Charging dock heating element, lead frame assembly, and charging dock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging dock heating element, a lead frame assembly comprising the charging dock heating element, and a charging dock comprising the lead frame assembly. [Solution] Disclosure of a charging dock heating element, a lead frame assembly, and a charging dock. The charging dock heating element 1 is configured to be inserted into a charging dock housing slot and to connect to a lead frame 2 within the housing of the charging dock. The charging dock heating element 1 is configured to be electrically connected to a power source via the first lead of the lead frame 2, and the charging dock heating element 1 generates heat to heat the charging dock when the power is turned on. After the new energy vehicle is fully charged, the charging dock heating element 1 can heat the charging dock, ensuring that the charging dock and charging gun do not freeze and that the charging gun can be withdrawn after charging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411832981.6, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on December 12, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a charging dock heating element, a lead frame assembly including the charging dock heating element, and a charging dock including the lead frame assembly.

Background Art

[0003] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, more and more new energy vehicle manufacturers are targeting cold regions such as northern Europe, Russia, and Canada. However, in these cold regions, new energy vehicles are affected by extreme cold climates. After charging is completed, the charging gun and the charging dock may freeze due to water vapor condensation or rain and snow, and the charging gun and the charging dock cannot be pulled out normally. This affects the normal use of new energy vehicles in these cold regions.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention is made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the above - mentioned drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a charging dock heating element is provided. The charging dock heating element is configured to be inserted into a slot in the housing of a charging dock and to be electrically connected to a lead frame within the housing of the charging dock, and the charging dock heating element is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply via first leads of the lead frame, and the charging dock heating element generates heat to heat the charging dock when the power is turned on.

