IP Library Granted Patent US 9,199,551
Granted Patent B2
US 9,199,551 · App. 14/096,595 · Granted Dec 1, 2015

Lock device

Inventors: Keiji Kahara (Aichi, JP); Hiroshi Aoyama (Aichi, JP)
Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
B60L15/20B60L1/003B60L11/14B60L11/1805B60L11/1818B60L11/1846B60K2015/0546B60K2015/0561B60L2230/12B60L2240/28B60L2240/42B60L2250/16B60L2250/20B60L2260/22B60L2270/32H01R13/6275H01R13/6397Y02T10/7005Y02T90/121Y10T403/59
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,199,551
App. No.
14/096,595
Granted
Dec 1, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

A lock device locks or unlocks a locking subject that relates to a power port and includes a lid. The lock device includes a detector that selectively generates a position detection signal at least corresponding to one of an open position where the lid is open, a closed position where the lid is closed, and a push position where the lid is pushed from the close position. A control unit controls locking or unlocking of the locking subject and a related device of the locking subject based on the position detection signal from the detector.

Claims (20)

1. A lock device for locking or unlocking a locking subject that relates to a power port and includes a lid, the lock device comprising:

a detector that selectively generates a position detection signal at least corresponding to one of an open position where the lid is open, a closed position where the lid is closed, and a push position where the lid is pushed from the closed position,

wherein the detector includes:

a first detector that detects whether or not the lid is located at the open position to generate a first position detection signal;

a second detector that detects whether or not the lid is located at the closed position to generate a second position detection signal; and

a third detector that detects whether or not the lid is located at the push position to generate a third position detection signal; and

a controller that controls locking or unlocking of the locking subject and a related device of the locking subject based on the first position detection signal, the second position detection signal, and the third position detection signal from the detector.

2. The lock device according to claim 1 , wherein the detector is configured so as to be operable by a rear surface of the lid when the lid opens and closes and to be manually operable when the lid is open.

3. The lock device according to claim 1 , wherein the locking subject includes a charge cable, the lock device further comprising

a cable connection detector that detects connection of the charge cable to the power port and generates a connection detection signal, and

wherein, based on the first position detection signal, the second position detection signal, and the third position detection signal, and the connection detection signal, the controller distinguishes opening or closing of the lid, and the controller distinguishes locking or unlocking of the charge cable when the lid is open.

4. The lock device according to claim 1 , wherein the first detector includes a first fixed contact and a first movable contact that slides on the first fixed contact, the first detector electrically connects the first fixed contact and the first movable contact to generate the first position detection signal indicating that the lid is located at the open position, when the lid is located at the open position,

the second detector includes a second fixed contact and a second movable contact that slides on the second fixed contact, the second detector electrically connects the second fixed contact and the second movable contact to generate the second position detection signal indicating that the lid is located at the closed position, when the lid is located at the closed position, and

the third detector includes a third fixed contact and a third movable contact that slides on the third fixed contact, the third detector electrically connects the third fixed contact and the third movable contact to generate the third position detection signal indicating that the lid is located at the push position, when the lid is located at the push position.

5. The lock device according to claim 1 , wherein the related device of the locking subject includes a lighting unit or a transmission antenna.

6. The lock device according to claim 1 , wherein the related device of the locking subject includes a lighting unit,

the controller activates the lighting unit when receiving the second position detection signal indicating that the lid is located at the closed position, and

the controller deactivates the lighting unit when receiving the third position detection signal indicating that the lid is located at the push position.

7. The lock device according to claim 1 , wherein the related device of the locking subject includes a transmission antenna,

the controller transmits a request signal for checking whether or not smart verification has been accomplished from the transmission antenna when receiving the second position detection signal indicating that the lid is located at the closed position, the third position detection signal indicating that the lid is located at the push position, and the second position detection signal again indicating that the lid is located at the closed position, in this order.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 4, 2013
From: KAHARA, KEIJI; AOYAMA, HIROSHI
To: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
Reel/Frame 031715/0648 →
Priority Claims (1)
JP 2012-272498 · Dec 13, 2012 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20140170879A1 · Jun 19, 2014