Automatic dust cap for auxiliary power socket

Abstract

An automatic dust cap for an auxiliary power outlet is provided. An auxiliary power port includes: a socket for receiving a power plug; a dust cover for covering an opening of the slot, in which the dust cover is moved to a retracted position during engagement of the power plug and moved to an engaged position after extraction of the power plug; a spring mechanism for applying a closing force to the dust cover; and a damper for applying a damping force to the dust cover to reduce a movement rate of the dust cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to automotive electrical systems and auxiliary power outlets, and more specifically to a method and apparatus for providing an automatically engaging dust cover with a spring-loaded and damped dust cap for an automotive auxiliary power outlet. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles are typically equipped with multiple outlets to accommodate the charging needs of smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices. Furthermore, these outlets have become a key component in powering in-vehicle accessories and supporting advanced vehicle systems. The integration of USB ports and wireless charging technology further illustrates how power outlets adapt to the evolving needs of modern drivers. The origins of auxiliary power outlets in automobiles date back to the early 20th century, provided as a convenience for drivers and passengers. Initially, these auxiliary power outlets included removable heating elements, but their utility quickly transcended this single purpose, becoming a ubiquitous feature in automobiles by the mid-20th century. With the unfolding of technological advancements and the proliferation of personal electronic devices, the role of power outlets has grown exponentially.

[0003] Initially, when not engaged, the removable heating element remained within the auxiliary power socket, acting as a barrier against dirt and other contaminants entering the socket. As the prevalence of removable heating elements declined, these automotive auxiliary power sockets were typically equipped with dust covers to protect the electrical contacts from environmental contaminants. These covers act as a critical barrier against dust, debris, and moisture that could impair the socket's function. By preventing corrosion and oxidation, the dust covers contribute to the socket's reliability and lifespan, ensuring a consistent power delivery to the connected devices. Additionally, these covers maintain the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle interior by keeping the socket clean.

[0004] Current automotive auxiliary power sockets are typically characterized by a cap with an attached spring, which effectively protects the port from contaminants. It is desirable to improve the efficiency of current operation of automotive auxiliary power sockets. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of this disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical and background information, based on the following detailed description and appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses vehicle control methods and systems for providing auxiliary power systems for vehicles, as well as related electrical systems, methods for manufacturing such systems, and methods for operating such systems, and motor vehicles and other equipment such as aircraft, trucks, buses, forklifts, engineering vehicles, and other electric vehicles equipped with auxiliary power outlets. By way of example and not limitation, various embodiments of a system for providing an automatically opening and closing auxiliary power outlet cover are presented, the cover having at least one spring-loaded partition for sealing the opening of the auxiliary power outlet when the power plug is not engaged, wherein the spring-loaded partition includes a damper that is compressed when the power plug is engaged in the auxiliary power outlet and when the power plug is disengaged. The damper generates resistance to the spring-loaded partition, thereby slowing the speed of the spring-loaded partition as it returns to the sealed position.

[0006] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an auxiliary power port includes: a slot for receiving a power plug; a dust cover for covering an opening in the slot, wherein the dust cover is moved to a retracted position during engagement of the power plug and moved to an engaged position after the power plug is unplugged; a spring mechanism for applying a closing force to the dust cover; and a damper for applying a damping force to the dust cover to reduce the rate of movement of the dust cover.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the spring mechanism is a trigger link for transmitting bidirectional triggering force.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the spring mechanism further includes a tension spring damper.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the spring mechanism is a three-part trigger link.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the movement rate of the dust cover is reduced such that the dust cover does not contact the power plug while the power plug is being pulled out of the slot.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the dust cover is a double-door dust cover, and a spring mechanism applies a closing force to the double-door dust cover, and a damper applies a damping force to the double-door dust cover.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the dust cover includes a first door and a second door, and a spring mechanism applies a closing force to the first door dust cover, and a damper applies a damping force to the first door dust cover.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the dust cover includes a first door and a second door, a second spring mechanism and a second damper, wherein the spring mechanism applies a closing force to the first door dust cover, and wherein the damper applies a damping force to the first door dust cover, and the second spring mechanism applies a closing force to the second door dust cover, and wherein the second damper applies a damping force to the second door dust cover.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the spring mechanism is mechanically coupled to the slot via a second damper, such that during the unplugging of the power plug, the second damper applies a force to the dust cover to initiate a closing movement of the dust cap.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of providing an auxiliary power port for a vehicle application includes: receiving a power plug through a slot; opening a dust cover for covering an opening in the slot in response to engagement of the power plug into the slot, wherein the dust cover is moved to a retracted position during engagement of the power plug; and closing the dust cover in response to removal of the power plug by means of a spring mechanism for applying a closing force to the dust cover and a damper for applying a damping force to the dust cover to reduce the rate of movement of the dust cover.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the spring mechanism is a trigger link for transmitting bidirectional triggering force.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the spring mechanism further includes a tension spring damper for adjusting the extension rate of the spring mechanism.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the spring mechanism is a three-part trigger link.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the movement rate of the dust cover is reduced such that the dust cover does not contact the power plug while the power plug is being pulled out of the slot.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the dust cover is a double-door dust cover, and a spring mechanism applies a closing force to the double-door dust cover, and a damper applies a damping force to the double-door dust cover.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the dust cover includes a first door and a second door, and a spring mechanism applies a closing force to the first door dust cover, and a damper applies a damping force to the first door dust cover.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the dust cover includes a first door and a second door, a second spring mechanism and a second damper, wherein the spring mechanism applies a closing force to the first door dust cover, and wherein the damper applies a damping force to the first door dust cover, and the second spring mechanism applies a closing force to the second door dust cover, and wherein the second damper applies a damping force to the second door dust cover.

