Charging socket electronic lock for electric vehicle and electric vehicle

Abstract

This invention proposes an electronic lock for a charging socket of an electric vehicle, comprising a first component for locking a charging gun engaged with a first charging port of the electric vehicle. The first component includes: a drive unit; a first locking member configured to lock the charging gun engaged with the first charging port of the electric vehicle in its locked position; and a first transmission mechanism configured to transmit movement of the drive unit to the first locking member to move the first locking member to the locked position. The first component has an extension interface structure configured to engage with a second component for locking a charging gun engaged with a second charging port of the electric vehicle, such that the second component can lock the charging gun engaged with the second charging port of the electric vehicle under the drive of the drive unit. This invention also relates to an electric vehicle. This invention provides a wider range of options and reduces costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric vehicles, and more particularly to an electronic lock for a charging socket in an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle itself. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles, powered by onboard power supplies, have seen rapid development in recent years as a new energy mode of transportation. Electric vehicles can be charged via charging stations. During charging, the charging gun of the charging station engages with the charging socket of the electric vehicle. To ensure safety during charging, electric vehicles can be equipped with an electronic lock on the charging socket to prevent the charging gun from detaching from the socket.

[0003] Typically, electric vehicle charging sockets can be equipped with either a DC charging interface or an AC charging interface. Currently, most electric vehicle charging socket electronic locks have only a single function, such as locking only the DC charging nozzle. However, with the development of charging technology and the increasing demands for charging safety, electric vehicle charging socket electronic locks may need to have multiple functions, i.e., being able to lock both the DC charging nozzle and the AC charging port, to meet the requirements. In this case, it is necessary to develop new charging socket electronic locks to replace single-function charging socket electronic locks. This requires a considerable investment of resources.

[0004] Existing technologies still have shortcomings in terms of security and cost when it comes to electronic locks for charging sockets. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved electronic lock for a charging socket for an electric vehicle and a corresponding electric vehicle, so as to overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electronic lock for a charging socket of an electric vehicle is provided, wherein the electronic lock includes a first component for locking a charging gun engaged with a first charging port of the electric vehicle. The first component includes: a drive mechanism; a first locking member configured to lock the charging gun engaged with the first charging port of the electric vehicle in its locked position; and a first transmission mechanism configured to transmit motion of the drive mechanism to the first locking member to move the first locking member to the locked position. The first component has an extension interface structure configured to engage the first component with a second component for locking a charging gun engaged with a second charging port of the electric vehicle, such that the second component can lock the charging gun engaged with the second charging port of the electric vehicle under the drive of the drive mechanism.

