Vehicle charging port cover locking device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle charging port cover locking device and a vehicle. The vehicle charging port cover locking device comprises an electromagnetic driving unit and a locking piece. The electromagnetic driving unit is configured to generate electromagnetic driving force when powered on, and the locking piece is associated with the electromagnetic driving unit in a power transmission mode so that the locking piece can move between a locking position and an unlocking position under the action of the electromagnetic driving force. When the locking piece is located at the locking position, the locking piece interferes with the charging port cover so as to prevent the charging port cover from being opened. And when the locking piece is located at the unlocking position, the interference between the locking piece and the charging port cover is relieved, so that the charging port cover can be opened. According to the vehicle charging port cover locking device and the vehicle, the structure is simple, opening and closing operation is reliable, safety is high, and the charging port cover can be effectively prevented from being illegally pried from the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a vehicle charging port cover locking device and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, the safety and convenience of vehicle charging ports are receiving growing attention. As an important component protecting the charging interface from dust, rain, and human damage, the reliability of the locking mechanism and the anti-theft performance of the charging port cover are crucial.

[0003] Currently, a common method for locking vehicle charging port covers is a purely mechanical press-type structure. This means users can lock or unlock the cover by directly pressing a specific part of it. This solution has significant drawbacks: its anti-theft capability is extremely weak. Anyone can open the charging port cover without authorization by pressing it, failing to prevent malicious damage or unauthorized access, posing significant security and privacy risks.

[0004] To enhance security, convenience, and perceived quality, some vehicle models employ a motor-locking system. This means that after receiving a control signal, the motor uses a transmission mechanism to keep the charging port cover in the closed position. However, this approach still has shortcomings in terms of anti-theft: many motor-locking mechanisms cannot provide sufficient holding force after power is cut off, and even those with self-locking transmission designs have limited resistance to reverse drive. When the charging port cover is forcibly pried open, the force may reverse and drive the motor transmission system, causing the mechanism to unlock unexpectedly, resulting in insufficient anti-theft reliability. Furthermore, the motor and its associated transmission mechanism are typically large and expensive, and are susceptible to mechanical wear and tear leading to failure.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on this, this application provides a vehicle charging port cover locking device and a vehicle, which has a simple structure, reliable opening and closing operation, and high security, and can effectively resist the charging port cover being illegally pried open from the outside.

[0007] Therefore, this application adopts the following technical solution: a vehicle charging port cover locking device, comprising: an electromagnetic drive unit configured to generate an electromagnetic drive force when energized; and a locking member dynamically associated with the electromagnetic drive unit so as to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position under the action of the electromagnetic drive force; wherein, when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking member interferes with the charging port cover to prevent the charging port cover from being opened; and when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking member releases the interference with the charging port cover, so that the charging port cover can be opened.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic drive unit includes: a stator end and an electromagnetic coil wound around the stator end; a mover end connected to the locking member, the mover end including a magnet; wherein, by changing the direction of the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the stator end can be changed, thereby subjecting the mover end to an attractive or repulsive electromagnetic driving force, driving the locking member to reciprocate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the locking device includes a reset member that applies force to the locking member, the reset member being configured to provide a reset force that holds the locking member in the locked position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the locking device includes a mounting base, the locking member is movably mounted to the mounting base, and the reset member is a spring, one end of which is connected to the mounting base and the other end of which is connected to the locking member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the locking member has a locking end, and the charging port cover has a mating end that mates with the locking end. At least one of the locking end and the mating end is provided with a guide slope. The guide slope is configured to allow the charging port cover to move away from the locking position by pushing against the locking member when the locking member is in the locked position, so that the charging port cover can close.

[0012] In some embodiments, the locking device includes an opening mechanism for opening the charging port cover and a trigger switch for triggering the opening mechanism, wherein the trigger switch is triggered when the locking member moves to the unlock position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the movement of the locking member away from the locking position by the charging port cover does not trigger the trigger switch.

[0014] In some embodiments, the opening mechanism includes a motor that drives the charging port cover to open and close electrically.

[0015] In some embodiments, the locking device further includes an emergency unlocking mechanism mechanically connected to the locking member to enable manual operation to move the locking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0016] This application also adopts the following technical solution: a vehicle, including a body, wherein the body is provided with a charging port and a charging port cover for opening or closing the charging port, and the vehicle further includes the vehicle charging port cover locking device as described above.

