Release cable for charging lock assembly of charging outlet assembly

Abstract

A charging lock assembly (200) for a charging socket assembly (100) includes a charging lock housing (210) having a cavity (212) in which a charging lock pin (220) is provided, the charging lock pin being configured to lock a charging connector to the charging socket assembly during charging as the charging lock pin moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The charging lock assembly includes a release assembly (240) having a release lever (242) operably coupled to the charging lock pin to release the charging lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position. The release assembly includes a release cable (260) connected to the release lever to actuate the release lever and a cable adapter (260) supporting the release cable. The cable adapter has a cable channel (280) for receiving the release cable.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 726,887, filed December 2, 2024, entitled “Release cable for charging lock assembly for charging socket assembly,” the subject of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This article primarily deals with vehicle charging systems. Background Technology

[0004] A charging socket assembly is used to charge a vehicle, such as the battery system of an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The charging socket assembly includes charging terminals held by a housing of the assembly. A charging plug is inserted into the charging socket assembly to charge the electric vehicle. For safety, the charging socket assembly includes a charging lock to secure the charging plug within the assembly during charging. The charging lock is electrically actuated. If the charging lock malfunctions, the charging plug may become locked in the charging socket assembly, thus tethering the electric vehicle to the charging station. Manufacturers provide a manual release cable for manually releasing the charging plug. However, the manual release cable may become misaligned or mispositioned, leading to cable malfunction. For example, the end of the manual release cable is typically held by a metal bracket, which may become bent or misaligned relative to the housing, resulting in incorrect operation or malfunction. The manual release cable may also be difficult to assemble.

[0005] An improved manual release cable design is still needed for charging socket assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a charging lock assembly for a charging socket assembly of a vehicle is provided. The charging lock assembly includes a charging lock housing having a cavity. The charging lock assembly includes a charging lock pin within the cavity of the charging lock housing. The charging lock pin is configured to lock a charging connector to the charging socket assembly during charging. The charging lock assembly includes a charging lock actuator operably coupled to the charging lock pin, the charging lock actuator being configured to move the charging lock pin between a locked position and an unlocked position. The charging lock assembly includes a release assembly including a release lever operably coupled to the charging lock pin to release the charging lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position. The release assembly includes a release cable coupled to the release lever to actuate the release lever, and the release assembly includes a cable adapter supporting the release cable. The cable adapter has a cable channel for receiving the release cable. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release component of the charging lock assembly in the in-situ or released position.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release component of the charging lock assembly in the emergency or pull position.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of a part of the charging lock assembly, showing a cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of a cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a bottom perspective view of a cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of a cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a side view of a charging lock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a charging lock assembly attached to the charging socket housing.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a side view of a portion of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a charging lock assembly ready to be connected to the mounting portion.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a side view of a portion of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release cable of the charging lock assembly in the in-situ or released position.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a side view of a portion of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release cable of the charging lock assembly in the emergency or pull position.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of a cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14This is a side perspective view of a cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a front perspective view of a cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a side view of a portion of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release cable of the charging lock assembly in the in-situ or released position.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a side view of a portion of a charging socket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release cable of the charging lock assembly in the emergency or pull position. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the charging socket assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a rear perspective view of the charging socket assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release component 240 of the charging lock assembly 200 in the in-situ or released position. Figure 3 This is a rear perspective view of a charging socket assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release component 240 of the charging lock assembly 200 in the emergency or pull position.

[0026] The charging socket assembly 100 serves as a charging socket for a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The charging socket assembly 100 is configured to mate and accommodate a charging connector, such as a charging plug from a charging station (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the charging socket assembly 100 is configured to mate with various types of charging connectors, such as AC chargers or DC chargers. The charging socket assembly 100 may be a North American Charging System (NACS) charger, an SAE J1772 charger, a CCS1 charger, a CCS2 charger, or another type of charger.