[0023] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the closing of the dust cover in response to the removal of the power plug is delayed for a predetermined duration by a delay device coupled between the spring mechanism and the slot.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an auxiliary power port for a vehicle application includes: a slot for receiving a power plug, wherein the slot includes a conductive portion coupled to a power supply and a non-conductive portion for mounting the auxiliary power port to a surface of the vehicle; a dust cover for covering an opening in the slot, wherein the dust cover is moved to a retracted position during engagement of the power plug and moved to an engaged position after the power plug is unplugged; a spring mechanism for applying a closing force to the dust cover; and a damper for applying a damping force to the dust cover to reduce the rate of movement of the dust cover.

[0025] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the spring mechanism is a three-part trigger link for transmitting bidirectional triggering force, including a tension spring damper for adjusting the extension rate of the spring mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 An auxiliary power port and a power plug are shown according to various embodiments;

[0028] Figure 2 A side view representation of an auxiliary power port according to various embodiments is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 An auxiliary power port with an engaged power plug is shown according to various embodiments;

[0030] Figure 4 A front view representation of an auxiliary power port with an engaged power plug according to various embodiments is shown; and

[0031] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a vehicle-associated control system according to various embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing technical field, background art, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description. As used herein, the term "module" refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control components, processing logic, and / or processor device (alone or in any combination), including but not limited to: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), electronic circuits, processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memories executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits, and / or other suitable components providing the described functionality.

[0033] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components can be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure can employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which can perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present disclosure can be practiced in combination with any number of systems, and the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, machine learning, image analysis, and other functional aspects of the system (and its various operating components) are not described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to illustrate exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows an exemplary application 100 of an auxiliary power port 110 and a power plug 130 according to various embodiments. Typically, application 100 may include an auxiliary power port 110, a slot 120, and a power plug 130. According to some exemplary embodiments, the auxiliary power port 110 is configured with at least one dust cover 140 and at least one damper 150. While this embodiment is described with respect to an auxiliary power port 110, the described methods and systems can be used with other slots or ports, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, audio jacks, 120 / 240 volt sockets, video inputs and outputs (such as High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), S-Video, VGA, On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II)), and any other data, video, power, or audio ports.

[0036] Existing dustproof solutions for auxiliary power ports in vehicles (such as spring caps and non-spring caps) typically require manual intervention. Push caps, while offering one-handed operation, lack automatic closing, making them susceptible to dust and debris buildup. The exemplary auxiliary power port 110 is configured as a standalone automated solution. When the power plug 130 is inserted, the dust cover 140 opens seamlessly to accommodate the connection, preventing any contact between the dust cover 140 and the power plug 130. Upon removal, a spring mechanism 145 initiates a closing process intentionally slowed by a damper 150 to ensure smooth operation and prevent damage to the power plug 130 or the auxiliary power port 110. This mechanism effectively protects the auxiliary power port 110 from contaminants while providing a convenient user experience.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, a dual-door dust cover 140 configuration is employed to achieve optimal space utilization within the vehicle interior. The dual-door dust cover 140 mechanism is hinged to a strategically placed spring damper 150, which facilitates full opening of the dust cover 140 when the power plug 130 is inserted. The damper 150 is configured to hold the dust cover 140 in the open position until the power plug 130 is unplugged. A spring mechanism 145 (such as a trigger linkage system) can control the movement of the dust cover 140, which is sequentially activated by both the insertion and removal actions. In some exemplary embodiments, the spring mechanism 145 may comprise a dual-spring configuration: a compression spring for the primary opening and closing function, and a tension spring for adjusting the closing speed. In some exemplary embodiments, the tension spring may apply a greater force than the compression spring to ensure consistent and complete cap closure.