[0017] The vehicle charging port cover locking device provided in this application locks and unlocks the charging port cover by using an electromagnetic drive unit to move the locking element between the locked and unlocked positions. This overcomes the shortcomings of existing purely mechanical structures, which have poor anti-theft performance, and motor-driven locking structures, which are prone to failure when power is off and can be easily pried open. This application's solution utilizes electromagnetic force to drive the locking element to achieve locking and unlocking, realizing the anti-theft self-locking function of the charging port cover and preventing malicious damage to the charging port. Moreover, the electromagnetic drive unit is more reliable than motor transmission, and the force transmission method is simpler, resulting in higher reliability of the opening and closing motion. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the vehicle charging port cover locking device of this application.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the opening control process of an embodiment of the vehicle charging port cover locking device of this application.

[0021] The components are labeled as follows: 1. Charging port cover; 11. Outer plate; 111. Mating end; 12. Inner plate; 2. Electromagnetic drive unit; 21. Electromagnetic coil; 22. Stator end; 23. Mover end; 3. Mounting base; 4. Locking component; 41. Locking end; 411. Guide slope; 5. Trigger switch; 6. Reset component; 7. Emergency unlocking mechanism; 8. Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0023] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is 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 can mean that the first feature is 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.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Please see Figure 1As shown, this application provides a charging port cover locking device for controlling the opening and closing of a charging port cover 1. The locking device includes an electromagnetic drive unit 2 and a locking member 4. The electromagnetic drive unit 2 is configured to generate an electromagnetic driving force when energized. The locking member 4 is power-transmittably associated with the electromagnetic drive unit 2, enabling it to move between a locked position and an unlocked position under the action of the electromagnetic driving force. Specifically, when the locking member 4 is in the locked position, it interferes with the charging port cover 1 to prevent the cover from being opened; when the locking member 4 is in the unlocked position, it releases the interference with the cover, allowing the cover to be opened.

[0028] The charging port cover locking device provided in this application locks and unlocks the charging port cover 1 by using an electromagnetic drive unit 2 to drive the locking component 4 to move between the locked and unlocked positions. This overcomes the shortcomings of existing charging port cover locking methods, which are easily opened from the outside and have poor anti-theft performance. This solution utilizes electromagnetic force to drive the locking component 4 to achieve locking and unlocking, not only realizing the anti-theft self-locking function of the charging port cover 1 and preventing malicious damage to the charging port; but also, compared with the motor interlocking method, the electromagnetic drive unit 2 is more reliable and the force transmission is simpler, resulting in higher reliability of the opening and closing motion.

[0029] Specifically, the vehicle charging port cover locking device provided in this application offers a safe, reliable, and convenient locking and unlocking mechanism for the charging port cover 1 of a new energy vehicle. This locking device is located near the vehicle's charging port, for example, it can be integrated into the vehicle's sheet metal structure or be part of the charging port assembly. The locking device includes an electromagnetic drive unit 2 and a locking element 4. The electromagnetic drive unit 2 generates a controllable electromagnetic driving force when energized. The locking element 4 is connected to the electromagnetic drive unit 2 in a power-transmitting manner. This connection can be a direct connection, such as a fixed connection, or an indirect connection via intermediate components such as a connecting rod, connecting plate, or connecting block. This allows the locking element 4 to move between two defined working positions—a locked position and an unlocked position—under the action of the electromagnetic driving force. The locked position refers to the position where the locking element 4 can mechanically interfere with the charging port cover 1. This mechanical interference constitutes a physical barrier, preventing the charging port cover 1 from being manually opened from the outside, thus achieving the anti-theft locking function. Conversely, when a valid opening command is received, the electromagnetic drive unit 2 operates, driving the locking member 4 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. The unlocked position means that in this position, the locking member 4 is no longer in the area interfering with the charging port cover 1, thus eliminating the mechanical interference. The charging port cover 1 is no longer obstructed by the locking device and can be opened normally. This scheme, which directly controls the linear motion of the locking member 4 through electromagnetic force, eliminates the complex gear and worm gear transmission chains required in traditional motor schemes to convert rotational motion into linear motion. This makes the force transmission path extremely simple and direct, resulting in a more compact structure, reduced space occupation, and fundamentally reducing the risk of jamming, wear, and failure caused by complex mechanical transmissions, thereby improving the overall reliability of the system. Moreover, in this application, the locking effect of the charging port cover 1 is achieved by the mechanical interference between the locking member 4 and the charging port cover 1, rather than being directly determined by the magnitude of the electromagnetic driving force. Furthermore, the direction of the locking force formed by this mechanical interference can be different from the direction of the electromagnetic driving force, which greatly increases the locking strength of the charging port cover 1 and increases the difficulty of illegal prying from the outside.

