An electronic locking device

Abstract

The application discloses an electronic locking device, which comprises a buckle mechanism, the buckle mechanism comprises a transmission gear and a feed screw, the transmission gear is provided with a through hole, one end of the feed screw is a threaded rod, the other end of the feed screw is inserted into the through hole, and the end is provided with two cantilevers which can be offset inward under the action of external force, and at least one pair of protrusions are arranged at the corresponding positions of the inner wall of the transmission gear and the ends of the two cantilevers, and the cantilevers can be offset inward under the extrusion of the wedge-shaped protrusions in the transmission gear. The buckle mechanism is redesigned, a self-locking mechanism is additionally arranged, the bolt is prevented from being accidentally pushed out, manual unlocking and electric locking are independent of each other, and the two sets of devices do not affect each other during work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of new energy vehicle charging equipment, and relates to a locking device used for charging interfaces of new energy vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electric vehicle charging technology, the types of vehicle charging sockets are increasing, and charging speeds are getting faster. Currently, vehicle charging interface locking devices, designed to improve charging safety, are collectively referred to as electronic locks. Electronic locks are divided into mechanical lock cylinders and electromagnetic lock cylinders. Traditional mechanical locks are typically complex in structure, have low reliability, and some lock bodies require additional equipment on the vehicle to achieve their locking function. Furthermore, their locking device structure is incompatible with the charging interface, requiring a conversion device for compatibility. They are also relatively large and costly to manufacture, which to some extent limits the concept and goals of platform-based vehicle development and design, directly and indirectly wasting social labor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention discloses an electronic locking device. The latching mechanism has been redesigned, and a self-locking mechanism has been added to prevent the bolt from being accidentally pushed back. Manual unlocking and electric locking are independent of each other, ensuring that the two devices do not interfere with each other during operation.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] An electronic locking device includes a latching mechanism, which includes a transmission gear and a feed screw. The transmission gear has a through hole. One end of the feed screw is a threaded rod, and the other end is inserted into the through hole. The feed screw has two cantilever arms that can be offset inward under external force. At least one pair of wedge-shaped protrusions are provided at the ends of the two cantilever arms of the feed screw at corresponding positions on the inner wall of the transmission gear. The cantilever arms can be offset inward under the squeezing action of the wedge-shaped protrusions inside the transmission gear.

[0006] Furthermore, the transmission gear is provided with a square hole, and the other end of the feed screw is provided with a square double cantilever, which is inserted into the square hole of the transmission gear.

[0007] Furthermore, the latching mechanism includes a transmission gear and a feed screw. The transmission gear has a through hole, and the feed screw has a threaded rod at one end and is inserted into the through hole at the other end. The other end has two cantilever arms that can be offset inward under external force. At least one pair of wedge-shaped protrusions are provided at the ends of the two cantilever arms of the feed screw at corresponding positions on the inner wall of the transmission gear. The cantilever arms can be offset inward under the squeezing action of the wedge-shaped protrusions inside the transmission gear.

[0008] Furthermore, there are two pairs of wedge-shaped protruding buckles at the insertion position between the square double cantilever end of the feed screw and the square hole of the transmission gear. Under normal conditions, when the double cantilever does not shift inward, the buckles on the transmission gear can abut against the buckles on the feed screw to prevent the feed screw from retracting.

[0009] Furthermore, when the feed screw moves along the axial direction, the double cantilever can be offset inward under the squeezing action of the wedge-shaped protrusion in the square hole of the transmission gear, and the latch is disengaged. At this time, the feed screw can continue to move axially in the square hole of the transmission gear.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a self-locking mechanism, which includes a feed screw and a self-locking spring. The feed screw has a groove along its axial direction, one end of which is a threaded rod, and the other end has two cantilever arms that can be offset inward under external force. One end of the self-locking spring has a hook, which is disposed in the groove. The other end of the self-locking spring has a support clip for abutting against the two cantilever arms of the feed screw from the inside. When the hook on the self-locking spring slides in the groove, the support clip can disengage from the ends of the two cantilever arms of the feed screw.