[0038] Now go to Figure 2The diagram shows a side view representation of an auxiliary power port 200 according to various embodiments. The auxiliary power port 200 is shown with a 12-volt slot 240, where the power plug is disengaged and the dust cover 225 is in the closed position. In the closed configuration, the damper 210 is shown in the fully extended position. The spring mechanism 220 is shown in the closed position, where the spring mechanism spring 225 is not compressed. In some exemplary embodiments, the damper 225 may include a protrusion 227 rigidly attached to the dust cover 225 at a location remote from the rotation point 229 of the dust cover 225. The protrusion 227 may be configured to mechanically attach to an extendable portion of the damper 210 such that once the power plug is disengaged from the auxiliary power port 200, the damper 210 applies a force to the protrusion 227 to regulate the closing rate of the dust cover 225. In some exemplary embodiments, when the power plug is disconnected, spring mechanism 220 applies a closing force on dust cover 225, and damper 210 applies a force opposite to the closing force. Damper 210 can be regulated by fluid (such as liquid or gas) forced through an orifice when damper 210 is compressed or extended. This controlled flow of fluid through the orifice resists the movement of the damper and regulates the closing speed of dust cover 225. In some exemplary embodiments, when dust cover 225 is opened and closed, protrusion 227 can move through a slot 229 in the auxiliary power plug. This slot 229 can advantageously regulate the movement of dust cover 225 and can reduce stress at the rotation point 229 of dust cover 225. Additionally, the shape of the slot 229 can regulate the pressure applied to protrusion 227 by damper 210. In the example shown, when the power plug is unplugged, protrusion 227 moves substantially vertically within slot 229. Therefore, only a small portion of the adjusting force of the damper 210 is used to adjust the movement of the dust cover 225. As the protrusion 227 moves further in the slot 230 as the dust cover 225 closes, a larger portion of the adjusting force of the damper 210 is applied to the protrusion along the direction of movement.

[0039] Now go to Figure 3 This is an illustration of an auxiliary power port 300 with an engaged power plug 310 according to various embodiments. When the power plug 310 is engaged in the auxiliary power port 200, the dust cover 340 is pushed to the open position by the inserted power plug 310. When the dust cover 340 is pushed to the open position, the protrusion 330 mechanically coupled to the dust cover 340 moves within the groove 320, thereby compressing the damper 360. In addition, as the dust cover 340 is pushed to the open position, the spring mechanism 350 is compressed.

[0040] Now go to Figure 4The diagram shows a front view representation of an auxiliary power port 400 with an engaged power plug 410 according to various embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, the auxiliary power port may have multiple dust covers 412, 413. The auxiliary power port 400 is shown with an engaged power plug 410, and the first dust cover 412 and the second dust cover 413 are shown in the open position. The exemplary auxiliary power port 400 is also shown with a first spring mechanism 410 and a first damper 425 mechanically coupled to the first dust cover 412, and a second spring mechanism 415 and a second damper 420 mechanically coupled to the second dust cover 413.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the forces applied by the first and second spring mechanisms 410, 415 and the damping forces of the first and second dampers 420, 425 are selected such that the first dust cover 412 and the second dust cover 413 close at a sufficiently slow rate to prevent the power plug 410 from getting stuck on the first or second spring dust cover 412, 413 when the power plug 410 is disengaged at a predetermined pull-out rate.

[0042] refer to Figure 5 According to various embodiments, the control system 500 is associated with the vehicle 10 (also referred to herein as the "vehicle"). Typically, the control system (or simply the "system") 500 provides control over various actions of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 typically includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may collectively form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near a corresponding corner of the body 14. In various embodiments, the wheels 16, 18 include wheel assemblies that further include respective associated tires.