[0030] Please continue reading. Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the electromagnetic drive unit 2 includes a stator end 22, an electromagnetic coil 21, and a mover end 23. Specifically, the stator end 22 may be made of a core of high-permeability material such as silicon steel sheets, and its function is to form the main part of the magnetic circuit, guiding and concentrating magnetic lines of force. The electromagnetic coil 21 is wound around the stator end 22. When current flows through the electromagnetic coil 21, a magnetic field is generated in the stator end 22 and the surrounding space. The mover end 23 is connected to the locking member 4, and the mover end 23 contains a magnet. In some embodiments, the magnet may be a permanent magnet, for example, the mover end 23 itself may be a strip-shaped magnet block, or a magnet may be fixed on the mover end 23; in other embodiments, the mover end 23 may also be an inductive magnet formed by magnetizing a soft magnetic material in a magnetic field. During operation, by changing the direction of the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil 21, the direction of the magnetic field generated by the stator end 22 can be changed, thereby subjecting the mover end 23 to an electromagnetic driving force of attraction or repulsion, causing the locking member 4 to reciprocate between the locked position and the unlocked position. Specifically, by changing the direction of the current input to the electromagnetic coil 21 through the controller, the polarity of the magnetic field generated by the stator end 22, i.e., the north-south direction of the magnetic poles, can be changed. According to the basic principles of electromagnetism, when the magnetic field of the mover end 23 and the magnetic field of the stator end 22 are in the same direction, a repulsive force will be generated between them; when the magnetic field directions are opposite, an attractive force will be generated. Therefore, by controlling the direction of the current, the mover end 23 can be subjected to an electromagnetic driving force in the opposite direction. For example, when unlocking is required, the controller directs current into the electromagnetic coil 21 in one direction, causing the stator end 22 near the mover end 23 to generate a magnetic pole with the same polarity as the magnet of the mover end 23. This generates a repulsive force, pushing the mover end 23 along with the locking element 4 away from the stator end 22, i.e., the unlocked position. When locking is required, the controller reverses the current direction, causing the stator end 22 to generate a magnetic pole with the opposite polarity. This generates an attractive force, pulling the mover end 23 and the locking element 4 back to the locked position near the stator end 22. This drive method, which uses current reversal to achieve linear reciprocating motion, has a rapid response and precise control. Moreover, in the locked state, even if the electromagnetic coil 21 is de-energized, the inherent magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet of the mover end 23 and the iron core of the stator end 22 can still firmly hold the locking element 4 in the locked position. This feature enables power-off self-locking, ensuring that even in the extreme case of vehicle power failure, the charging port cover 1 remains locked, effectively preventing unauthorized opening. This is unmatched by traditional motor locking schemes that rely on power to maintain torque.

[0031] In this embodiment, the locking member 4 is specifically a locking pin, whose axial direction is approximately parallel to the axial direction of the moving end 23. One end of the locking pin is connected to one end of the moving end 23 via a connecting plate or other connecting member. The locking device includes a mounting base 3, on which the electromagnetic drive unit 2 and the locking member 4 are mounted. The mounting base 3 serves as the base component supporting the electromagnetic drive unit 2 and guiding the locking member 4. It can be a component mounted on the body sheet metal, or it can be a portion of the body sheet metal. One end of the locking member 4 is used to cooperate with the charging port cover 1 to form the mechanical interference; this end is called the locking end 41. The other end, opposite to the locking end 41, is movably connected to the moving end 23.

