Charging Connector Lock Control During AC/DC Type Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for locking mechanisms of charging connectors may fail to bring the locking device into an unlocked state when the determination of the charging connector's type is not completed, particularly in cases of DC charging.
Innovation Solution
A control device for a locking mechanism that includes a processor and a reception unit to determine whether a charging connector is for AC or DC using signals from a detection unit, and brings the locking device into an unlocked state under specific conditions based on this determination, or immediately under AC conditions before type determination is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging connector is controlled into the locked state when connected and the type is determined based on the pilot signal, then the charging connector can be securely locked during charging, but the charging connector cannot be brought into the unlocked state when the determination of the type is not completed
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary actions by initially controlling the locking device into the unlocked state when a charging connector is detected, before the type determination is completed. This preliminary unlocking action allows the connector to be accessible while awaiting type confirmation, and the locking state can be subsequently adjusted based on the determined connector type (AC or DC)
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the locking state based on the determination progress and connector type. The locking device transitions from an initial unlocked state to a locked state once AC or DC charging is confirmed, creating a dynamic response that balances accessibility with security based on real-time detection results
2Reliability
If the charging connector is controlled into the locked state before type determination, then charging security is ensured, but the determination process may be delayed or blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the type determination process preliminarily while the locking device is in the unlocked state, allowing the detection and identification procedures to complete without being blocked by the locking mechanism. Once determination is complete, the appropriate locking state is applied based on the connector type
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the operational parameters of the locking device based on the connector type determination. The locking state parameter is adjusted from unlocked to locked (or vice versa) depending on whether AC or DC charging is detected, optimizing both security and process efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
ECU is a control device for a locking mechanism that secures a charging connector to an inlet of a vehicle. ECU includes a CPU and an interface for receiving a signal indicating whether the charging connector is connected to the inlet and whether the charging connector is for direct current or alternating current. CPU determines whether the charging connector connected to the inlet is for AC/DC using the received signal, and unlocks the locking device according to whether the charging connector is for AC or DC. On the other hand, CPU unlocks the locking device according to the condition for AC before determining whether the charging connector is for AC or DC.