[0011] A charging socket having the electronic locking device described in any one of the above claims.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0013] 1. The locking mechanism provided by this invention is ingeniously designed and the transmission mechanism is cleverly coordinated. It has high security under normal conditions and can effectively prevent the manual mechanism from misunderstanding the lock. When it is necessary to manually unlock in an emergency, its transmission mechanism can unlock safely, reliably and quickly.

[0014] 2. This invention features high process integration, higher automation, lower cost, higher protection level, durability, and reliability. Compared to previous similar products, it has the advantages of simple structure, compact size, low cost, and the ability to meet high protection levels. It can solve the problem of limited space and high space requirements for most vehicle manufacturers, providing better product input for platform-based and standardized development and design.

[0015] 3. This invention solves the problem of the locking tongue being easily pushed back, resulting in a higher success rate of locking and unlocking under various working conditions and reducing the probability of misjudgment by the system when locking and unlocking while charging.

[0016] 4. This invention solves the problem that the operating handle at the end of the manual unlocking mechanism moves with each lock and unlocking operation of the electronic lock. By redesigning the internal structure, the manual unlocking mechanism and the electric locking mechanism are made independent of each other, so that the two mechanisms do not affect each other during operation, thereby avoiding problems such as interference between the operating handle and the internal parts of the vehicle body. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 An exploded view of the electronic locking device provided by this invention.

[0018] Figure 2 The image shows the appearance of the electronic locking device provided by this invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the electronic locking device provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 The diagram shows the assembly of the electronic locking device provided by the present invention, in which the upper cover is not installed.

[0021] Figure 5 These are horizontal and longitudinal cross-sectional views of the locking mechanism of the electronic locking device provided by the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning method of the pull wire sleeve and the bottom shell through hole of the electronic locking device provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0024] like Figures 1-6 The electronic locking device shown includes a housing consisting of an upper cover 1 and a bottom shell 8. In this example, the upper cover 1 and the bottom shell 8 are positioned by at least one flange structure and are rigidly connected, for example, by sealant or ultrasonic welding. Other connection methods can be used as needed, and even an integral structure of the upper cover and bottom shell can be adopted. A cavity is formed between the upper cover 1 and the bottom shell 8, and an electric conversion unit 2, a transmission mechanism, a locking tongue slider 4, a feed screw 10, a self-locking spring 12, a ball-head pull cable 14, a return spring 15, and a pull cable sleeve 16 are disposed within the cavity.

[0025] One end of the latch slider 4 is square to prevent rotation. This end has a threaded groove structure, which can be semi-open or a blind hole as shown in the attached figure. The other end is a cylindrical latch portion that extends through a through hole on one side of the bottom shell 8 to the outside of the bottom shell 8. A stepped surface is provided at this through hole, and an annular sealing element 5 is provided for sealing. The inner ring cooperates with the cylindrical latch to form a seal, and the outer ring cooperates with the through hole on the side of the bottom shell 8 to form a seal. A cover 6 is also provided on the annular sealing element 5 for protection. The outer surface of the square end of the latch slider 4 has at least two guide bosses. These guide bosses prevent the latch slider 4 from deflecting around any axis and also provide good guidance for the direction of movement of the latch slider 4, allowing it to move directionally within the slide formed after the upper cover 1 and the bottom shell 8 are connected. One end of the feed screw 10 is a threaded rod, whose external thread matches the internal thread in the blind hole of the latch slider. The threaded rod can rotate within the blind hole of the latch slider 4. The other end of the feed screw 10 is equipped with a square double cantilever.

[0026] The housing also houses a signal feedback unit 3, and a trigger mechanism is located on the outer surface of the latch slider 4. This trigger mechanism activates the signal feedback unit and sends a signal back to the vehicle system controller. The trigger mechanism should be positioned in the latch slider's locked position to provide a feedback signal when locked. In this example, the trigger mechanism is a small protrusion on the outside of the latch slider 4. Other structures or electronic components can also be used to replace this protrusion.

