Sockets, charging devices for autonomous vehicles, and autonomous vehicles

Abstract

This invention discloses a socket, a charging device for an autonomous vehicle, and an autonomous vehicle, comprising: a socket contact piece for contacting the side of a plug to conduct electricity; and a push-out mechanism for pushing the socket contact piece away from the position of contact with the plug. The push-out mechanism can cooperate with the plug, allowing it to move so that it drives the socket contact piece into the position of contact with the plug. In the disassembled state, the push-out mechanism can push the socket contact piece away from the position of contact with the plug, preventing the plug from contacting the socket contact piece during insertion and removal, thereby reducing or avoiding friction and wear between the plug and the socket contact piece during insertion and removal. After the plug is inserted, the push-out mechanism can be activated, causing it to drive the socket contact piece to contact the plug, achieving contact and electricity conduction between the socket and the plug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of charging technology, and more particularly to a socket, a charging device for autonomous vehicles, and an autonomous vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In existing charging plug structures, to ensure sufficient contact between the male plug and the female socket contacts, the contacts are generally designed as springs. Furthermore, there is a certain degree of interference between the two during installation, allowing the contact springs to maintain tight contact after insertion. Therefore, during insertion and removal, there is constant relative friction between the male plug contacts and the female socket contacts, which accelerates contact wear to some extent. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a socket, a charging device for an autonomous vehicle, and an autonomous vehicle, which can solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] On the one hand, a socket is provided for connection with a plug, including:

[0006] The socket contact piece is used to make contact with the side of the plug to conduct electricity;

[0007] The ejection mechanism can push the socket contact piece away from the position where it contacts the plug; and it can cooperate with the plug so that the plug can push the ejection mechanism to move, allowing the ejection mechanism to drive the socket contact piece into the position where it contacts the plug.

[0008] Optionally, the ejection mechanism includes a linkage component and a first reset component. The first reset component is used to push the socket contact away from the position where it contacts the plug. The linkage component can cooperate with the plug. The plug, whose front end passes over the socket contact, can push against the linkage component to move, so that the linkage component drives the socket contact into the position where it contacts the side of the plug.

[0009] Optionally, the first reset member is connected to the linkage component. Taking the direction of the linkage component's movement when the plug is inserted as the positive direction, the first reset member pushes the linkage component to move in the opposite direction, thereby moving the socket contact away from the position that contacts the side of the plug.

[0010] Optionally, the socket housing is also included. A plug hole is provided on one side of the socket housing, and a plug channel coaxial with the plug hole is formed inside the socket housing. The socket contact is disposed on the side of the plug channel inside the socket housing. The ejection mechanism pushes the socket contact closer to or away from the plug channel to push the socket contact into or away from the position in contact with the plug.

[0011] Optionally, the plug can be used to push the linkage component axially, causing the linkage component to move the socket contact simultaneously along the axial insertion direction and the radial inward direction, so that the socket contact moves closer to the insertion channel.

[0012] Optionally, the linkage component includes a first slider and a connecting rod. The first slider is slidably installed inside the socket housing. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the first slider, and the other end is connected to the socket contact piece. The plug pushes the first slider to move axially, causing the first slider to drive the connecting rod to swing, thereby causing the connecting rod to drive the socket contact piece to move simultaneously in the axial and radial directions.

[0013] Optionally, the linkage includes a first link and a second link that are hinged together, wherein the end of the first link away from the second link is hinged to the first slider, and the end of the second link away from the first link is hinged to the socket contact.

[0014] Optionally, one end of the first reset member is fixed inside the socket housing, and the other end is connected to the first slider. The first reset member pushes the first slider to move in the direction of plug removal, so that the connecting rod pushes the socket contact away from the insertion channel.

[0015] Optionally, the socket contact piece is hinged with a first swing arm and a second swing arm arranged in parallel. The ends of the first swing arm and the second swing arm away from the socket contact piece are rotatably connected to the socket housing, so that the socket contact piece always remains parallel to the axial direction during the process of the connecting rod driving the socket contact piece to move.

[0016] Optionally, the linkage component includes an ejector spring and a second slider. The second slider is slidably installed inside the socket housing and restricts the socket contact piece, causing the socket contact piece to move away from the insertion channel. One end of the ejector spring is fixed inside the socket housing, and the other end is connected to the socket contact piece. The ejector spring can push the socket contact piece closer to the insertion channel. The plug pushes the second slider to move axially, causing the second slider to abut against or disengage from the socket contact piece, causing the socket contact piece to move radially, thereby causing the socket contact piece to move closer to or away from the insertion channel.

[0017] Optionally, the linkage component further includes a sliding push block slidably installed inside the socket housing. The sliding push block can slide axially within the plugging channel. The side of the sliding push block is provided with a guide roller, which opens the socket contact piece so that the second slider can be pushed out to the position that limits the socket contact piece.