[0006] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the charging dock heating element is formed from a conductive and thermally conductive material.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging dock heating element is a single injection-molded part formed from an injection-molded material that is conductive and thermally conductive.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging dock heating element comprises a body suitable for insertion into a slot of a housing and a plurality of connectors suitable for electrically connecting to a plurality of first leads of a lead frame, respectively.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector is cylindrical and has a threaded hole, and therefore the connector can be mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end of the first lead by a threaded connector.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main body is cylindrical with an opening and has two circumferentially opposed ends located on two sides of the opening, the main body has a front and a rear side that are opposite each other in the axial direction of the main body, and the connecting portion is connected to the rear side of the main body and extends rearward from the rear side of the main body along the axial direction.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of axially extending grooves are formed on the front and rear sides of the main body, respectively, and the grooves on the front side of the main body and the grooves on the rear side of the main body are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the main body.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging dock heating element comprises three connectors, the first and second connectors being connected to the rear sides of two ends of the main body, respectively, and the third connector being connected to the rear side of the central part of the main body opposite the opening.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first and second connectors of the three connectors are used to simultaneously electrically connect to one of the positive and negative terminals of a power supply, and the third connector of the three connectors is used to electrically connect to the other of the positive and negative terminals of a power supply.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning key is formed in the connection portion, the positioning key protrudes radially along the body portion and extends a predetermined length along the axial direction of the body portion, and the positioning key is configured to engage with a positioning groove in the housing to position the charging dock heating element in the housing.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a lead frame assembly is provided. The lead frame assembly comprises a lead frame including a plurality of leads and an insulator injection-molded on the plurality of leads, and the above-mentioned charging dock heating element mechanically and electrically connected to a first lead among the plurality of leads.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first lead has a first connecting end exposed from an insulator, and the connection portion of the charging dock heating element is mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting end is plate-shaped, the connecting portion of the charging dock heating element is cylindrical, and one end of the connecting portion is mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connection hole is formed in the first connection end of the first lead, a threaded hole corresponding to the connection hole is formed in the connection portion of the charging dock heating element, and the lead frame assembly further comprises a threaded connector member, the threaded connector member being screwed through the connection hole into the threaded hole to fasten the connection portion to the first connection end of the first lead.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lead frame includes a plurality of first leads, and a plurality of connection portions of the charging dock heating element are mechanically and electrically connected to the first connection ends of the plurality of first leads, respectively.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lead frame includes three first leads, and three connection points of the charging dock heating element are mechanically and electrically connected to the first connection ends of the three first leads, the first and second first leads of the three first leads are used to electrically connect to one of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, and the third first lead of the three first leads is used to electrically connect to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, through-holes are formed in the lead frame through which charging terminals of a charging dock can pass, and the lead frame assembly further comprises a temperature sensing module mounted on the lead frame for detecting the temperature of the charging terminals passing through the lead frame.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensing module includes a thermal pad mounted on an insulator of a lead frame and a temperature sensor provided on the thermal pad. The thermal pad is suitable for thermally contacting the charging terminals passing through the lead frame and transferring the heat from the charging terminals to the temperature sensor.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of leads of the lead frame further includes a second lead having a second connection end portion exposed from the insulator, and the second connection end portion of the second lead is electrically connected to the temperature sensor.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of leads of the lead frame also includes a third lead having a third connection end portion exposed from the insulator, and the third connection end portion of the third lead is used to be electrically connected to the signal terminal of the charging dock.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of leads of the lead frame each have pins exposed from the insulator, and the pins of the plurality of leads are arranged in a row and are suitable for being inserted into a low-voltage connector to be electrically connected to the low-voltage connector.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a charging dock is provided. The charging dock includes a housing in which a slot is formed and the above-described lead frame assembly mounted to the housing, and the charging dock heating element of the lead frame assembly is inserted into the slot of the housing.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging dock further includes a charging terminal installed in the housing and passing through the lead frame of the lead frame assembly, a rear cover mounted to the rear end portion of the housing and closing the rear port of the housing, and a charging cable electrically connected to the rear end portion of the charging terminal through the rear cover. A fitting portion is formed on the rear cover, and the pins of the plurality of leads of the lead frame extend into the inner cavity of the fitting portion, and the fitting portion and the pins of the plurality of leads together form a fitting connector suitable for fitting with the low-voltage connector.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging dock further includes a signal terminal installed in the housing and a ground protection terminal provided in the housing. The charging dock heating element is cylindrical with an opening, and the charging terminal, the signal terminal, and the ground protection terminal are located in the space surrounded by the charging dock heating element. The front ends of the charging terminal, the signal terminal, and the ground protection terminal are located at the front port of the housing and are used to fit into a charging gun inserted into the front port of the housing.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature detection module of the lead frame assembly thermally contacts the charging terminal to detect the temperature of the charging terminal. The charging dock heating element is electrically connected to the first lead among the plurality of leads, the temperature sensor of the temperature detection module is electrically connected to the second lead among the plurality of leads, and the signal terminal is electrically connected to the third lead among the plurality of leads.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning groove is formed in the housing, and the positioning groove engages with the positioning key of the connection part of the charging dock heating element to position the charging dock heating element in the housing.

[0031] In the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, after the charging of the new energy vehicle is completed, the charging dock heating element can heat the charging dock, ensuring that the charging dock and the charging gun do not freeze, and thus the charging gun can be pulled out after the charging is completed.

[0032] By describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings, the above and other features of the present invention will become clearer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory perspective view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is an exploded view illustrating a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory perspective view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a descriptive perspective view of a charging dock heating element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory perspective view of a lead frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory perspective view of a lead frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 9] This is an exploded view illustrating a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a descriptive perspective view of the lead frame assembly of a charging dock, as well as the charging terminals, signal terminals, and earth protection terminals of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the heating element of the charging dock is not shown. [Figure 11] This is a descriptive perspective view of a lead frame assembly and the charging terminals, signal terminals, and earth protection terminals of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating a plurality of leads of a lead frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is an exploded view illustrating the housing and heating element of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory assembly diagram of a charging dock housing and heating element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory assembly diagram of the housing and lead frame assembly of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16]This is a descriptive perspective view of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is an exploded view illustrating a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and so as to fully convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0035] The following detailed description includes numerous specific details for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and apparatus are shown schematically for the sake of simplifying the drawings.

[0036] According to the general concept of the present invention, a charging dock heating element is provided. The charging dock heating element is configured to be inserted into a slot in the housing of a charging dock and to be electrically connected to a lead frame within the housing of the charging dock, and the charging dock heating element is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply via a first lead of the lead frame, and the charging dock heating element generates heat to heat the charging dock when the power is turned on.