[0027] The charging socket assembly 100 includes a housing 110 configured for mounting in a vehicle. The charging socket housing 110 includes a charging receptacle 112 configured to receive a charging connector. The charging socket housing 110 includes walls 114 in the charging receptacle 112, the walls 114 forming different cavities or terminal channels 116. The charging socket housing 110 retains a charging terminal 120 within the terminal channel 116.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging terminal 120 may be an AC charging terminal and / or a DC charging terminal and / or a ground terminal and / or a proximity terminal and / or a guide terminal. Optionally, the charging terminal 120 may be a terminal of different sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging terminal 120 includes a pin 122 at the mating end of the charging terminal 120.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, power conductor 124 terminates at charging terminal 120. One or more power conductors 124 extend from charging socket assembly 100 to another component of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's battery system. In various embodiments, power conductor 124 may be a power cable. In other various embodiments, power conductor 124 may be a busbar. Power conductor 124 may include circuitry of a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, power conductor 124 includes AC and DC conductors extending to different components of the vehicle. Power conductor 124 may extend straight away from charging socket housing 110, or may extend away from charging socket housing 110 at 90° (e.g., a right angle) or at other angles.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the AC module of the charging socket assembly 100 is defined as a low-voltage connector configured to be coupled to the low-voltage portion of the charging connector. The AC module is configured to be coupled to other components in the system, such as a battery distribution unit, to control the charging of the vehicle. The AC module can send / receive charging-related signals, such as connection status, charging status, charging voltage, etc.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the DC module of the charging socket assembly 100 defines a high-voltage connector configured to be coupled to the high-voltage portion of the charging connector. The DC module is configured to be coupled to other components in the system, such as the vehicle's battery and / or battery distribution unit. The DC module can be used for fast charging of the battery.

[0032] The charging socket housing 110 includes a front portion 130 and a rear portion 132. The front portion 130 of the housing 110 faces outward and is presented to the operator for connecting the charging connector. The rear portion 132 faces the interior of the vehicle and is generally inaccessible without removing the charging socket housing 110 from the vehicle. The charging socket housing 110 includes a panel 134 at the front portion 130.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 includes a mounting flange 140 at the front 130 that is connected to the panel 134. Figure 1Mounting flange 140 includes mounting tabs 142 for mounting housing 110 to a vehicle. Mounting tab 142 has an opening 144 that receives a fastener (not shown) to secure charging socket assembly 100 to the vehicle. Other types of mounting features may be used to secure charging socket assembly 100 to the vehicle. Housing 110 and / or mounting flange may include seals to seal charging socket assembly 100 to the vehicle.

[0034] In various embodiments, the charging receptacle assembly 100 may include a terminal cover (not shown) at the front of the charging receptacle housing 110 to cover a portion of the charging receptacle housing 110. The charging receptacle housing 110 may include one or more rear covers 136 at the rear of the housing 110 to close access to the rear of the charging receptacle housing 110. The rear covers 136 may snap or fasten onto the main portion of the housing 110, for example, using snaps or latches. In alternative embodiments, other types of securing features, such as fasteners, may be used.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging socket assembly 100 includes a charging lock assembly 200 configured to lock a charging connector to the charging socket assembly 100 during charging. The charging lock assembly 200 includes a charging lock housing 210, a charging lock pin 220 held by the charging lock housing 210, and a charging lock actuator 230 operatively coupled to the charging lock pin 220. The charging lock pin 220 is configured to lock the charging connector to the charging socket assembly 100 during charging, for example, locking the charging connector in a charging reservoir 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging lock assembly 200 includes a manual release assembly 240 configured to manually release the charging lock pin 220.

[0036] The charging lock housing 210 can be coupled to the charging socket housing 110. For example, the charging lock housing 210 can be secured to the charging socket housing 110 using fasteners, latches, snaps, or other fixing elements. The charging lock housing 210 can be located at the rear 132, for example, behind the panel 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging lock housing 210 is located at the bottom of the charging socket housing 110. In alternative embodiments, other locations are also possible. The charging lock housing 210 includes an internal cavity 212. A charging lock pin 220 can be retained in the cavity 212. The charging lock pin 220 can pass through the charging socket housing 110, for example, into the charging reservoir 112 to mate with a charging connector. A charging lock actuator 230 can be retained in the cavity 212.