[0018] Optionally, the socket housing is further provided with a sealing cover and a second reset member. The second reset member can push the sealing cover to close the plug hole, thereby closing the plug hole. The sealing cover can cooperate with the insertion end of the plug. When the plug is inserted into the socket housing, it can automatically push the sealing cover away from the plug hole, thereby opening the plug hole.

[0019] Optionally, the sealing cover is slidably installed inside the socket housing, and the sealing cover can move axially within the insertion channel; the socket housing is provided with a support base opposite to the insertion hole, one end of the second reset member is fixed to the support base, and the other end is connected to the sealing cover; the socket contact is disposed in the area between the support base and the insertion hole, so that after the plug pushes against the sealing cover and passes the socket contact, the plug located on the side of the plug can contact the plug.

[0020] Optionally, the sealing cover can cooperate with the linkage component, and the plug pushes the linkage component to move through the sealing cover, so that the socket contact is close to the insertion channel.

[0021] Optionally, the socket contact includes a contact piece and a contact mounting plate, the contact piece is mounted on the contact mounting plate, and the linkage component is connected to the contact mounting plate.

[0022] Optionally, the socket housing is provided with a guide rail arranged parallel to the axial direction, and the sealing cover is slidably mounted on the guide rail.

[0023] Optionally, the socket housing is provided with two sets of socket contacts arranged in opposition.

[0024] On the other hand, a charging device for an autonomous vehicle is provided, including the aforementioned socket.

[0025] On the other hand, an autonomous vehicle is provided, including the aforementioned socket.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This invention provides a socket, a charging device for an autonomous vehicle, and an autonomous vehicle. The socket structure is provided with an ejection mechanism that can cooperate with the insertion and removal of the plug. In the separated state, the ejection mechanism can push the socket contact piece away from the position that contacts the plug, so that the plug will not contact the socket contact piece during the insertion and removal process, thereby reducing or avoiding the problem of friction and wear between the plug and the socket contact piece during the insertion and removal process. After the plug is inserted into place, it can push the ejection mechanism to move, so that the ejection mechanism drives the socket contact piece to contact the plug, realizing the contact and power supply between the socket and the plug. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the socket in this application;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional view of the socket shown;

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the socket.

[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the structure shown;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the plug and socket in the plugged-in state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 6 The plug and the embodiment described in this application Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the socket during connection.

[0034] Figure 7 The plug and the embodiment described in this application Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the socket during the insertion process.

[0035] Figure 8 The plug and the embodiment described in this application Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the structure of the socket after it has been plugged in.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of another embodiment of the socket described in this application;

[0037] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A partial structural diagram of the structure shown;

[0038] Figure 11The plug and the embodiment described in this application Figure 9 The diagram shows the structure of the socket after it has been plugged in.

[0039] In the picture:

[0040] 100. Socket; 1. Socket housing; 11. Socket hole; 12. Socket channel; 2. Socket contact piece; 21. Contact contact piece; 22. Contact piece mounting plate; 23. First rocker arm; 24. Second rocker arm; 3. Ejection mechanism; 31. Linkage assembly; 311. First slider; 312. Linkage member; 3121. First connecting rod; 3122. Second connecting rod; 313. Second slider; 314. Ejection spring; 32. First reset member; 41. Sealing cover; 411. Guide roller; 42. Second reset member; 43. Guide rail; 44. Support base; 200. Plug; 201. Socket guide post; 202. Plug contact piece. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] In autonomous vehicle scenarios, the charging process is often completed autonomously by the vehicle itself. Currently, a common industry solution involves large exposed male and female contacts for close contact, achieving a good balance between connection accuracy, electrical control complexity, and cost. In existing charging connector structures, to ensure full contact between the male plug and female socket contacts, the contacts are typically spring-loaded. Furthermore, there is some interference between the two in their installation positions, allowing the contact spring force to maintain tight contact after insertion. Therefore, during insertion and removal, there is constant relative friction between the male plug contacts and the female socket contacts, which accelerates contact wear to some extent.

[0045] To solve the above technical problems, such as Figure 1-11 As shown, this embodiment provides a socket 100 for connection with a plug 200, including a socket contact 2 and an ejection mechanism 3, wherein:

[0046] The socket contact 2 is used to make contact with the side of the plug 200 to conduct electricity; specifically, refer to... Figure 6 The plug 200 includes a plug guide post 201 and a plug contact 202 disposed on the periphery of the plug guide post 201. When plugged in, the plug guide post 201 extends to the inside of the socket contact 2, and the plug contact 202 contacts the socket contact 2, thereby realizing the docking of the socket 100 and the plug 200.