[0032] To allow the charging port cover 1 to smoothly snap shut and automatically lock during the closing process, in this embodiment, a guide structure is provided on at least one of the locking end 41 of the locking member 4 and the mating end 111 of the charging port cover 1. Specifically, the locking member 4 has a locking end 41, and the charging port cover 1 has a mating end 111 that mates with the locking end 41. At least one of the locking end 41 and the mating end 111 is provided with a guide slope 411; wherein, the guide slope 411 is configured to allow the charging port cover 1 to move away from the locking position by pushing against the locking member 4 when the locking member 4 is in the locked position, so that the charging port cover 1 can close. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the charging port cover 1 includes an outer plate 11 and an inner plate 12. The portion of the outer plate 11 extending into the charging port forms a mating end 111 for engaging with the locking member 4. The inner plate 12 is equipped with a sealing member for contacting the mounting seat 3 inside the charging port to achieve a seal in the closed state, preventing liquid or impurities from entering the charging port. The mating end 111 of the charging port cover 1 can be a protrusion, a latch, or a specific contour of the cover edge. When the user or the electric closing mechanism pushes the charging port cover 1 to close, its mating end 111 gradually contacts and slides along the guide slope 411 of the locking end 41. When the charging port cover 1 is about to close the charging port, the direction of the closing movement of the charging port cover 1 is generally perpendicular to the vehicle body surface, such as... Figure 1 As indicated by arrow V, due to the presence of the guide slope 411, the charging port cover 1 exerts a force on the locking member 4. This force has a component parallel to the axial direction of the locking member 4. Under the action of this component, the locking member 4 is pushed along its own axial direction, that is... Figure 1The charging port cover 1 moves in the direction indicated by arrow H to temporarily and partially deviate and retract from the locked position. This process allows the mating end 111 of the charging port cover 1 to smoothly pass over the top of the locking end 41. Once the charging port cover 1 is fully closed and its mating end 111 has passed over the locking end 41, the locking member 4, driven by the reset force of the electromagnetic drive unit 2 or the further provided reset member 6, quickly springs back to the locked position. At this time, the non-sloping portion of the locking end 41 forms a strong snap-fit ​​interference with the corresponding part of the mating end 111, thereby automatically completing the locking action. The entire closing and locking process is smooth and natural, requiring no additional operation from the user, greatly improving convenience and user experience. Typically, the moving direction of the locking member 4 is designed to move approximately parallel to the vehicle body plane, while the charging port cover 1 is mostly a flip-top design, with one end rotating via a hinge, and the opening and closing movement direction of the other end approximately perpendicular to the vehicle body plane. The intersection of these two movement directions allows the aforementioned sloping guide and automatic locking mechanism to be perfectly realized.

[0033] To further enhance the holding force of the locking member 4 in the locked position and ensure its stability under vehicle vibration or slight external interference, this locking device also includes a reset member 6 that applies force to the locking member 4. The reset member 6 is configured to provide a reset force to hold the locking member 4 in the locked position. That is, the reset member 6 is configured to apply a force to the locking member 4 and to provide a reset force that tends to or holds the locking member 4 in the locked position. In this embodiment, the reset member 6 is a spring, one end of which rests against the mounting base 3, and the other end is connected to a specific part of the locking member 4. For example, a stop ring is fixedly provided on the locking member 4, and the spring is compressed between the mounting base 3 and the stop ring so that the elastic restoring force of the spring always acts on the locking member 4. When the locking member 4 is driven by electromagnetic force to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, the locking member 4 overcomes the elastic restoring force and further compresses the spring, allowing the spring to store elastic potential energy. When the electromagnetic force is removed or reversed, the potential energy stored in the spring is released, assisting or actively driving the locking element 4 to quickly and accurately return to the locked position. The reset element 6 and the magnetic holding force of the electromagnetic drive unit 2 form a double safety net, jointly ensuring the stability and reliability of the locked state. In addition, the presence of the reset element 6 also constitutes a fail-safe mechanism, that is, when the electromagnetic drive unit 2 fails unexpectedly, the reset force of the reset element 6 will ensure that the locking element 4 is in the locked position by default, thereby maintaining basic safety protection functions.

