Charging Connector Cover Layout to Prevent Unnoticed Cable Unplugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The risk of a charging cable being unplugged from a battery unit during charging in an electric hydraulic excavator without the knowledge of the operator is high due to the charging port being exposed during the charging process.
Innovation Solution
A working machine with a cover that has a cutout part, allowing the charging connector to be exposed while covering the switch in a lockably closed state, reducing the risk of unauthorized unplugging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging port is exposed to allow cable connection during charging, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to risk of unauthorized unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into two functional zones: a cutout part that exposes only the charging connector for cable access, and a covered part that protects the switch. This segmentation allows selective access - the cable can be connected and disconnected through the cutout, but the switch remains protected, preventing unauthorized unplugging while maintaining ease of cable connection.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to allow switch operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unauthorized cable disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector is extracted and exposed through the cutout part of the cover, allowing it to be accessed independently without opening the entire cover. The switch remains covered and protected. This extraction enables the charging function to be accessed separately from the control function, allowing cable connection while preventing unauthorized switch operation and cable disconnection.
3Ease of operation
If the charging connector is exposed through the cover, then the ease of operation is improved, but the protection from external factors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover provides localized protection with a cutout part specifically sized and positioned to expose only the charging connector. This creates a local opening that allows cable access while maintaining coverage over the rest of the battery unit, including the switch. The local quality of the cover - open where needed, closed where protection is needed - balances accessibility with protection from dust and water.
Data Source
AI summary
To reduce a risk that a cable is unplugged by a third party without the knowledge of a worker while a battery unit is being charged. A working machine uses electric power of a battery unit as a driving source. The working machine includes: a charging connector to which a cable for charging the battery unit is to be connected; a switch for releasing lock applied when the charging connector is connected to the cable; a machine room that houses the battery unit, the charging connector, and the switch; and a cover that has a cutout part, and is openable and closable with respect to the machine room. The cover exposes the charging connector to outside through the cutout part while covering the switch in a lockably closed state.