[0047] The ejection mechanism 3 can push the socket contact 2 away from the position of contact with the plug 200; and can cooperate with the plug 200, so that the ejection mechanism 3 can drive the socket contact 2 into the position of contact with the plug 200 by pushing the ejection mechanism 3.

[0048] Specifically, the socket contact 2 contacts the plug contact 202 on the side of the insertion guide post 201 to achieve conductivity. Taking the direction of plug insertion and removal as the axial direction, when plug 200 is not inserted or during insertion, the ejection mechanism 3 pushes the socket contact 2 radially away, so that there is no friction between plug contact 202 and socket contact 2 during insertion. When plug 200 is inserted in place, that is, when plug contact 202 is facing socket contact 2, plug 200 can continue to contact and push ejection mechanism 3. Ejection mechanism 3 drives socket contact 2 to move radially closer to plug contact 202, so as to realize the connection between socket 100 and plug 200.

[0049] In summary, based on the structure of the socket 100 in this embodiment, an ejection mechanism 3 is provided that can cooperate with the insertion and removal of the plug 200. In the separated state, the ejection mechanism 3 can push the socket contact 2 away from the position that contacts the plug 200, so that the plug 200 will not contact the socket contact 2 during the insertion and removal process, thereby reducing or avoiding the problem of friction and wear between the plug 200 and the socket contact 2 during the insertion and removal process. After the plug 200 is inserted into place, the ejection mechanism 3 can be pushed to move, so that the ejection mechanism 3 drives the socket contact 2 to contact the plug 200, so as to realize the contact and power supply between the socket 100 and the plug 200.

[0050] In one embodiment, the ejection mechanism 3 includes a linkage component 31 and a first reset component 32. The first reset component 32 is used to push the socket contact 2 away from the position where it contacts the plug 200. The linkage component 31 can cooperate with the plug 200. When the front end of the plug 200 passes over the socket contact 2, it can push the linkage component 31 to move, so that the linkage component 31 drives the socket contact 2 to the position where it contacts the side of the plug 200.

[0051] In practical applications, the front end of the plug 200 can directly engage with the linkage component 31, or an intermediate transmission component can be set inside the socket 100. The inserted plug 200 pushes the intermediate transmission component, which then transmits the driving force to the linkage component 31. Since the plug contact 202 is located on the side of the insertion guide post 201, the plug 200 is designed to reach the linkage component 31 only after the front end of the plug 200 has passed the socket contact 2. This ensures that the socket contact 2 remains offset from the plug contact 202 throughout most of the insertion path of the plug 100, maintaining a large insertion range without contact between the socket contact 2 and the plug contact 202.

[0052] Specifically, it can be combined with Figure 6-8 In comparison, this scheme refers to Figure 6 In the unplugged state, the socket contact 2 is offset from the position where it contacts the plug contact 202; refer to Figure 7 After the insertion guide post 201 is inserted into the socket 100, the socket contact 2 remains stationary until its front end passes the socket contact 2. Therefore, during this process, the socket contact 2 does not come into contact with the insertion guide post 201 or the plug contact 202, thus avoiding frictional wear during insertion. (Refer to...) Figure 8When the front end of the insertion guide post 201 passes the socket contact 2, the sealing cover 41 will push the linkage component 31 to move. The linkage component 31 will drive the socket contact 2 to the position of contact with the plug contact 202, so that the socket contact 2 can contact the plug contact 202 to realize power supply. Conversely, during the process of unplugging the plug 200, the first reset component 32 gradually pushes the linkage component 31 to reset. When the front end of the insertion guide post 201 enters between the socket contacts 2, the linkage component 31 pushes the socket contact 2 to disengage from the position of contact with the plug contact 202, so that there is no interference friction between the plug contact 202 and the socket contact 2. Therefore, during the process of unplugging the plug 200, there is only friction between the plug contact 202 and the socket contact 2 in the first short distance after unplugging. There is no friction between the two during the main process, so the problem of mutual wear between the plug contact 202 and the socket contact 2 is largely avoided.

[0053] Regarding the implementation of the first reset member 32, in one embodiment, the first reset member 32 is connected to the linkage component 31. Taking the direction of the linkage component 31's movement when the plug 200 is inserted and pushes the linkage component 31 as the positive direction, the first reset member 32 pushes the linkage component 31 to move in the opposite direction, thereby driving the socket contact 2 away from the position that contacts the side of the plug 200.

[0054] The first reset component 32 is connected to the linkage component 31. The structure of the linkage component 31 is used to push the socket contact 2 back to reset, so as to make full use of the function of the linkage component 31. This makes it easier to set the first reset component 32 and simplifies the internal structure of the socket 100.