[0007] The charging socket electronic lock according to the present invention can function as a single-function charging socket electronic lock for locking only the charging gun that engages with the first charging interface of an electric vehicle, and can also be extended to a dual-function charging socket electronic lock by extending the interface structure to allow a second component to engage with the first component, thereby enabling it to lock both the charging gun that engages with the first charging interface and the charging gun that engages with the second charging interface of the electric vehicle. Thus, the charging socket electronic lock can adapt to diverse needs and save costs. For example, for a vehicle equipped with a single-function charging socket electronic lock, the functionality can be extended simply by adding a second component without replacing the entire charging socket electronic lock. Therefore, costs are saved and operation is simplified. Furthermore, for a particular vehicle model equipped with a charging socket electronic lock, different configurations can be provided, wherein different configurations of the vehicle can be equipped with a single-function charging socket electronic lock and a dual-function charging socket electronic lock, respectively. These different configurations can be easily achieved by adding or removing a second component; the components of the first component are interchangeable, eliminating the need to design and manufacture two completely different configurations of charging socket electronic locks. Therefore, costs are saved.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, the first transmission mechanism includes a first drive shaft that can be connected between a drive device and a first locking member to transmit motion of the drive device to the first locking member. An extended interface structure may include a first rod connection structure at an end of the first drive shaft, the first rod connection structure being configured to mate with a second rod connection structure of a second drive shaft of the second component, so that the first drive shaft is kinetically coupled to the second drive shaft. This allows for efficient transmission of motion of the drive device to the second component.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the first rod connection structure includes one of a non-rotationally symmetric recess and an insertion portion complementary in shape to the recess; the second rod connection structure includes the other of the recess and the insertion portion. The recess and the insertion portion are configured to form a plug-in connection. This helps to simplify and facilitate the engagement process between the first and second components. The first rod connection structure can particularly be formed as a square hole recessed inward from the end face of the first drive shaft. The square hole can be configured to form a plug-in connection with the second rod connection structure, which is formed as a square post located at the end of the second drive shaft. Thus, reliable motion transmission between the first and second components can be achieved in a simple and easy-to-operate manner.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the first component further includes a first housing configured to at least partially accommodate the drive mechanism, the first locking member, and the first transmission mechanism. The first housing may include a first opening configured such that one of the first and second drive shafts can pass through the first opening for connection with the other of the first and second drive shafts. An expansion interface structure may include a first housing connection structure of the first housing configured to mate with a second housing connection structure of the second housing of the second component to attach the second housing to the first housing. This allows for modularization of the charging socket electronic lock. This facilitates reducing the size of charging socket electronic locks with only a single function and also helps to make functional expansion of the charging socket electronic lock simple and convenient.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the first housing connection structure includes at least one wall extending around a first opening. The wall may have at least one snap-fit ​​hole extending through it. The snap-fit ​​hole may be configured to engage with at least one snap hook of a second housing connection structure. This helps ensure a reliable connection between the second component and the first component. The at least one wall may include a plurality of walls arranged spaced apart from each other around the first opening, with a guide groove formed between any two adjacent walls. The guide groove is configured to engage with a protrusion formed on the second housing to guide the second housing into the first housing along the extension direction of the guide groove. Thus, the engagement of the second component and the first component can be achieved conveniently and reliably.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment, the charging socket electronic lock further includes a protective cover for closing the first opening, the protective cover optionally being configured to at least partially embed into the first opening to close it. Therefore, without the addition of a second component, the protective cover, together with the first housing, can protect the internal components of the charging socket electronic lock. The charging socket electronic lock may also include a first sealing ring located between the first opening and the protective cover to improve the protective effect.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the charging socket electronic lock further includes a manual unlocking mechanism. The manual unlocking mechanism is connected to a first drive shaft, which transmits movement of the manual unlocking mechanism to a first locking member to move the first locking member to a released position, thereby releasing the lock on the charging gun that engages with the first charging port of the electric vehicle. When the first component is engaged with the second component via an extended interface structure, the first drive shaft can transmit movement of the manual unlocking mechanism to the second component to release the lock on the charging gun that engages with the second charging port of the electric vehicle. This not only simplifies the structure but also improves the user experience.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, the first charging interface is an AC charging interface, and the first component is configured to lock the charging gun that is engaged with the AC charging interface of the electric vehicle; the second charging interface is a DC charging interface, and the second component is configured to lock the charging gun that is engaged with the DC charging interface of the electric vehicle.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, the charging socket electronic lock includes a second component, which is engaged to the first component via an extended interface structure, such that the second component can lock the charging gun engaged with the second charging interface of the electric vehicle under the drive of the drive device.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, an electric vehicle is provided, wherein the electric vehicle includes an electronic lock for a charging socket according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will provide a better understanding of its principles, features, and advantages. The drawings include:

[0018] Figure 1 An electronic lock for a charging socket for an electric vehicle is schematically shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates that in a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a second component engages with a first component;

[0020] Figure 3 The illustration schematically shows some components of a first assembly of a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 Part of the second component of the electronic lock for the charging socket shown;

[0022] Figure 5 A perspective view of the first component of a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0023] Figure 6 A perspective view of a second component of a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0024] Figure 7 A perspective view schematically illustrates a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] Figure 8 A perspective view of a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0026] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0027] 1 First Component