[0043] In various embodiments, vehicle 10 is autonomous or semi-autonomous, and control system 100 and / or components thereof are integrated into vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle automatically controlled to transport passengers from one location to another. Vehicle 10 is depicted as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, but it should be understood that any other means of transportation may also be used, including motorcycles, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, aircraft, etc.

[0044] As shown in the figure, vehicle 10 typically includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a canister purge system 31, one or more user input devices 27, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, at least one controller 34, and a communication system 36. In various embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may include an internal combustion engine, an electric motor such as a traction motor, and / or a fuel cell propulsion system. The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system 20 to wheels 16 and 18 according to a selectable speed ratio. According to various embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a step-ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), or other suitable transmission.

[0045] Braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to wheels 16 and 18. In various embodiments, braking system 26 may include friction brakes, brake-by-wire brakes, regenerative braking systems such as motors, and / or other suitable braking systems.

[0046] Steering system 24 affects the position of wheels 16 and / or 18. Although depicted as including a steering wheel for illustrative purposes, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of this disclosure, steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel.

[0047] The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 (and a neural network 33) and a computer-readable storage device or medium 46. As described above, in various embodiments, the controller 34 (e.g., its processor 44) provides the steering control system 84 in advance with data relating to the expected future path of the vehicle 10, including expected future steering commands, for controlling steering for a limited period of time in case communication with the steering control system 84 becomes unavailable. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the controller 34 communicates via a communication system 36 further described below (e.g., via a communication bus and / or transmitter). Figure 5 (Not depicted in the text) provides communication to the steering control system 84.

[0048] In various embodiments, controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer-readable storage device or medium 46. Processor 44 may be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), auxiliary processor among several processors associated with controller 34, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), any combination thereof, or any device generally used for executing instructions. For example, computer-readable storage device or medium 46 may include volatile and non-volatile memory in read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store multiple neural networks and various operational variables when processor 44 is powered off. Computer-readable storage device or medium 46 may be implemented using any of several known memory devices such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory device capable of storing data (some of which represent executable instructions used by controller 34 to control vehicle 10).

[0049] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from sensor system 28, execute logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of vehicle 10, and generate control signals based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms to be sent to actuator system 30 to automatically control components of vehicle 10. Although in Figure 5 Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and cooperate to process sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control the features of vehicle 10.

[0050] The controller 34 includes a vehicle controller that operates based on the output of the neural network 33 model. In an exemplary embodiment, feedforward operation may be applied to adjustment factors that are continuous outputs of the neural network 33 model to generate control actions or other similar actions for a desired torque (e.g., in the case of a continuous neural network 33 model, continuous APC / SPARK predictions are the output).

[0051] In various embodiments, one or more user input devices 27 receive input from one or more passengers (and driver 11) of vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the input includes a desired destination for vehicle 10. In some embodiments, one or more input devices 27 include an interactive touchscreen in vehicle 10. In some embodiments, one or more input devices 27 include speakers for receiving audio information from passengers. In some other embodiments, one or more input devices 27 may include one or more other types of devices and / or user devices that can be coupled to passengers (e.g., smartphones and / or other electronic devices).

[0052] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensors 40a-40n that sense observable conditions of the external and / or internal environment of the vehicle 10. Sensors 40a-40n include, but are not limited to, radar, lidar, global positioning system, optical camera, thermal imager, ultrasonic sensor, inertial measurement unit, and / or other sensors.

[0053] The actuator system 30 includes one or more actuators 42a-42n that control one or more vehicle features, such as, but not limited to, a tank cleaning system 31, an intake system 38, a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, and a braking system 26. In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 may also include Figure 5 Interior and / or exterior vehicle features not shown, such as various doors, trunk and cabin features, such as air, music, lighting, touch screen display components (such as those used in conjunction with navigation systems), etc.

[0054] Data storage device 32 stores data used for the automatic control of vehicle 10, including the storage of control data. Data storage device 32 is not limited to control data, as other data can also be stored in it. For example, route information can also be stored in data storage device 32—that is, a set of road segments (geographically associated with one or more defined maps) that together define a route a user can take from a starting position (e.g., the user's current position) to a destination position. As will be understood, data storage device 32 can be part of controller 34, separate from controller 34, or part of controller 34 and a separate system.