[0055] Preferably, the first reset element 32 is a spring, which has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.

[0056] In one embodiment, to provide support and protection, the socket 100 of this embodiment further includes a socket housing 1. A plug hole 11 is provided on one side of the socket housing 1. A plug channel 12 coaxial with the plug hole 11 is formed inside the socket housing 1. The socket contact piece 2 is disposed inside the socket housing 1 on the side of the plug channel 12. The ejection mechanism 3 pushes the socket contact piece 2 closer to or away from the plug channel 12, thereby pushing the socket contact piece 2 into or away from the position in contact with the plug 200.

[0057] Specifically, during the insertion and removal of the plug 200, the insertion guide post 201 moves axially within the insertion channel 12. When the socket contact 2 moves away from the insertion channel 12, the socket contact 2 will not contact the plug 200. When the socket contact 2 enters the insertion channel 12, the socket contact 2 can contact the inserted plug 200. This achieves the purpose of the socket contact 2 moving into or away from the position of contact with the plug 200 during the insertion and removal process.

[0058] Regarding the implementation of the linkage component 31, in one embodiment, refer to Figure 1-8 The plug 200 axially pushes the linkage component 31, causing the linkage component 31 to drive the socket contact 2 to move simultaneously along the axial insertion direction and the radial inward direction, so that the socket contact 2 moves closer to the insertion channel 12.

[0059] That is, during insertion, the socket contact 2 moves radially closer to the insertion guide post 201 while simultaneously moving axially in sync with the insertion of the plug 200. This process is a gradual approach, which is smoother than a sudden ejection. Importantly, Figure 8 Taking the direction shown as an example, during the unplugging process, the plug guide post 201 moves to the left, and the socket contact 2 also moves to the left and gradually moves away from the plug guide post 201. The friction between the socket contact 2, which can move to the left, and the plug guide post 201 is smaller. That is, this method can greatly reduce the wear in the initial stage of unplugging the plug 200.

[0060] Based on the above solution, in one embodiment, the linkage component 31 includes a first slider 311 and a connecting rod 312. The first slider 311 is slidably installed inside the socket housing 1. One end of the connecting rod 312 is connected to the first slider 311, and the other end is connected to the socket contact piece 2. The plug 200 pushes the first slider 311 to move axially, causing the first slider 311 to drive the connecting rod 312 to swing, thereby causing the connecting rod 312 to drive the socket contact piece 2 to move simultaneously in the axial and radial directions.

[0061] Specifically, in this scheme, based on the axial sliding of the first slider 311, the connecting rod 312 drives the socket contact 2 to move simultaneously in the axial and radial directions, so as to... Figure 6-8 Taking the angle shown as an example, the plug 200 is inserted into the socket 100 from left to right. After the insertion guide post 201 pushes the first slider 311, it continues to push the first slider 311 to move to the right. The first slider 311 will drive the socket contact 2 to move closer to the insertion guide post 201 and to the right through the connecting rod 312. That is, in this process, the movement of the socket contact 2 is a gradual process of following the insertion guide post 201 to move to the right and gradually approaching it.

[0062] In one embodiment, the connecting rod 312 includes a first connecting rod 3121 and a second connecting rod 3122 that are hinged together. The end of the first connecting rod 3121 away from the second connecting rod 3122 is hinged to the first slider 311, and the end of the second connecting rod 3122 away from the first connecting rod 3121 is hinged to the socket contact piece 2.

[0063] The linkage transmission structure, which combines the first link 3121 and the second link 3122, makes the pushing process of the socket contact 2 smoother and gentler.

[0064] In one embodiment, one end of the first reset member 32 is fixed inside the socket housing 1, and the other end is connected to the first slider 311. The first reset member 32 pushes the first slider 311 to move in the direction of pulling out the plug 200, so that the connecting rod 312 pushes the socket contact 2 away from the plugging channel 12.

[0065] In this structure, it is only necessary to set the first reset member 32 so that the reset force is opposite to the insertion force of the plug 200, which facilitates the setting of the first reset member 32. For example... Figure 3 In the structure shown, a socket contact 2 is provided on each side of the insertion channel 12, and a first slider 311 is provided between the two socket contact 2. The sliding of the first slider 311 simultaneously pushes the two socket contact 2 to move. Therefore, at this time, it is only necessary to provide a first reset member 32 on one side of the first slider 311 to simultaneously push the two socket contact 2 away from the insertion channel 12.

[0066] In one embodiment, a first swing rod 23 and a second swing rod 24 are hinged to the socket contact piece 2 and arranged in parallel. The ends of the first swing rod 23 and the second swing rod 24 away from the socket contact piece 2 are rotatably connected to the socket housing 1, so that the socket contact piece 2 always remains parallel to the axial direction during the process of the connecting rod 312 driving the socket contact piece 2 to move.