[0037] According to another general concept of the present invention, a lead frame assembly is provided. The lead frame assembly comprises a lead frame including a plurality of leads and an insulator injection-molded on the plurality of leads, and the above-mentioned charging dock heating element mechanically and electrically connected to a first lead among the plurality of leads.

[0038] According to another general concept of the present invention, a charging dock is provided. The charging dock comprises a housing having a slot formed therein and the above-mentioned lead frame assembly mounted in the housing, wherein the charging dock heating element of the lead frame assembly is inserted into the slot of the housing.

[0039] Figure 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an explanatory exploded view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an explanatory perspective view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a lead frame assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an explanatory perspective view of a charging dock heating element 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a lead frame 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. Figure 8 is an explanatory perspective view of a lead frame 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. Figure 9 is an exploded view illustrating a temperature detection module 24 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is an explanatory perspective view of the lead frame assembly of a charging dock and the charging terminals 41, signal terminals 42, and earth protection terminals 43 of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the charging dock heating element 1 not shown. Figure 11 is an explanatory perspective view of the lead frame assembly and the charging terminals 41, signal terminals 42, and earth protection terminals 43 of the charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23 of the lead frame 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an exploded view illustrating the housing 5 and charging dock heating element 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is an explanatory assembly diagram of the housing 5 and charging dock heating element 1 of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is an explanatory assembly diagram of the housing 5 and lead frame assembly of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is an explanatory perspective view of the charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 17 is an explanatory exploded view of the charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, a charging dock heating element 1 is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The charging dock heating element 1 is inserted into a slot 51 of the housing 5 of the charging dock and is suitable for electrical connection to a lead frame 2 within the housing 5 of the charging dock. The charging dock heating element 1 is suitable for electrical connection to a power supply (not shown) via a first lead 21 of the lead frame 2, and generates heat to heat the charging dock when the power supply is turned on.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the charging dock heating element 1 is formed from a conductive and thermally conductive material. For example, the charging dock heating element 1 may be an integral injection-molded part formed from a conductive and thermally conductive injection-molded material.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the charging dock heating element 1 comprises a main body 10 and a plurality of connection parts 11. The main body 10 is suitable for insertion into a slot 51 of the housing 5. The plurality of connection parts 11 are suitable for electrically connecting to a plurality of first leads 21 of the lead frame 2, respectively.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 11 is cylindrical, and a threaded hole 13 is formed in the connecting portion 11. Therefore, the connecting portion 11 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end 21a of the first lead 21 by the threaded connecting member 3.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the main body 10 is cylindrical with an opening 101 and has two circumferentially opposing ends 10a located on two sides of the opening 101. The main body 10 has a front side and a rear side that are opposite in the axial direction, and the connecting part 11 is connected to the rear side of the main body 10 and extends axially rearward from the rear side of the main body 10.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of grooves 14 extending in the axial direction are formed on the front and rear sides of the main body 10, respectively. The grooves 14 on the front side of the main body 10 and the grooves 14 on the rear side of the main body 10 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the main body 10.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the charging dock heating element 1 includes three connection parts 11. Of the three connection parts 11, the first and second connection parts are connected to the rear sides of the two ends 10a of the main body 10, respectively, and the third connection part is connected to the rear side of the central part 10b of the main body 10 on the side opposite to the opening 101.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second connection parts of the three connection parts 11 are used to electrically connect simultaneously to one of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, and the third connection part of the three connection parts 11 is used to electrically connect to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning key 12 is formed on the connecting portion 11, and the positioning key 12 protrudes radially along the main body portion 10 and extends to a predetermined length along the axial direction of the main body portion 10. The positioning key 12 is configured to engage with a positioning groove 52 in the housing 5 to position the charging dock heating element 1 in the housing 5.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, a lead frame assembly is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The lead frame assembly comprises a lead frame 2 and the charging dock heating element 1 described above. The lead frame 2 includes a plurality of leads 21, 22, 23 and an insulator 20 injected onto the plurality of leads 21, 22, 23 by an insert injection molding process. The charging dock heating element 1 is mechanically and electrically connected to a first lead 21 of the plurality of leads 21, 22, 23.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the first lead 21 has a first connecting end 21a exposed from the insulator 20, and the connection portion 11 of the charging dock heating element 1 is mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end 21a.