[0055] The controller 34 may include at least one processor 44 and a computer-readable storage device or medium 46. The processor 44 may be any custom or commercially available processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller 34, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), any combination thereof, or any device generally used for executing instructions. For example, the computer-readable storage device or medium 46 may include volatile and non-volatile memory in read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operational variables when the processor 44 is powered off. The computer-readable storage device or medium 46 may be implemented using any of several known memory devices such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory device capable of storing data (some of which represent executable instructions used by the controller 34 to control the vehicle 10).

[0056] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each comprising an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from sensor system 28, execute logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of vehicle 10, and generate control signals based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms to be sent to actuator system 30 to automatically control components of vehicle 10. Although in Figure 5 Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and cooperate to process sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control the features of vehicle 10.

[0057] Communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly communicate information to and from other entities 48 (such as, but not limited to, other vehicles (“V2V” communication), infrastructure (“V2I” communication), remote transportation systems, and / or user equipment). In an exemplary embodiment, communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standard or by using cellular data communication. However, additional or alternative communication methods (such as dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) channels) are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-to-medium-range wireless communication channel specifically designed for automotive use and corresponding set of protocols and standards.

[0058] In various embodiments, the communication system 36 is used for communication between controllers 34, including data related to the expected future path of vehicle 10, including expected future steering commands. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the communication system 36 may facilitate communication between the steering control system 84 and / or other systems and / or devices.

[0059] In some embodiments, the communication system 36 is also configured for communication between the sensor system 28, input device 27, actuator system 30, one or more controllers (e.g., controller 34), and / or more other systems and / or devices. For example, the communication system 36 may include any combination of a controller area network (CAN) bus and / or direct wiring between the sensor system 28, actuator system 30, one or more controllers 34, and / or one or more other systems and / or devices. In various embodiments, the communication system 36 may include one or more transceivers for communicating with one or more sources of one or more devices and / or systems of the vehicle 10, passenger devices (e.g., user equipment 54), and / or remote information (e.g., GPS data, traffic information, weather information, etc.).

[0060] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An auxiliary power supply port, comprising: A slot for receiving a power plug; A dust cover for covering the opening of the slot, wherein the dust cover is moved to a retracted position during engagement of the power plug and is moved to an engaged position after the power plug is unplugged. A spring mechanism is used to apply a closing force to the dust cover; as well as A damper is used to apply a damping force to the dust cover to reduce the movement rate of the dust cover.

2. The auxiliary power port according to claim 1, wherein the spring mechanism is a trigger link for transmitting bidirectional triggering force.

3. The auxiliary power port according to claim 1, wherein the spring mechanism further includes a tension spring damper.

4. The auxiliary power port according to claim 1, wherein the spring mechanism is a three-part trigger linkage.

5. The auxiliary power port of claim 1, wherein the movement rate of the dust cover is reduced such that the dust cover does not contact the power plug while the power plug is being pulled out of the slot.

6. The auxiliary power port according to claim 1, wherein the dust cover is a double-door dust cover, wherein the spring mechanism applies a closing force to the double-door dust cover, and wherein the damper applies a damping force to the double-door dust cover.

7. The auxiliary power port according to claim 1, wherein the dust cover includes a first door and a second door, and the spring mechanism applies a closing force to the first door dust cover, and wherein the damper applies a damping force to the first door dust cover.

8. The auxiliary power port according to claim 1, wherein the dust cover includes a first door and a second door, a second spring mechanism and a second damper, wherein the spring mechanism applies a closing force to the first door dust cover, wherein the damper applies a damping force to the first door dust cover, wherein the second spring mechanism applies a closing force to the second door dust cover, and wherein the second damper applies a damping force to the second door dust cover.

9. The auxiliary power port of claim 1, wherein the spring mechanism is mechanically coupled to the slot via a second damper, such that during the removal of the power plug, the second damper applies a force to the dust cover to initiate a closing movement of the dust cap.

10. A method of providing an auxiliary power port for vehicle applications, comprising: Receives the power plug via a slot; A dust cover for covering an opening in the slot is opened in response to engagement of the power plug into the slot, wherein the dust cover is moved to a retracted position during engagement of the power plug; and In response to the removal of the power plug, the dust cover is closed by a spring mechanism for applying a closing force to the dust cover and a damper for applying a damping force to the dust cover to reduce the movement rate of the dust cover.

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