[0067] Specifically, the socket housing 1 has first support points and second support points arranged at intervals along the axial direction to support the first rocker arm 23 and the second rocker arm 24, respectively. Therefore, the socket contact piece 2, the first rocker arm 23, the area between the first support point and the second support point, and the second rocker arm 24 form a parallelogram structure. This ensures that during the process of the connecting rod 312 driving the socket contact piece 2 to move, the socket contact piece 2 always remains parallel to the axial direction. That is, the full contact or separation between the socket contact piece 2 and the plug 200 is completed instantaneously, which can ensure the stability of the contact process between the two.

[0068] Optionally, a first rocker arm 23 and a second rocker arm 24 are respectively provided on the two opposite sides of the socket contact 2 to improve the stability of the movement of the socket contact 2.

[0069] In another embodiment, refer to Figure 9-11The linkage component 31 includes an ejector spring 314 and a second slider 313. The second slider 313 is slidably installed inside the socket housing 1 and restricts the socket contact 2, causing the socket contact 2 to move away from the insertion channel 12. One end of the ejector spring 314 is fixed inside the socket housing 1, and the other end is connected to the socket contact 2. The ejector spring 314 can push the socket contact 2 closer to the insertion channel 12. The plug 200 pushes the second slider 313 to move axially, causing the second slider 313 to abut against or disengage from the socket contact 2, causing the socket contact 2 to move radially, thereby causing the socket contact 2 to move closer to or away from the insertion channel 12.

[0070] Compared to the aforementioned linkage structure, the linkage component 31 of this structure has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.

[0071] In this method, the pop-out of the socket contact 2 is achieved by the ejection spring 314. That is, when the inner side of the socket contact 2 is no longer restricted, the ejection spring 314 can push the socket contact 2 out, allowing the socket contact 2 to contact the plug contact 202. Therefore, in this structure, the pop-out process of the socket contact 2 is instantaneous, and a large impact can easily occur between the socket contact 2 and the plug contact 202. Moreover, during the pulling process, before the second slider 313 pushes the socket contact 2 open, the socket contact 2 remains in close contact with the plug contact 202, resulting in significant friction between them.

[0072] In a further embodiment, the linkage component 31 further includes a sliding push block slidably installed inside the socket housing 1. The sliding push block can slide axially within the plugging channel 12. The side of the sliding push block is provided with a guide roller 411, which opens the socket contact piece 2 so that the second slider 313 can be pushed out to the position that restricts the socket contact piece 2.

[0073] Specifically, refer to Figure 9 In the unplugged state, the sliding push block abuts against the socket contact 2 from the top, and the second slider 313 abuts against the socket contact 2 from the bottom, keeping the socket contact 2 at a position away from contacting the plug contact 202. During insertion, when the sliding push block abuts against the second slider 313, it will push the second slider 313 to continue moving until the second slider 313 and the sliding push block are completely disengaged from the limiting position on the socket contact 2, and the socket contact 2 can automatically pop out to contact the plug contact 202. Conversely, when unplugging, under the action of the second reset member 42, the sliding push block is pushed upward, and the sliding push block simultaneously opens the socket contact 2. At the same time, under the action of the first reset member 32, the second slider 313 is pushed to the position that limits the socket contact 2, thereby achieving the purpose of opening the socket contact 2.

[0074] Since the ejector spring 314 always applies a spring force to the socket contact 2, pressing it against the sliding push block, the guide roller 411 on the side of the sliding push block can prevent sliding friction between the sliding push block and the socket contact 2. Moreover, based on the guide roller 411, when the plug 200 is pulled out, the sliding push block can easily pass over the corners of the socket contact 2 and enter between the socket contact 2.

[0075] In one embodiment, a sealing cover 41 and a second reset member 42 are further provided inside the socket housing 1. The second reset member 42 can push the sealing cover 41 to close the plug hole 11, thereby closing the plug hole 11. The sealing cover 41 can cooperate with the insertion end of the plug 200. When the plug 200 is inserted into the socket housing 1, it can automatically push the sealing cover 41 away from the plug hole 11, thereby opening the plug hole 11.

[0076] Based on the setting of the sealing cover 41, when separated from the plug 200, the sealing cover 41 can cover and seal the plug hole 11. That is, the socket housing 1 and the sealing cover 41 together form a sealed housing. The socket contact 2 located in the sealed housing is isolated from the external environment, which can avoid the problem of the socket contact 2 being in full contact with the outside air and thus causing the socket contact 2 to be damaged quickly, and extend the service life of the socket contact 2.