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting end 21a is plate-shaped, and the connecting portion 11 of the charging dock heating element 1 is cylindrical. One end of the connecting portion 11 is mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end 21a.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, a connection hole 21b is formed in the first connection end 21a of the first lead 21, and a threaded hole 13 corresponding to the connection hole 21b is formed in the connection portion 11 of the charging dock heating element 1. The lead frame assembly also includes a threaded connecting member 3. The threaded connecting member 3 is screwed through the connection hole 21b into the threaded hole 13, thereby fastening the connection portion 11 to the first connection end 21a of the first lead 21.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the lead frame 2 includes a plurality of first leads 21, and the plurality of connection portions 11 of the charging dock heating element 1 are mechanically and electrically connected to the first connection terminals 21 of the plurality of first leads 21, respectively.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the lead frame 2 includes three first leads 21, and the three connection points 11 of the charging dock heating element 1 are mechanically and electrically connected to the first connection terminals 21 of the three first leads 21, respectively. The first and second first leads 21 of the three first leads 21 are used to electrically connect to one of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, and the third first lead 21 of the three first leads 21 is used to electrically connect to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, a through-hole 201 is formed in the lead frame 2 through which the charging terminal 41 of the charging dock can pass. The current through the charging terminal 41 during charging can reach up to 600A, which can cause the temperature of the charging terminal 41 to rise. To prevent overheating of the charging terminal 41, it is necessary to monitor the temperature of the charging terminal 41 during charging. In the illustrated embodiment, the lead frame assembly further comprises a temperature detection module 24. The temperature detection module 24 is mounted on the lead frame 2 and detects the temperature of the charging terminal 41 passing through the lead frame 2.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature detection module 24 includes a thermal pad 241 and a temperature sensor 242. The thermal pad 241 is mounted on the insulator 20 of the lead frame 2. The temperature sensor 242 is mounted on the thermal pad 241. The thermal pad 241 is suitable for thermally contacting the charging terminals 41 that pass through the lead frame 2 and transferring the heat from the charging terminals 41 to the temperature sensor 242.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of leads 21, 22, and 23 of the lead frame 2 also include a second lead 22 having a second connecting end 22a exposed from the insulator 20. The second connecting end 22a of the second lead 22 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 242.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23 of the lead frame 2 also include a third lead 23 having a third connecting end 23a exposed from the insulator 20. The third connecting end 23a of the third lead 23 is used to electrically connect to the signal terminal 42 of the charging dock.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23 of the lead frame 2 each have pins 2b exposed from the insulator 20. The pins 2b of the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23 are arranged in a row and are suitable for insertion into a low-voltage connector (not shown) for electrical connection to the low-voltage connector.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, a charging dock is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The charging dock comprises a housing 5 and the lead frame assembly described above. A slot 51 is formed in the housing 5. The lead frame component is mounted in the housing 5. The charging dock heating element 1 of the lead frame component is inserted into the slot 51 of the housing 5.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the charging dock further comprises a charging terminal 41, a rear cover 6, and a charging cable 7. The charging terminal 41 is mounted on the housing 5 and passes through the lead frame 2 of the lead frame assembly. The rear cover 6 is fitted to the rear end of the housing 5 and closes the rear port of the housing 5. The charging cable 7 is electrically connected to the rear end of the charging terminal 41 through the rear cover 6. A mating portion 60 is formed on the rear cover 6, and the pins 2b of the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23 of the lead frame 2 extend into the internal cavity of the mating portion 60. The mating portion 60 and the pins 2b of the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23 together form a mating connector suitable for mating to a low-voltage connector.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the charging dock further comprises a signal terminal 42 and an earth protection terminal 43 located in the housing 5. The charging dock heating element 1 is cylindrical with an opening 101, and the charging terminal 41, signal terminal 42, and earth protection terminal 43 are located in the space enclosed by the charging dock heating element 1. The front ends of the charging terminal 41, signal terminal 42, and earth protection terminal 43 are located in the front port of the housing 5 and are used to mate with a charging gun inserted into the front port of the housing 5.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature detection module 24 of the lead frame assembly thermally contacts the charging terminal 41 to detect the temperature of the charging terminal 41. The charging dock heating element 1 is electrically connected to the first lead 21 of the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23, the temperature sensor 242 of the temperature detection module 24 is electrically connected to the second lead 22 of the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23, and the signal terminal 42 is electrically connected to the third lead 23 of the multiple leads 21, 22, and 23.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning groove 52 is formed inside the housing 5, and the positioning groove 52 engages with a positioning key 12 of the connection portion 11 of the charging dock heating element 1 to position the charging dock heating element 1 in the housing 5.