[0028] 11. Drive unit

[0029] 12 First locking element

[0030] 13 First transmission mechanism

[0031] 131 First drive shaft

[0032] 1310 First Link Connection Structure

[0033] 132 Guide Board

[0034] 14 First Shell

[0035] 141 First Opening

[0036] 142 First shell connection structure

[0037] 1421 wall

[0038] 1422 Buckle Hole

[0039] 1423 Guide slot

[0040] 19. Extended Interface Structure

[0041] 2 Second Component

[0042] 21 Second locking element

[0043] 22 Second transmission mechanism

[0044] 221 Second drive shaft

[0045] 2210 Second rod connection structure

[0046] 23 Second shell

[0047] 231 Clip Hook

[0048] 232 protrusions

[0049] 24 Second sealing ring

[0050] 3 Protective Cover

[0051] 4. Manual unlocking mechanism Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0053] Figure 1 An electronic lock for a charging socket for an electric vehicle is schematically illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle (also referred to herein simply as "vehicle") is, for example, a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The electric vehicle may include a charging socket and a charging socket electronic lock. A charging gun may be engaged with the charging socket to charge the electric vehicle. The charging socket electronic lock can be used to lock the charging gun engaged with the charging socket to prevent the charging gun from disengaging from the charging socket during charging.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the charging socket electronic lock includes a first component 1 for locking a charging gun that engages with a first charging port of an electric vehicle. The first component 1 includes: a drive unit 11; a first locking member 12 configured to lock the charging gun engaged with the first charging port of the electric vehicle in its locked position; and a first transmission mechanism 13 configured to transmit movement of the drive unit 11 to the first locking member 12 so that the first locking member 12 moves to the locked position. The first locking member 12 is, for example, formed as a locking pin. When the charging gun is inserted into the first charging port, the locking pin, moved to the locked position, can block the movement of a locking hook formed on the charging gun, allowing the charging gun to stably engage with the first charging port, thereby achieving locking of the charging gun engaged with the first charging port of the electric vehicle. It should be understood that the first locking member 12 can also be implemented in other forms, such as a locking ring or a locking hook, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] The first component 1 is provided with an expansion interface structure 19. The expansion interface structure 19 is configured to engage the first component 1 with a second component 2, which is used to lock onto a charging gun that engages with a second charging interface of an electric vehicle (see [link]). Figure 2 This allows the second component 2 to lock the charging gun, which is connected to the second charging port of the electric vehicle, under the drive of the drive unit 11.

[0056] Figure 2 The illustration schematically shows a second component 2 engaged with a first component 1 in an electronic lock for a charging socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The second component 2 is engaged to the first component 1 via an extension interface structure 19, such that the second component 2 can lock the charging gun engaged with the second charging interface of an electric vehicle under the actuation of a drive device 11. Here, the electronic lock for the charging socket may include the second component 2.

[0057] The charging socket electronic lock according to the present invention can function as a single-function charging socket electronic lock for locking only the charging gun that engages with the first charging interface of an electric vehicle, and can also be extended to a dual-function charging socket electronic lock capable of locking both the charging gun engaged with the first charging interface of an electric vehicle and the charging gun engaged with the second charging interface of an electric vehicle by extending the interface structure 19 to engage the second component 2 with the first component 1. Thus, the charging socket electronic lock can adapt to diverse needs and save costs.

[0058] For example, for vehicles equipped with a single-function charging socket electronic lock, functionality can be expanded simply by adding a second component 2 without replacing the entire charging socket electronic lock. This saves costs and simplifies operation.

[0059] Furthermore, for a particular vehicle model equipped with an electronic charging socket lock, different configurations can be offered. These different configurations can include either a single-function electronic charging socket lock or a dual-function electronic charging socket lock. These different configurations can be easily achieved by adding a second component 2; the components of the first component 1 are interchangeable between the two, eliminating the need to design and manufacture two completely different configurations of electronic charging socket locks. Therefore, costs can be saved.

[0060] The first and second charging interfaces can be either DC or AC charging interfaces, specifically one and the other, respectively. Preferably, the first charging interface is an AC charging interface, and the first component 1 is correspondingly configured to lock the charging gun that engages with the AC charging interface of the electric vehicle; the second charging interface is a DC charging interface, and the second component 2 is correspondingly configured to lock the charging gun that engages with the DC charging interface of the electric vehicle. According to currently implemented standards, electric vehicles do not need to have an electronic lock for locking the DC charging gun. In this case, the charging socket electronic lock does not need to include the second component 2. If it is necessary to expand the functionality of the charging socket electronic lock, for example, to meet more stringent standards or higher security requirements, the functionality of the charging socket electronic lock can be easily expanded by means of the expansion interface structure 19.