[0037] The charging lock actuator 230 is operatively coupled to the charging lock pin 220 to move the charging lock pin 220 between a locked position and an unlocked position. For example, the charging lock pin 220 may be moved into the charging reservoir 112 in the locked position to mate with the charging connector, thereby locking the charging connector in the charging reservoir 112. The charging lock pin 220 may be moved out of the charging reservoir 112 in the unlocked position to allow removal of the charging connector from the charging reservoir 112. For example, the charging lock pin 220 may be recessed into the charging socket housing 110 in the unlocked position. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging lock actuator 230 is an electric actuator. The charging lock actuator 230 may include an electric motor operated to extend and retract the charging lock pin 220. The charging lock actuator 230 may include a solenoid actuator operated to extend and retract the charging lock pin 220. Other types of actuators may be used in alternative embodiments.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the manual release assembly 240 includes a manual release lever 242, a manual release cable 250, and a cable adapter 260. The cable adapter 260 supports the manual release cable 250. The cable adapter 260 positions the manual release cable 250, for example, aligned with the manual release lever 242 for proper actuation. The manual release lever 242 is configured to be operatively coupled to the charging lock pin 220 to manually release the charging lock pin 220 from a locked position to an unlocked position, for example, during emergency operations when the charging lock assembly 200 fails to properly unlock to release the charging connector (e.g., when the charging lock actuator 230 malfunctions). The manual release cable 250 is coupled to the manual release lever 242 to actuate the manual release lever 242. The manual release cable 250 can be manually pulled, for example, rearward, to manually release the charging lock assembly 200. The manual release cable 250 can be directed to another area of ​​the vehicle, for example, to the vehicle's trunk or interior compartment.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of a portion of the charging lock assembly 200, showing a cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of a cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a bottom perspective view of the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 This is a front perspective view of a cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Cable adapter 260 is used relative to charging lock housing 210 and / or charging socket housing 110 (both in Figure 2 and Figure 3(As shown in the figure) Supports and holds the manual release cable 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 is a dielectric. For example, the cable adapter 260 may be made of a plastic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 includes a molded plastic body 262. The cable adapter 260 is lightweight. The cable adapter 260 is rigid and retains its shape throughout its life. The cable adapter 260 may be designed to include features to receive the manual release cable 250 (e.g., varying the diameter to match the diameter of the manual release cable 250) and / or receive or mount to a mounting location or mounting portion 214 on the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging socket housing 110 (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (As shown) is assembled within the system.

[0041] Cable adapter 260 extends between a front portion 264 and a rear portion 265. Cable adapter 260 includes an inner surface 266 at an inner end and an outer surface 267 at an outer end. Cable adapter 260 includes a first side 268 and a second side 269. The inner surface 266 is configured to face a mounting portion 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging socket housing 110. For example, the inner end is configured to be mounted or coupled to the mounting portion 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging socket housing 110. The inner surface 266 may be located at the top of the cable adapter 260, and the outer surface 267 may be located at the bottom of the cable adapter 260, or vice versa.

[0042] The cable adapter 260 includes a base 270 and a mounting bracket 272 extending from the base 270. The cable adapter 260 includes a cable channel 280 configured to receive a manual release cable 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 includes a cable support 282 extending from the base 270. The cable support 282 defines the cable channel 280. For example, the cable support 282 may extend at least partially around the cable channel 280 to retain the manual release cable 250 within the cable channel 280. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 272 is disposed at an inner end for mounting the cable adapter 260 to a mounting portion 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging socket housing 110, and the cable support 282 is disposed at an outer end 267 for receiving the manual release cable 250.