[0034] Furthermore, the locking device of this application can be further configured to achieve intelligent opening of the cover after unlocking, in order to provide a complete intelligent user experience. Please refer to the following: Figure 2The diagram illustrates the logic of the cover opening control. In this embodiment, the locking device includes a cover opening mechanism for opening the charging port cover 1, and a trigger switch 5 for triggering the action of the cover opening mechanism. The trigger switch 5 is triggered when the locking member 4 moves to the unlocked position. Specifically, the locking device includes a cover opening mechanism for automatically opening the charging port cover 1. The cover opening mechanism includes a motor 8 that drives the charging port cover 1 to open and close electrically. Further, it may include a gear and rack, worm gear, cam, connecting rod, or other transmission mechanism driven by the motor 8. The trigger switch 5 can be a micro switch, Hall sensor, proximity switch, etc., and is mounted on the mounting base 3. Its specific position ensures that it is triggered when the locking member 4 moves to the unlocked position. When a user issues a valid command to open the cover via the smart key, mobile app, or in-vehicle button, the vehicle controller does not immediately command the cover-opening mechanism. Instead, it first sends a control signal to the electromagnetic drive unit 2. The electromagnetic drive unit 2, energized, generates a repulsive force that drives the locking element 4 smoothly from the locked position to the unlocked position via the mover end 23. When the locking element 4 accurately reaches the unlocked position, it triggers the trigger switch 5, changing its state. The trigger switch 5 then generates an unlocked signal, which is fed back to the controller. Upon receiving this signal, the controller sends a command to the motor 8 of the cover-opening mechanism. The motor 8 then slowly and automatically pushes open the charging port cover 1 via the transmission mechanism. This sequential logic of first electronically unlocking, verifying successful unlocking, and then executing the cover opening ensures the reliability and safety of the system. It should be noted that the triggering position and mechanism of the trigger switch 5 are set so that it is only triggered when the locking member 4 completes its full stroke to the unlocked position under the drive of the electromagnetic drive unit 2. During the closing process of the charging port cover 1, the locking member 4 temporarily deviates from the locking position due to the pressure from the mating end 111. Since its travel distance is short, and the trigger switch 5 is installed in a position that can only be contacted when the locking member 4 reaches its furthest unlocked position, this temporary deviation will not trigger the trigger switch 5. This design prevents the opening mechanism from being accidentally triggered to run in reverse when the charging port cover 1 is closed, ensuring the purity and correctness of the control logic. The electric opening mechanism provided in this embodiment automates the entire opening and closing process of the charging port cover 1, enhancing the vehicle's technological feel and ease of use.

[0035] Considering potential power outages, such as severe battery depletion or electronic control system malfunctions, this locking device integrates a manually operated emergency unlocking mechanism 7 to ensure the charging port cover 1 can be opened for emergency charging or maintenance under any circumstances. The emergency unlocking mechanism 7 is mechanically connected to the locking member 4, allowing manual operation to move the locking member 4 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Figure 1As shown, the emergency unlocking mechanism 7 establishes a direct mechanical connection with the locking member 4, thus providing a purely mechanical operating path completely independent of the electrical system. The emergency unlocking mechanism 7 can be a flexible pull rope, a rigid pull rod, or a linkage mechanism. One end is reliably connected to the locking member 4, and the other end extends and terminates at a specific location accessible to the user in an emergency. This location must balance safety and accessibility; for example, it can be located behind the interior trim panel of the vehicle's trunk, inside a designated access panel in the front compartment, or in a concealed location in the passenger compartment. When emergency unlocking is required, the owner or maintenance personnel locate and operate the operating end of the emergency unlocking mechanism 7 according to the vehicle manual, for example, by pulling the pull rope or moving the pull rod. This operation applies a mechanical force directly to the locking member 4 via the wire or linkage. This force must overcome the elasticity of the reset member 6 and the magnetic holding force that may exist between the moving end 23 and the stator end 22, forcibly pulling the locking member 4 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Once the locking element 4 is moved to the unlocked position, the user can manually open the charging port cover 1. The emergency unlocking mechanism 7 provides an emergency opening function. At the same time, because its operating end is carefully hidden in the controlled interior space of the vehicle and cannot be directly accessed from the outside under normal circumstances, this design provides emergency opening without introducing any weaknesses that can be exploited from the outside into the vehicle's daily anti-theft system, thus balancing emergency convenience and daily security.