[0061] The dual function of the charging socket electronic lock can be driven by the same drive device 11, thereby simplifying the structure of the charging socket electronic lock. The drive device 11 may include, for example, a motor. Furthermore, the same drive device 11 can synchronously switch the first component 1 and the second component 2 to a locked state and / or an unlocked state, thereby preventing accidental operation by the user using both AC and DC charging guns simultaneously. For example, when the user inserts a charging gun into the second charging port, the second component 2 can switch to a locked state under the drive of the drive device 11 to lock the charging gun engaged with the second charging port, while the first component 1 will synchronously switch to a locked state under the drive of the drive device 11. Therefore, the first locking member 12 moves to the locked position, preventing the user from inserting another charging gun into the first charging port.

[0062] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates some components of an electronic lock for a charging socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 3 The image shows some components of the first component 1.

[0063] As described above, the first component 1 may include a drive device 11, a first locking member 12, and a first transmission mechanism 13.

[0064] The first transmission mechanism 13 may include a first transmission shaft 131. The first transmission shaft 131 is connected (directly or indirectly) between the drive unit 11 and the first locking member 12 to transmit motion of the drive unit 11 to the first locking member 12. The first transmission shaft 131 may, for example, be formed as a crankshaft. The first transmission mechanism 13 may also include a guide plate 132 that mates with the crankshaft, having an elongated hole. The crankshaft passes through the elongated hole, converting the rotational motion of the crankshaft into linear motion of the guide plate 132. The first locking member 12 may be fixed to the guide plate 132, thereby moving linearly along with the guide plate 132 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As indicated by the middle arrow) so as to move to or out of the locked position. Alternatively or additionally, the first transmission mechanism 13 may include a gear set, a rack and pinion mechanism, and / or a worm gear mechanism, etc. In another embodiment, the first locking member 12 may also be moved to the locked position by other means of movement, such as by rotation, swinging, or bending.

[0065] The extended interface structure 19 may include a first rod connection structure 1310 located at the end of the first drive shaft 131. The first rod connection structure 1310 is configured to connect with the second rod connection structure 2210 of the second drive shaft 221 of the second component 2 (see [link]). Figure 4 The first drive shaft 131 is coupled to the second drive shaft 221 so that the first drive shaft 131 is kinetically coupled to the second drive shaft 221. Thus, the motion of the drive device 11 can be effectively transmitted to the second component 2.

[0066] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 Part of the second component 2 of the charging socket electronic lock shown.

[0067] The second component 2 may include, for example, a second locking member 21 and a second transmission mechanism 22. The second transmission mechanism 22 is configured to transmit motion of the first drive shaft 131 to the second locking member 21, thereby moving the second locking member 21 to a locked position. The second locking member 21 can lock a charging gun that engages with the second charging interface of the electric vehicle in its locked position. The second transmission mechanism 22 may include a second drive shaft 221. The second drive shaft 221 may be provided with a second rod connection structure 2210 for cooperating with a first rod connection structure 1310 of the first drive shaft 131. The second drive shaft 221 may also be formed as a crankshaft, for example, to convert rotational motion into linear motion of the second locking member 21 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As indicated by the middle arrow). Making both the first drive shaft 131 and the second drive shaft 221 into crankshafts helps to simplify the structure and reduce costs.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the second transmission mechanism 22 may include a gear set, a rack and pinion mechanism, and / or a worm gear mechanism, etc. The first locking member 12 is formed, for example, as a locking pin. The first locking member 12 may also be implemented in other forms, such as a locking ring or a locking hook, etc., and the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second locking member 21 may also be moved to the locked position by other means of movement, such as by rotation, swinging, or bending.