[0043] The base 270 includes a mounting plate 271 having a mounting surface 273 configured to mount to the mounting portion 214. The mounting surface 273 may be located at an inner end, such as at the top. A mounting bracket 272 extends from the mounting plate 271, such as above the mounting surface 273, to mate with the mounting portion 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging socket housing 110.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 272 includes an alignment groove 274 along the inner surface 266 of the cable adapter 260. The alignment groove 274 may be formed in the mounting plate 271. The alignment groove 274 is configured to receive an alignment track (not shown) of the mounting portion 214 to position the mounting bracket 272 relative to the mounting portion 214. The alignment groove 274 can control the left and right positioning of the cable adapter 260 relative to the mounting portion 214.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 272 includes one or more alignment walls 275 extending from the base 270. For example, the alignment walls 275 may extend from the top of the mounting plate 271. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment walls 275 may be included at an end of the base 270, such as an end wall 276 at the front portion 264. The end wall 276 positions the cable adapter 260 longitudinally relative to the mounting portion 214, for example, front-to-back. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment walls 275 may include side walls 277, for example at a first side 268 and / or a second side 269. The side walls 277 position the cable adapter 260 laterally relative to the mounting portion 214, for example, side-to-side.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 272 includes one or more latches 278 configured to snap-fit ​​onto the mounting portion 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging socket housing 110. The latches 278 may extend from the base 270. The latches 278 may be located above the mounting plate 271. The latches 278 may be deflectable, for example, for engaging and disengaging from the mounting portion 214. Optionally, the latches 278 may extend from the end wall 276 and / or the side wall 277. In alternative embodiments, other types of securing features may be used to secure the cable adapter 260 to the mounting portion 214.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, a cable support 282 extends from the base 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable support 282 is located at an outer end 267, for example, at the bottom. The cable support 282 may be located at the front 264. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable support 282 is laterally angled relative to the base 270. For example, the cable channel 280 may be laterally angled to the base 270 (e.g., the base 270 may be horizontal, and the cable channel 280 may be angled). In an exemplary embodiment, the cable support 282 is curved, for example, generally cylindrical.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable support 282 includes a first support wall 281 and a second support wall 283 forming a cable channel 280. The support walls 281 and 283 are disposed on opposite sides of the cable channel 280. The cable support 282 includes a cable groove 284 leading to the cable channel 280. The cable groove 284 extends longitudinally along the cable adapter 260 between the front and rear portions of the cable support 282. For example, the cable groove 284 opens at the front and rear portions of the cable support 282. The cable groove 284 opens between the ends of the support walls 281 and 283. For example, the support walls 281 and 283 are opposite each other across the cable groove 284. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable groove 284 is configured to receive a manually released cable 250. For example, the manually released cable 250 can be inserted into the cable channel 280 through the cable groove 284 (e.g., lateral insertion into the cable channel 280).

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 includes a stop wall 286 at a cable channel 280. The stop wall 286 is used to position the manual release cable 250 in the cable channel 280. The stop wall 286 may extend into the cable channel 280 from a first support wall 281 and / or a second support wall 283. The stop wall 286 may be located at or near the front of the cable support 282.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 includes a retaining latch 290 in the cable channel 280. The retaining latch 290 is configured to engage a manually released cable 250 to retain the manually released cable 250 in the cable channel 280. In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining latch 290 is a deflectable latch. The retaining latch 290 includes a latch finger 292 at its distal end. The latch finger 292 may be embedded in the manually released cable 250 or may be received in a recess or groove in the manually released cable 250. The retaining latch 290 may extend from the first support wall 281 and / or the second support wall 283 into the cable channel 280. The retaining latch 290 may be located at or near the front of the cable support 282. The retaining latch 290 may be located behind the stop wall 286.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a side view of the charging lock assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 The manual release cable 250 is shown being inserted into the cable tray 284. The cable tray 284 has an opening on the side of the cable support 282 to allow the manual release cable 250 to be inserted into the cable channel 280 through the cable tray 284.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the manual release cable 250 includes a cable sleeve 252 and an inner pull cable 254 received in a bore 256 of the cable sleeve 252. The inner pull cable 254 is movable relative to the cable sleeve 252. For example, the inner pull cable 254 can be pulled backward in the cable sleeve 252 to actuate the manual release lever 242, for example, to release the charging lock pin 220. The cable sleeve 252 is configured to be received in a cable channel 280. In an exemplary embodiment, the manual release cable 250 includes a connector 258 that receives an end of the cable sleeve 252. For example, the connector 258 includes an inner bore 259 that receives an end of the cable sleeve 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector 258 includes one or more recesses 259 in the exterior of the connector 258. For example, the recesses 259 may be circumferential recesses 259 surrounding the connector 258.

[0053] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the charging socket assembly 100, showing the charging lock assembly 200 attached to the charging socket housing 110. Figure 9 A manually released cable 250 is shown attached to a cable adapter 260. The manually released cable 250 is inserted into a cable channel 280. For example, a connector 258 is inserted into the cable channel 280. The connector 258 can be positioned by a stop wall 286 to axially position the connector 258 within the cable channel 280. In an exemplary embodiment, a retaining latch 290 is snap-fitted to the connector 258. For example, the retaining latch 290 is received in a recess 259. The retaining latch 290 axially positions the connector 258 within the cable channel 280. The retaining latch 290 holds the connector 258 within the cable channel 280.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, an inner pull cable 254 extends forward from the connector 258 and the cable adapter 260. The inner pull cable 254 is configured to engage with a manual release lever 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the end of the inner pull cable 254 includes an attachment element 255 configured to attach to the manual release lever 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment element 255 is a loop or ring having an opening that receives a portion of the manual release lever 242. The inner pull cable 254 is configured to pull the manual release lever 242 to actuate the manual release lever 242.

