the charging connector has a claw portion that engages with the protrusion, the locking member is positioned on the opposite side of the wall portion across the claw portion when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet and in the locked position, a movable member insertion hole through which the movable member is inserted is formed, and a housing is provided that houses the drive unit, the lock detection unit, and the movable member detection unit, and the movable member has a locking member insertion hole through which the locking member is inserted.

6. The locking device described in claim 1, wherein the movement direction of the locking member is parallel to the movement direction of the movable member, the engagement portion has an abutment portion that abuts against the movable member when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet, the abutment portion is arranged side by side with the movable member along the movement direction of the movable member when the charging connector is inserted into the inlet, and in the locked position the locking member is arranged side by side with the movable member and the abutment portion in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the movable member.

Images