[0065] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments without structural or principle contradictions and can freely combine the various features described in different embodiments.

[0066] While several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined in the claims and its equivalents.

[0067] When used herein, elements described in the singular form and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plural forms of such elements or steps unless it is explicitly stated that such exclusion is to be excluded. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that likewise incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless it is expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that “compile” or “have” one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic.

Claims

1. A charging dock heating element, The charging dock heating element (1) is configured to be inserted into a slot (51) of the housing (5) of the charging dock and to be electrically connected to the lead frame (2) inside the housing (5) of the charging dock. The charging dock heating element (1) is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply via the first lead (21) of the lead frame (2), and the charging dock heating element (1) generates heat to heat the charging dock when the power is turned on.

2. The charging dock heating element (1) is formed from a material that is conductive and thermally conductive, as described in claim 1.

3. The charging dock heating element (1) is an integrally injection-molded part formed from an injection-molded material that is conductive and thermally conductive, according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned charging dock heating element (1) is A main body portion (10) suitable for insertion into the slot (51) of the housing (5), Multiple connection points (11) suitable for electrically connecting each of the multiple first leads (21) of the lead frame (2) and A charging dock heating element according to claim 1, comprising:

5. The charging dock heating element according to claim 4, wherein the connecting portion (11) is cylindrical, and a screw hole (13) is formed in the connecting portion (11), so that the connecting portion (11) can be mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end (21a) of the first lead (21) by a threaded connecting member (3).

6. The main body portion (10) is cylindrical with an opening (101), and has two ends (10a) located on two sides of the opening (101) and facing each other in the circumferential direction of the main body portion (10). The charging dock heating element according to claim 5, wherein the main body portion (10) has a front side and a rear side that are opposite to each other in the axial direction of the main body portion (10), and the connecting portion (11) is connected to the rear side of the main body portion (10) and extends rearward from the rear side of the main body portion (10) along the axial direction.

7. A charging dock heating element according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of grooves (14) extending in the axial direction are formed on the front and rear sides of the main body (10), and the grooves (14) on the front side of the main body (10) and the grooves (14) on the rear side of the main body (10) are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the main body (10).

8. The charging dock heating element (1) comprises three connection parts (11), the first and second connection parts being connected to the rear sides of the two ends (10a) of the main body (10), and the third connection part being connected to the rear side of the central part (10b) of the main body (10) opposite to the opening (101), as described in claim 6.

9. The charging dock heating element according to claim 8, wherein the first and second of the three connection parts (11) are used to simultaneously electrically connect to one of the positive and negative electrodes of the power supply, and the third of the three connection parts (11) is used to electrically connect to the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the power supply.

10. A charging dock heating element according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein a positioning key (12) is formed on the connecting portion (11), the positioning key (12) protrudes radially along the main body portion (10), extends a predetermined length along the axial direction of the main body portion (10), and the positioning key (12) is configured to engage with a positioning groove (52) in the housing (5) to position the charging dock heating element (1) in the housing (5).

11. Lead frame assembly, A lead frame (2) including a plurality of leads (21, 22, 23) and an insulator (20) injection-molded on the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23), The charging dock heating element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is mechanically and electrically connected to the first lead (21) of the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23) and A lead frame assembly comprising the following features.

12. The lead frame assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first lead (21) has a first connecting end (21a) exposed from the insulator (20), and the connecting portion (11) of the charging dock heating element (1) is mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end (21a).

13. The lead frame assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first connecting end (21a) is plate-shaped, the connecting portion (11) of the charging dock heating element (1) is cylindrical, and one end of the connecting portion (11) is mechanically and electrically connected to the first connecting end (21a).

14. A connection hole (21b) is formed in the first connection end (21a) of the first lead (21), and a screw hole (13) corresponding to the connection hole (21b) is formed in the connection portion (11) of the charging dock heating element (1). The lead frame assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a threaded connecting member (3), the threaded connecting member (3) being screwed through the connecting hole (12b) into the threaded hole (13) to fasten the connecting portion (11) to the first connecting end (21a) of the first lead (21).