[0027] The electric conversion unit 2 is connected to the transmission mechanism, which in turn is connected to the feed screw 10. The power generated by the electric conversion unit is transmitted to the feed screw 10 through the transmission mechanism. In this example, the electric conversion unit uses a motor.

[0028] Specifically, in this example, the transmission mechanism consists of a drive gear 112 fixedly connected to the electric conversion unit, a transition gear 111 meshing with the drive gear 112, and a transmission gear 11 meshing with the transition gear 111. The electric conversion unit 2 can transmit power to the transition gear 111 through the drive gear 112, and finally transfer the power to the transmission gear 11. The number of gears can be increased or decreased according to actual needs, as long as the electric conversion unit 2 can transmit power to the transmission gear. In the figure, the transmission gear 11 is provided with a square hole, and the square double cantilever of the feed screw 10 is inserted into the square hole of the transmission gear. The square double cantilever end of the feed screw 10 has two pairs of wedge-shaped protrusions that engage with the square hole of the transmission gear 11. Under normal conditions, when the double cantilever does not shift inward (with the feed screw axis as the inward direction) (meaning at least part of the cantilever moves inward), the protrusions on the transmission gear can abut against the protrusions on the feed screw 10, preventing the feed screw 10 from retracting. When the feed screw 10 moves along the axial direction, the double cantilever can shift inward under the squeezing action of the wedge-shaped protrusions in the square hole of the transmission gear 11, and the protrusions disengage. At this time, the feed screw 10 can continue to move axially within the square hole of the transmission gear 11. The feed screw 10 and the transmission gear 11 form a latching mechanism.

[0029] One end of the self-locking spring 12 has a hook for engaging in the middle groove of the double cantilever of the feed screw 10, and the other end has a support clip for abutting against the double cantilever of the feed screw 10. The support clip in the self-locking spring 12 prevents the feed screw cantilever from shifting inward, forming a self-locking mechanism. The end with the support clip is located in the square hole of the transmission gear 11. The pull cable sleeve 16 is connected to the self-locking spring 12 via a ball-head pull cable 14. The end of the pull cable has a ball head. The end of the self-locking spring 12 with the support clip has a small hole through which the pull cable passes. The ball head is located inside the self-locking spring, and its diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the small hole, so it cannot pass through the small hole. The ball head prevents the spring from falling out. Other limiting structures with shapes and structures larger than the inner diameter of the small hole can also be used. The return spring 15 surrounds the pull cable and is in a compressed state under normal conditions. The return spring can also be replaced by other retractable and restorative return mechanisms. The pull sleeve and the bottom shell through-hole are positioned by a stepped hole and a stepped shaft, with at least one mating hole being non-circular to prevent relative rotation. Specifically, when the hole is a regular polygon, several relatively fixed installation angles can be maintained. Specifically, an E-type retaining ring 13 is installed on the pull sleeve 16. The retaining ring axially positions the pull cap, positioning the pull sleeve on the bottom shell 8. In this example, an E-type retaining ring is used. The other side of the bottom shell has a through-hole. One end of the pull sleeve 16 extends into this through-hole, while the other end protrudes outside the bottom shell for operation. A stepped surface is provided at this through-hole, and an annular sealing element 7 is provided for sealing. The inner ring mates with the pull sleeve 16 to form a seal, and the outer ring mates with the aforementioned through-hole to form a seal.

[0030] A limiting block 9 is also installed inside the bottom shell 8. One side of the limiting block is used to limit the forward movement of the feed screw 10 (with the locking tongue slider end as the front and the pull cable sleeve end as the rear), and the other side is used to limit the backward movement of the locking tongue slider 4, thereby ensuring that the relative travel of the two inside the bottom shell 8 is fixed, and also facilitating the installation of various components.