[0077] Importantly, the opening of the sealing cover 41 is achieved by inserting the plug 200. After the plug 200 is pulled out, the sealing cover 41 will automatically close. Therefore, this method can be applied to the field of automatic charging. Without manual intervention, the control of the sealing cover 41 can be automatically completed based on the insertion and removal of the plug 200.

[0078] In one embodiment, the sealing cover 41 is slidably installed inside the socket housing 1, and the sealing cover 41 can move axially within the insertion channel 12; the socket housing 1 is provided with a support base 44 opposite to the insertion hole 11, one end of the second reset member 42 is fixed on the support base 44, and the other end is connected to the sealing cover 41; the socket contact piece 2 is disposed in the area between the support base 44 and the insertion hole 11, so that after the plug 200 pushes against the sealing cover 41 and passes the socket contact piece 2, the plug 200 located on the side of the plug 200 can contact the plug 200.

[0079] Specifically, since the plug contact 202 needs to be located on the side of the insertion guide post 201, in the plugged state, the socket contact 2 inside the socket housing 1 can only contact the plug contact 202 from the side of the insertion guide post 201. The socket contact 2 needs to be located on the side of the insertion channel 12 to contact the inserted plug contact 202. Based on this, the sealing cover 41 moves axially in the insertion channel 12 without interfering with the socket contact 2. Therefore, this solution provides a fixed support base 44 inside the socket housing 1, and the support base 44 is located opposite to the insertion hole 11. The second reset member 42 located on the support base 44 can provide positive support to the sealing cover 41, thereby improving the stability of the sealing cover 41 and the second reset member 42 during the movement of the sealing cover 41.

[0080] It should be noted that in this application, the socket contact 2 includes a contact contact 21 and a contact mounting plate 22, with the contact contact 21 mounted on the contact mounting plate 22. In this application description, since there is no interference between the sealing cover 41 and the contact contact 21, the description of the sealing cover 41 extending beyond the socket contact 2 refers to the sealing cover 41 extending beyond the contact contact 21 on the socket contact 2, not that the sealing cover 41 needs to completely extend beyond the contact mounting plate 22.

[0081] In one embodiment, the sealing cover 41 can cooperate with the linkage component 31, and the plug 200 pushes the linkage component 31 to move through the sealing cover 41, so that the socket contact 2 is close to the plugging channel 12.

[0082] In this method, the triggering of the linkage component 31 is integrated with the displacement control of the sealing cover 41, so that the linkage component 31 is triggered only after the sealing cover 41 passes the socket contact 2, thus avoiding the possibility of interference between the sealing cover 41 and the socket contact 2. Moreover, by using the sealing cover 41 as the transmission component controlled by the linkage component 31, the transmission component for the linkage component 31 can be omitted, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the socket 100.

[0083] Based on this, Figure 9-11 In this embodiment, the sealing cap 41 can be used as the aforementioned sliding push block.

[0084] In one embodiment, the socket contact 2 includes a contact contact 21 and a contact mounting plate 22, the contact contact 21 is mounted on the contact mounting plate 22, and the linkage component 31 is connected to the contact mounting plate 22.

[0085] The contact mounting plate 22 is provided to support the contact contact 21, which can provide reliable support for the contact contact 21 and facilitate the connection between the socket contact 2 and the linkage component 31.

[0086] In one embodiment, the socket housing 1 is provided with a guide rail 43 arranged parallel to the axial direction, and the sealing cover 41 is slidably mounted on the guide rail 43.

[0087] A guide rail 43 is provided inside the socket housing 1 to provide stable support and guidance for the sliding of the sealing cover 41, preventing misalignment of the sealing cover 41. Preferably, a guide rail 43 is provided on each side of the sealing cover 41.

[0088] Furthermore, the first slider 311 is slidably mounted on the guide rail 43.

[0089] Preferably, the socket housing 1 is provided with two sets of socket contacts 2 arranged opposite to each other.

[0090] By symmetrically arranging two sets of socket contacts 2, the plug contacts 202 can be contacted from both sides, which can increase the contact area and improve the current carrying capacity.

[0091] On the other hand, a charging device for an autonomous vehicle is provided, including the aforementioned socket 100.

[0092] On the other hand, an autonomous vehicle is provided, including the aforementioned socket 100.

[0093] In the structure of the unmanned vehicle and its charging device in this embodiment, the socket 100 is as described above. In the separated state, the ejection mechanism 3 can push the socket contact 2 away from the position that contacts the plug 200, so that the plug 200 will not contact the socket contact 2 during the plugging and unplugging process, thereby reducing or avoiding the problem of friction and wear between the plug 200 and the socket contact 2 during the plugging and unplugging process.