[0036] Based on the aforementioned locking device, this application also provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a body, a charging port for connecting a charging gun, and a charging port cover 1 for opening or closing the charging port. The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle charging port cover locking device as described in any of the above embodiments. This locking device is located inside the vehicle body near the charging port, and its electrical components are connected to the vehicle's control system. Its electromagnetic drive unit 2 and controller are connected to the vehicle's control network, and it can respond to various legitimate opening signals from remote keys, central control screens, mobile phone Bluetooth, or network commands. When the vehicle is armed, the locking device ensures that the charging port cover 1 is securely locked; when the user authorizes opening, it works with an automatic opening mechanism to provide a smooth opening experience; in the event of a power failure, it remains locked due to its physical characteristics and provides a final guarantee through a concealed emergency unlocking mechanism 7. By applying this locking device, the vehicle significantly improves the security level of the charging port area, effectively preventing safety risks such as the charging interface being deliberately damaged or having foreign objects inserted, thus enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.

[0037] In summary, the vehicle charging port cover locking device and vehicle provided in this application embodiment utilize current reversal to control the direction of electromagnetic force, directly driving the locking component to move linearly. This eliminates complex mechanical transmission, improving response speed and reliability. Furthermore, compared to motor locking solutions, the electromagnetic coil occupies less internal space in the charging port cover, resulting in a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing appearance, lower cost, and lighter weight. Unique mechanical interference characteristics enable continuous locking even in the event of a power outage, overcoming the anti-theft shortcomings of traditional electric locks. The combination of the reset component and the guide slope achieves automatic, smooth locking and high holding force during the closing process. The sequential control logic based on the trigger switch ensures the safety and precision of the opening action. The concealed emergency unlocking mechanism provides redundant safety design. The entire solution represents a significant improvement in safety, reliability, convenience, cost, and layout space.

[0038] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle charging port cover locking device, characterized in that, include: An electromagnetic drive unit (2) is configured to generate an electromagnetic drive force when energized; The locking element (4) is power-transmittably associated with the electromagnetic drive unit (2) so that it can move between the locked position and the unlocked position under the action of the electromagnetic drive force; When the locking member (4) is in the locked position, the locking member (4) interferes with the charging port cover (1) to prevent the charging port cover (1) from being opened; when the locking member (4) is in the unlocked position, the locking member (4) releases the interference with the charging port cover (1) so that the charging port cover (1) can be opened.

2. The vehicle charging port cover locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnetic drive unit (2) includes: Stator end (22) and electromagnetic coil (21) wound around stator end (22); The moving end (23) is connected to the locking member (4), and the moving end (23) includes a magnet; In this way, by changing the direction of the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil (21), the direction of the magnetic field generated by the stator end (22) can be changed, so that the mover end (23) is subjected to an electromagnetic driving force of attraction or repulsion, which drives the locking member (4) to reciprocate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

3. The vehicle charging port cover locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking device includes a reset member (6) that applies force to the locking member (4), the reset member (6) being configured to provide a reset force that holds the locking member (4) in the locked position.

4. The vehicle charging port cover locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking device includes a mounting base (3), the locking member (4) is movably mounted to the mounting base (3), and the reset member (6) is a spring, one end of which is connected to the mounting base (3) and the other end of which is connected to the locking member (4).

5. The vehicle charging port cover locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking member (4) has a locking end (41), and the charging port cover (1) has a mating end (111) that mates with the locking end (41). At least one of the locking end (41) and the mating end (111) is provided with a guide slope (411). The guide ramp (411) is configured such that when the locking member (4) is in the locking position, the charging port cover (1) is allowed to move away from the locking position by pushing against the locking member (4) so ​​that the charging port cover (1) can close.

6. The vehicle charging port cover locking device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking device includes an opening mechanism for opening the charging port cover (1) and a trigger switch (5) for triggering the opening mechanism to operate, wherein the trigger switch (5) is triggered when the locking member (4) moves to the unlock position.

7. The vehicle charging port cover locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The movement of the locking member (4) away from the locking position due to the push of the charging port cover (1) does not trigger the trigger switch (5).

8. The vehicle charging port cover locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The opening mechanism includes a motor (8) that drives the charging port cover (1) to open and close electrically.

9. The vehicle charging port cover locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking device further includes an emergency unlocking mechanism (7), which is mechanically connected to the locking member (4) so ​​that the locking member (4) can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position by manual operation.

10. A vehicle, comprising a body, wherein the body is provided with a charging port and a charging port cover (1) for opening and closing the charging port, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes a vehicle charging port cover locking device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images