[0031] Furthermore, conductive material may be embedded within the bottom shell 8 to provide an electrical path for the signal feedback unit 3 and the electric conversion unit 2. Preferably, the electrodes of both are elastically connected to the conductive electrode plates extended from the bottom shell 8 via a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0032] Under normal conditions, the self-locking spring 12, under the elastic force of the return spring 15, has its hook in the upper stop position of the slide (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, the self-locking spring clip 12 engages with the end of the double cantilever of the feed screw 10. Once locked, the double cantilever cannot shift inwards. Therefore, the wedge-shaped protrusion in the square hole of the transmission gear 11 activates, preventing the feed screw 10 from retracting. In this situation, when the drive gear 112 rotates, the feed screw is decelerated at a certain speed ratio through the two gears, causing it to rotate within the blind hole of the latch slider. Because the latch slider is in contact with the upper and lower housing planes and is prevented from rotating, there will be relative movement between the slider and the screw. The relative distance between the feed screw 10 and the latch slider 4 along the screw axis will change, thus driving the latch slider 2 to move back and forth. This achieves the electric unlocking action of the electronic lock. In abnormal situations, such as electrical malfunction or signal errors, external force can be applied to pull the cord at the end of the ball-head pull cable 14. The ball head will cause the hook of the self-locking spring 12 to slide to the lower stop of the rectangular slide. At this point, the support clip can completely disengage from the end of the double cantilever of the feed screw 10, leaving the cantilever in a free state. Next, the hook of the self-locking spring 12 will cause the feed screw 10 to slide backward within the square hole of the transmission gear 11. Through the wedge-shaped protrusions, the double cantilever and the two pairs of wedge-shaped protrusions within the square hole of the transmission gear abut against each other. Under the squeezing action of the wedge-shaped protrusions within the square hole of the transmission gear 11, the double cantilever bends inward and shifts, disengaging the clip. At this point, the feed screw 10 can continue to move backward within the square hole of the transmission gear 11, which should then cause the locking tongue slider to move backward as well. This achieves the manual unlocking action of the electronic lock.

[0033] The technical means disclosed in this invention are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An electronic locking device, comprising a latching mechanism, characterized in that: The latching mechanism includes a transmission gear and a feed screw. The transmission gear has a through hole. One end of the feed screw is a threaded rod, and the other end is inserted into the through hole. The other end has two cantilever arms that can be offset inward under external force. At least one pair of wedge-shaped protrusions are provided at the ends of the two cantilever arms of the feed screw at corresponding positions on the inner wall of the transmission gear. The cantilever arms can be offset inward under the squeezing action of the wedge-shaped protrusions in the transmission gear. It also includes a self-locking mechanism, which includes a feed screw and a self-locking spring. The feed screw has a groove along its axial direction. One end of the self-locking spring has a hook, which is located in the groove. The other end of the self-locking spring has a support clip that can abut against the two cantilever arms of the feed screw from the inside. When the hook on the self-locking spring slides in the groove, the support clip can disengage from the ends of the two cantilever arms of the feed screw.

2. The electronic locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission gear has a square hole, and the other end of the feed screw has a square double cantilever. The square double cantilever of the feed screw is inserted into the square hole of the transmission gear.

3. The electronic locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The square double cantilever end of the feed screw has two pairs of wedge-shaped protruding buckles at the insertion position with the square hole of the transmission gear. Under normal conditions, when the double cantilever does not shift inward, the buckles on the transmission gear can abut against the buckles on the feed screw to prevent the feed screw from retracting.

4. The electronic locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the feed screw moves along the axial direction, the double cantilever can be offset inward by the squeezing action of the wedge-shaped protrusion in the square hole of the transmission gear, and the buckle is disengaged. At this time, the feed screw can continue to move axially in the square hole of the transmission gear.

5. A charging socket, characterized in that: The charging socket has the electronic locking device as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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