[0069] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, the first rod connection structure 1310 may include one of a non-rotationally symmetric recess and an insertion portion whose shape is complementary to the recess, and the second rod connection structure 2210 may include the other of the recess and the insertion portion, the recess and the insertion portion being configured to form a plug-in connection. This helps to simplify and facilitate the engagement process between the first component 1 and the second component 2.

[0070] The first rod connection structure 1310 can be formed as a square hole recessed inward from the end face of the first drive shaft 131, the square hole being configured to form a plug-in connection with the second rod connection structure 2210, which is formed as a square post at the end of the second drive shaft 221. Thus, reliable motion transmission between the first component 1 and the second component 2 can be achieved in a simple and easy-to-operate manner.

[0071] Alternatively, the first link connection structure 1310 and the second link connection structure 2210 may also be formed in other forms. For example, the second link connection structure 2210 may be formed as an external spline, and the first link connection structure 1310 may be formed as an internal spline for mating with the external spline.

[0072] Figure 5 A perspective view of the first component 1 of a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the first component 1 also includes a first housing 14. The first housing 14 is configured to at least partially accommodate the drive unit 11, the first locking member 12, and the first transmission mechanism 13. See here for reference... Figure 1 and Figure 2 It shows that the drive unit 11, the first locking member 12 and the first transmission mechanism 13 are arranged at least partially within the first housing 14 of the first component 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A portion of the first housing 14 is omitted to show the internal structure.

[0074] The first housing 14 may include a first opening 141 configured such that one of the first drive shaft 131 and the second drive shaft 221 can pass through the first opening 141 to connect with the other of the first drive shaft 131 and the second drive shaft 221. Optionally, the first opening 141 is configured to allow the second drive shaft 221 to extend through the first opening 141 into the first housing 14 to connect with the first drive shaft 131. In other words, the first drive shaft 131 can be completely located within the first housing 14, so that the first drive shaft 131 does not need to extend out of the first housing 14 without the addition of the second component 2.

[0075] like Figure 5 The first opening 141 can be arranged opposite to the end of the first drive shaft 131 that has the first rod connecting structure 1310. The first rod connecting structure 1310 can be exposed through the open first opening 141, thereby facilitating the connection operation between the first drive shaft 131 and the second drive shaft 221.

[0076] The expansion interface structure 19 may include a first housing connection structure 142 of the first housing 14, the first housing connection structure 142 being configured to cooperate with a second housing connection structure of the second housing 23 of the second component 2 so that the second housing 23 is attached to the first housing 14.

[0077] The first housing connection structure 142 may, for example, include a wall 1421 extending around a first opening 141, the wall 1421 having at least one snap-fit ​​hole 1422 extending through the wall 1421, the snap-fit ​​hole 1422 being configured to engage with at least one snap-fit ​​hook 231 of a second housing connection structure. Through the engaging snap-fit ​​hole 1422 and snap-fit ​​hook 231, the first housing 14 and the second housing 23 can be connected in a non-moving manner. This helps ensure a reliable connection between the second component 2 and the first component 1.

[0078] The at least one wall 1421 includes a plurality of walls 1421 arranged spaced apart from each other around the first opening 141, wherein a guide groove 1423 is formed between any two adjacent walls 1421, the guide groove 1423 being configured to interact with a protrusion 232 formed on the second housing 23 (see Figure 6 and Figure 8 The second housing 23 is fitted together with the first housing 14 along the extension direction of the guide groove 1423. Thus, the engagement of the second component 2 and the first component 1 can be achieved in a convenient and reliable manner.

[0079] Figure 6 A perspective view schematically illustrates a second component 2 of an electronic lock for a charging socket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The second component 2 can be coupled with... Figure 5 The first component 1 shown is joined together.

[0080] The second component 2 may include a second locking member 21, a second transmission mechanism 22, and a second housing 23. The second housing 23 may be configured to at least partially accommodate the second transmission mechanism 22 and the second locking member 21. The second transmission mechanism 22 may include a second drive shaft 221. The second drive shaft 221 is provided with a second rod connection structure 2210 for cooperating with a first rod connection structure 1310 of the first drive rod. An end of the second drive shaft 221 extends from the second housing 23 such that the second rod connection structure 2210 is located outside the second housing 23. This facilitates the engagement of the second component 2 to the first component 1.