[0094] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0095] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0096] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0097] The technical principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this application without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A socket for use in connecting with a plug (200), characterized in that, include: The socket contact piece (2) is used to make contact with the side of the plug (200) to conduct electricity; The ejection mechanism (3) can push the socket contact (2) away from the position of contact with the plug (200); and can cooperate with the plug (200). By pushing the ejection mechanism (3) through the plug (200), the ejection mechanism (3) can drive the socket contact (2) into the position of contact with the plug (200); the ejection mechanism (3) includes a linkage component (31) and a first reset component (32). The first reset component (32) is used to push the socket contact (2) away from the position of contact with the plug (200); the linkage component (31) can cooperate with the plug (200). The plug (200) with its front end passing over the socket contact (2) can push the linkage component (31) to move, so that the linkage component (31) can drive the socket contact (2) into the position of contact with the side of the plug (200); A socket housing (1) is provided with a plug hole (11) on one side, and a plug channel (12) coaxial with the plug hole (11) is formed inside the socket housing (1); The linkage component (31) includes a first slider (311) and a connecting rod (312). The first slider (311) is slidably installed inside the socket housing (1). One end of the connecting rod (312) is connected to the first slider (311), and the other end is connected to the socket contact (2). The plug (200) pushes the first slider (311) to move axially, causing the first slider (311) to drive the connecting rod (312) to swing, thereby causing the connecting rod (312) to drive the socket contact (2) to move simultaneously in the axial and radial directions.

2. The socket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first reset member (32) is connected to the linkage component (31). When the plug (200) is inserted and pushes the linkage component (31) to move in the opposite direction, the first reset member (32) drives the socket contact (2) away from the position that contacts the side of the plug (200).

3. The socket according to claim 2, characterized in that, The socket contact (2) is disposed on the side of the plugging channel (12) inside the socket housing (1). The ejection mechanism (3) pushes the socket contact (2) closer to or away from the plugging channel (12) to push the socket contact (2) into or away from the position in contact with the plug (200).

4. The socket according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting rod (312) includes a first connecting rod (3121) and a second connecting rod (3122) that are hinged together. The end of the first connecting rod (3121) away from the second connecting rod (3122) is hinged to the first slider (311), and the end of the second connecting rod (3122) away from the first connecting rod (3121) is hinged to the socket contact piece (2).

5. The socket according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the first reset member (32) is fixed inside the socket housing (1), and the other end is connected to the first slider (311). The first reset member (32) pushes the first slider (311) to move in the direction of pulling out the plug (200), so that the connecting rod (312) pushes the socket contact (2) away from the plugging channel (12).

6. The socket according to claim 3, characterized in that, The socket contact (2) is hinged with a first swing rod (23) and a second swing rod (24) arranged in parallel. The ends of the first swing rod (23) and the second swing rod (24) away from the socket contact (2) are rotatably connected to the socket housing (1) so that the socket contact (2) remains parallel to the axial direction during the process of the connecting rod (312) driving the socket contact (2) to move.

7. The socket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket housing (1) is also provided with a sealing cover (41) and a second reset member (42). The second reset member (42) can push the sealing cover (41) to close the plug hole (11) and realize the closure of the plug hole (11). The sealing cover (41) can cooperate with the insertion end of the plug (200). The plug (200) inserted into the socket housing (1) can automatically push the sealing cover (41) away from the plug hole (11) and realize the opening of the plug hole (11).

8. The socket according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing cover (41) is slidably installed inside the socket housing (1), and the sealing cover (41) can move axially within the plug-in channel (12); the socket housing (1) is provided with a support base (44) opposite to the plug-in hole (11), one end of the second reset member (42) is fixed on the support base (44), and the other end is connected to the sealing cover (41); the socket contact (2) is disposed in the area between the support base (44) and the plug-in hole (11), so that after the plug (200) pushes against the sealing cover (41) and passes the socket contact (2), the plug contact (202) located on the side of the plug (200) can contact the socket contact (2).

9. The socket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sealing cover (41) can cooperate with the linkage component (31). The plug (200) pushes the linkage component (31) to move through the sealing cover (41), so that the socket contact (2) is close to the plugging channel (12).

10. The socket according to claim 9, characterized in that, The socket contact (2) includes a contact contact (21) and a contact mounting plate (22). The contact contact (21) is mounted on the contact mounting plate (22), and the linkage component (31) is connected to the contact mounting plate (22).

11. The socket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The socket housing (1) is provided with a guide rail (43) arranged parallel to the axial direction, and the sealing cover (41) is slidably installed on the guide rail (43).

12. The socket according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket housing (1) is provided with two sets of socket contacts (2) arranged opposite to each other.