15. The lead frame assembly according to claim 12, wherein the lead frame (2) includes a plurality of first leads (21), and a plurality of connection portions (11) of the charging dock heating element (1) are mechanically and electrically connected to the first connection ends (21a) of the plurality of first leads (21), respectively.

16. The lead frame (2) includes three first leads (21), and the three connection portions (11) of the charging dock heating element (1) are mechanically and electrically connected to the first connection ends (21a) of the three first leads (21), respectively. The lead frame assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first first lead (21) and the second first lead (21) of the three first leads (21) are used to electrically connect to one of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, and the third first lead (21) of the three first leads (21) is used to electrically connect to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

17. A through-hole (201) is formed in the lead frame (2) through which the charging terminal (41) of the charging dock can pass. The lead frame assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a temperature detection module (24) mounted on the lead frame (2) for detecting the temperature of the charging terminal (41) passing through the lead frame (2).

18. The temperature detection module (24) is A heat pad (241) is attached to the insulator (20) of the lead frame (2), A temperature sensor (242) is provided on the aforementioned heating pad (241) and Includes, The lead frame assembly according to claim 17, wherein the thermal pad (241) is suitable for thermally contacting the charging terminal (41) that passes through the lead frame (2) and transferring the heat of the charging terminal (41) to the temperature sensor (242).

19. The lead frame assembly according to claim 18, wherein the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23) of the lead frame (2) further include a second lead (22) having a second connecting end (22a) exposed from the insulator (20), and the second connecting end (22a) of the second lead (22) is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (242).

20. The lead frame assembly according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23) of the lead frame (2) also include a third lead (23) having a third connecting end (23a) exposed from the insulator (20), the third connecting end (23a) of the third lead (23) is used to electrically connect to a signal terminal (42) of the charging dock.

21. The lead frame assembly according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23) of the lead frame (2) has a pin (2b) exposed from the insulator (20), and the pins (2b) of the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23) are arranged in a row and are suitable for insertion into a low-voltage connector for electrical connection to the low-voltage connector.

22. It is a charging dock, A housing (5) having a slot (51) formed therein, The lead frame assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 21, which is mounted on the housing (5) Equipped with, The charging dock heating element (1) of the lead frame assembly is a charging dock that is inserted into the slot (51) of the housing (5).

23. A charging terminal (41) is installed in the housing (5) and passes through the lead frame (2) of the lead frame assembly, A rear cover (6) is attached to the rear end of the housing (5) and closes the rear port of the housing (5), A charging cable (7) is electrically connected to the rear end of the charging terminal (41) through the rear cover (6) and Furthermore, The charging dock according to claim 22, wherein a mating portion (60) is formed in the rear cover (6), the pins (2b) of the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23) of the lead frame (2) extend into the internal cavity of the mating portion (60), and the mating portion (60) and the pins (2b) of the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23) together form a mating connector suitable for mating to a low-voltage connector.

24. The signal terminal (42) installed in the housing (5), The grounding protection terminal (43) provided on the housing (5) and Furthermore, The charging dock heating element (1) is cylindrical with an opening (101), and the charging terminal (41), the signal terminal (42), and the earth protection terminal (43) are located in the space enclosed by the charging dock heating element (1). The charging dock according to claim 23, wherein the front ends of the charging terminal (41), the signal terminal (42), and the earth protection terminal (43) are located in the front port of the housing (5) and are used to engage with a charging gun inserted into the front port of the housing (5).

25. The temperature detection module (24) of the lead frame assembly makes thermal contact with the charging terminal (41) in order to detect the temperature of the charging terminal (41), The charging dock according to claim 24, wherein the charging dock heating element (1) is electrically connected to the first lead (21) of the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23), the temperature sensor (242) of the temperature detection module (24) is electrically connected to the second lead (22) of the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23), and the signal terminal (42) is electrically connected to the third lead (23) of the plurality of leads (21, 22, 23).

26. The charging dock according to claim 22, wherein a positioning groove (52) is formed in the housing (5), and the positioning groove (52) engages with the positioning key (12) of the connection portion (11) of the charging dock heating element (1) to position the charging dock heating element (1) in the housing (5).

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