[0081] The second housing 23 may be provided with at least one snap hook 231 and / or at least one protrusion 232 for engaging with the first housing 14.

[0082] The second component 2 may further include a second sealing ring 24 for sealing between the first opening 141 of the first housing 14 and the second housing 23. The second sealing ring 24 may, for example, be fitted onto the second drive shaft 221. Alternatively, the second sealing ring 24 may also be arranged on the second housing 23.

[0083] Figure 7A perspective view of a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, the charging socket electronic lock also includes a protective cover 3 for closing the first opening 141 (which is obscured here). The protective cover 3 is optionally configured to be at least partially embedded in the first opening 141 to close the first opening 141. In the absence of the second component 2, the protective cover 3, together with the first housing 14, can protect the internal components of the charging socket electronic lock.

[0085] The electronic lock for the charging socket may optionally also include a first sealing ring located between the first opening 141 and the protective cover 3 to improve the protective effect.

[0086] Figure 8 A perspective view of a charging socket electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0087] In this embodiment, the charging socket electronic lock includes a first component 1 and a second component 2, wherein the second component 2 is connected to the first component 1 through an extension interface structure 19, so that the second component 2 can lock the charging gun connected to the second charging interface of the electric vehicle under the drive of the drive device 11.

[0088] The charging socket electronic lock may also include a manual unlocking mechanism 4. The manual unlocking mechanism 4 is connectable to a first drive shaft 131, allowing the first drive shaft 131 to transmit movement of the manual unlocking mechanism 4 to a first locking member 12, causing the first locking member 12 to move to a released position, thereby releasing the lock on the charging gun that engages with the first charging interface of the electric vehicle. When the first component 1 is engaged with the second component 2 via the extension interface structure 19, the first drive shaft 131 can transmit movement of the manual unlocking mechanism 4 to the second component 2 to release the lock on the charging gun that engages with the second charging interface of the electric vehicle.

[0089] Therefore, the first component 1 and the second component 2 can be unlocked using the same manual unlocking mechanism 4. This not only simplifies the structure but also improves the user experience, as the user does not need to distinguish between multiple manual unlocking mechanisms 4 to select the one corresponding to the currently used charging port.

[0090] In this embodiment, the manual unlocking mechanism 4 may include a pull cord mechanism. However, it should be understood that the manual unlocking mechanism 4 may also be implemented in other forms, as long as it can enable the unlocking operation of the first component 1 and the second component 2 under the manual operation of the user.

[0091] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor should they be construed as implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Features specified as "first" or "second" may expressly or implicitly indicate the inclusion of at least one of those features. In this document, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0092] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this application, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The feature examples provided in this application are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, unless otherwise stated. In practice, multiple features may be combined with each other as needed and where technically feasible. In particular, features from different embodiments may also be combined with each other. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations are conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electronic lock for a charging socket of an electric vehicle, wherein, The electronic lock for the charging socket includes a first component (1) for locking a charging gun that engages with a first charging port of an electric vehicle. The first component (1) includes: a drive device (11); a first locking member (12) configured to lock the charging gun that engages with the first charging port of the electric vehicle in its locked position; and a first transmission mechanism (13) configured to transmit the motion of the drive device (11) to the first locking member (12) so that the first locking member (12) moves to the locked position. The first component (1) is provided with an extension interface structure (19) for transmitting the motion. The extension interface structure (19) is configured to engage the first component (1) with a second component (2) for locking a charging gun that engages with a second charging port of the electric vehicle, such that the second component (2) can lock the charging gun that engages with the second charging port of the electric vehicle under the drive of the drive device (11).

2. The electronic lock for the charging socket according to claim 1, wherein, The first transmission mechanism (13) includes a first transmission shaft (131) connected between the drive device (11) and the first locking member (12) for transmitting the motion of the drive device (11) to the first locking member (12). The extended interface structure (19) includes a first rod connection structure (1310) at the end of the first transmission shaft (131), the first rod connection structure (1310) being configured to cooperate with the second rod connection structure (2210) of the second transmission shaft (221) of the second component (2) so that the first transmission shaft (131) is kinetically coupled to the second transmission shaft (221).