13. A socket for connection with a plug (200), characterized in that, include: The socket contact piece (2) is used to make contact with the side of the plug (200) to conduct electricity; The ejection mechanism (3) can push the socket contact (2) away from the position of contact with the plug (200); and can cooperate with the plug (200). By pushing the ejection mechanism (3) through the plug (200), the ejection mechanism (3) can drive the socket contact (2) into the position of contact with the plug (200); the ejection mechanism (3) includes a linkage component (31) and a first reset component (32). The first reset component (32) is used to push the socket contact (2) away from the position of contact with the plug (200); the linkage component (31) can cooperate with the plug (200). The plug (200) with its front end passing over the socket contact (2) can push the linkage component (31) to move, so that the linkage component (31) can drive the socket contact (2) into the position of contact with the side of the plug (200); A socket housing (1) is provided with a plug hole (11) on one side, and a plug channel (12) coaxial with the plug hole (11) is formed inside the socket housing (1); The linkage component (31) includes an ejector spring (314) and a second slider (313). The second slider (313) is slidably installed inside the socket housing (1) and restricts the socket contact (2) to move it away from the insertion channel (12). One end of the ejector spring (314) is fixed inside the socket housing (1), and the other end is connected to the socket contact (2). The ejector spring (314) can push the socket contact (2) closer to the insertion channel (12). The second slider (313) is driven by the plug (200). The second slider (313) moves to abut against or disengage from the socket contact (2), causing the socket contact (2) to move radially, thereby moving the socket contact (2) closer to or further away from the plugging channel (12); the linkage assembly (31) also includes a sliding push block slidably installed in the socket housing (1), the sliding push block can slide axially in the plugging channel (12), and the side of the sliding push block is provided with a guide roller (411), which opens the socket contact (2) through the guide roller (411), so that the second slider (313) can be pushed out to the position that restricts the socket contact (2); In the unplugged state, the sliding push block abuts against the socket contact (2) from the top side, and the second slider (313) abuts against the socket contact (2) from the bottom side, so that the socket contact (2) is kept at a position away from contacting the plug (200); during the insertion process, when the sliding push block abuts against the second slider (313), it will push the second slider (313) to continue moving until the second slider (313) and the sliding push block are completely disengaged from the limiting position on the socket contact (2), and the socket contact (2) can automatically pop out to contact the plug (200); when pulled out, the sliding push block is pushed upward, and the sliding push block simultaneously opens the socket contact (2). At the same time, under the action of the first reset member (32), the second slider (313) is pushed to the position that limits the socket contact (2), thereby achieving the purpose of opening the socket contact (2).

14. The socket according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first reset member (32) is connected to the linkage component (31). When the plug (200) is inserted and pushes the linkage component (31) to move in the opposite direction, the first reset member (32) drives the socket contact (2) away from the position that contacts the side of the plug (200).

15. The socket according to claim 14, characterized in that, The socket contact (2) is disposed on the side of the plugging channel (12) inside the socket housing (1). The ejection mechanism (3) pushes the socket contact (2) closer to or away from the plugging channel (12) to push the socket contact (2) into or away from the position in contact with the plug (200).

16. The socket according to claim 13, characterized in that, The sliding push block is configured as a sealing cover (41), and a second reset member (42) is also provided inside the socket housing (1). The second reset member (42) can push the sealing cover (41) to close the plug hole (11) and realize the closure of the plug hole (11). The sealing cover (41) can cooperate with the insertion end of the plug (200). The plug (200) inserted into the socket housing (1) can automatically push the sealing cover (41) away from the plug hole (11) and realize the opening of the plug hole (11).

17. The socket according to claim 16, characterized in that, The sealing cover (41) is slidably installed inside the socket housing (1), and the sealing cover (41) can move axially within the plug-in channel (12); the socket housing (1) is provided with a support base (44) opposite to the plug-in hole (11), one end of the second reset member (42) is fixed on the support base (44), and the other end is connected to the sealing cover (41); the socket contact (2) is disposed in the area between the support base (44) and the plug-in hole (11), so that after the plug (200) pushes against the sealing cover (41) and passes the socket contact (2), the plug contact (202) located on the side of the plug (200) can contact the socket contact (2).

18. The socket according to claim 13, characterized in that, The socket contact (2) includes a contact contact (21) and a contact mounting plate (22). The contact contact (21) is mounted on the contact mounting plate (22), and the linkage component (31) is connected to the contact mounting plate (22).

19. The socket according to claim 16, characterized in that, The socket housing (1) is provided with a guide rail (43) arranged parallel to the axial direction, and the sealing cover (41) is slidably installed on the guide rail (43).

20. The socket according to claim 13, characterized in that, The socket housing (1) is provided with two sets of socket contacts (2) arranged opposite to each other.

21. A charging device for an unmanned vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the socket (100) as described in any one of claims 1-20.

22. An unmanned vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the socket (100) as described in any one of claims 1-20.

Images