3. The electronic lock for the charging socket according to claim 2, wherein, The first rod connection structure (1310) includes one of a non-rotationally symmetric recess and an insertion portion whose shape is complementary to that of the recess; the second rod connection structure (2210) includes the other of the recess and the insertion portion, the recess and the insertion portion being configured to form a plug-in connection.

4. The electronic lock for the charging socket according to claim 3, wherein, The first rod connection structure (1310) is formed as a square hole recessed inward from the end face of the first drive shaft (131), the square hole being configured to form a plug-in connection with the second rod connection structure (2210) which is formed as a square post at the end of the second drive shaft (221).

5. The electronic lock for the charging socket according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first component (1) further includes a first housing (14) configured to at least partially accommodate the drive unit (11), the first locking member (12), and the first transmission mechanism (13), wherein: the first housing (14) includes a first opening (141) configured such that one of the first drive shaft (131) and the second drive shaft (221) can pass through the first opening (141) to connect with the other of the first drive shaft (131) and the second drive shaft (221); and / or the extension interface structure (19) includes a first housing connection structure (142) of the first housing (14) configured to engage with a second housing connection structure of the second housing (23) of the second component (2) to attach the second housing (23) to the first housing (14).

6. The electronic lock for the charging socket according to claim 5, wherein, The first housing connection structure (142) includes at least one wall (1421) extending around the first opening (141), wherein: the wall (1421) is provided with at least one snap hole (1422) penetrating the wall (1421), the snap hole (1422) being configured to engage with at least one snap hook (231) of the second housing connection structure; and / or the at least one wall (1421) includes a plurality of walls (1421) arranged spaced apart from each other around the first opening (141), a guide groove (1423) being formed between any two adjacent walls (1421) of the plurality of walls (1421), the guide groove (1423) being configured to engage with a protrusion (232) formed on the second housing (23) to guide the second housing (23) to be inserted into the first housing (14) along the extension direction of the guide groove (1423).

7. The electronic lock for the charging socket according to claim 5, wherein, The charging socket electronic lock also includes a protective cover (3) for closing the first opening (141).

8. The electronic lock for the charging socket according to claim 7, wherein, The protective cover (3) is configured to be at least partially embedded in the first opening (141) in order to close the first opening (141).

9. The electronic lock for the charging socket according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The charging socket electronic lock also includes a first sealing ring located between the first opening (141) and the protective cover (3).

10. The electronic lock for a charging socket according to any one of claims 2-3 and 6-8, wherein, The charging socket electronic lock also includes a manual unlocking mechanism (4); the manual unlocking mechanism (4) is connected to a first drive shaft (131) so that the first drive shaft (131) can transmit the movement of the manual unlocking mechanism (4) to a first locking member (12) so that the first locking member (12) moves to a release position, thereby releasing the lock on the charging gun that is engaged with the first charging interface of the electric vehicle; when the first component (1) is engaged with the second component (2) through the extension interface structure (19), the first drive shaft (131) can transmit the movement of the manual unlocking mechanism (4) to the second component (2) so as to release the lock on the charging gun that is engaged with the second charging interface of the electric vehicle.

11. The electronic lock for a charging socket according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, wherein, The first charging interface is an AC charging interface, and the first component (1) is configured to lock the charging gun that is connected to the AC charging interface of the electric vehicle. The second charging interface is a DC charging interface, and the second component (2) is configured to lock the charging gun that is connected to the DC charging interface of the electric vehicle.

12. The electronic lock for a charging socket according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, wherein, The charging socket electronic lock includes the second component (2), which is connected to the first component (1) through an expansion interface structure (19), so that the second component (2) can lock the charging gun connected to the second charging interface of the electric vehicle under the drive of the drive device (11).

13. An electric vehicle, wherein, The electric vehicle includes an electronic lock for the charging socket according to any one of claims 1-12.

Images