[0055] Figure 10 This is a side view of a portion of the charging socket assembly 100, showing the charging lock assembly 200 ready to be connected to the mounting portion 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 214 is disposed on the charging socket housing 110. Alternatively, the mounting portion 214 may be disposed on the charging lock housing 210. The mounting portion 214 is used to position the charging lock assembly 200 relative to the manual release lever 242, for example, the manual release cable 250.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting portion 214 includes an alignment rail 216. The alignment rail 216 is configured to be received in an alignment recess 274. The alignment rail 216 positions the cable adapter 260, for example, longitudinally and / or laterally. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment rail 216 is located at the bottom of the charging socket housing 110.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting portion 214 includes a latch 218 for snap-fitting the cable adapter 260 to the mounting portion 214. The latch 218 may be located on the side and / or end wall of the charging socket housing 110. The latch 218 may be a fixed latch. Alternatively, the latch 218 may be a deflectable latch. The latch 218 is configured to mate with a latch 278 of the mounting bracket 272 of the cable adapter 260. In alternative embodiments, other types of fasteners may be used, such as snaps, fasteners, straps, and the like.

[0058] Figure 11 This is a side view of a portion of the charging socket assembly 100, showing the manual release cable 250 of the charging lock assembly 200 in the in-situ or released position. Figure 12 This is a side view of a portion of the charging socket assembly 100, showing the manual release cable 250 of the charging lock assembly 200 in the emergency or pull position. The manual release cable 250 is connected to a manual release lever 242. Pulling the manual release cable 250 backward manually actuates the manual release lever 242, thereby releasing the charging lock pin 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the manual release lever 242 is rotatably connected to the charging lock housing 210.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface 266 of the cable adapter 260 is connected to the mounting portion 214, for example, at the charging socket housing 110 or the charging lock housing 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable support 282 and the cable channel 280 therein extend transversely to the inner surface 266 to orient the manual release cable 250 transversely to the inner surface 266. For example, the cable support 282 is angled transversely to the inner surface 266 (e.g., upwardly) so that the axis of the cable channel 280 is substantially aligned with the manual release lever 242. Thus, the manual release cable 250 is configured to extend substantially straight outward from the cable adapter 260 (e.g., parallel to the axis of the cable channel 280) to the manual release lever 242. Thus, a pulling action on the manual release cable 250 pulls the manual release lever 242 along the transverse axis, actuating the manual release lever 242. This ensures that the manual release cable 250 is not constrained and allows for smooth and consistent operation.

[0060] Figure 13 This is a top perspective view of a cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14 This is a side perspective view of the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 15 This is a front perspective view of a cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cable adapter 260 is similar to... Figure 4-7 The cable adapter shown; however, the cable support 282 of the cable adapter 260 is parallel to the base 270, rather than angled laterally to the base 270.

[0061] Cable adapter 260 includes a base 270 and a mounting bracket 272 extending from the base 270. Cable adapter 260 includes a cable support 282 extending from the base 270, forming a cable channel 280 configured to receive a manually released cable 250. Mounting bracket 272 includes an alignment recess 274 along an inner surface 266 of cable adapter 260. Mounting bracket 272 includes an alignment wall 275 extending from the base 270. Mounting bracket 272 includes a latch 278.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, a cable support 282 extends from a base 270. For example, a first support wall 281 and a second support wall 283 extend from the bottom of the base 270 to form a cable channel 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable channel 280 extends along an axis parallel to the base 270, for example, parallel to the inner surface 266. For example, the base 270 and the cable channel 280 may extend generally horizontally. A cable groove 284 leads to the cable channel 280. A cable adapter 260 includes a stop wall 286 at the cable channel 280. The cable adapter 260 includes a retaining latch 290 in the cable channel 280.

[0063] Figure 16 This is a side view of a portion of the charging socket assembly 100, showing the manual release cable 250 of the charging lock assembly 200 in the in-situ or released position. Figure 17 This is a side view of a portion of the charging socket assembly 100, showing the manual release cable 250 of the charging lock assembly 200 in the emergency or pull position. The manual release cable 250 is connected to a manual release lever 242. Pulling the manual release cable 250 backward manually actuates the manual release lever 242, thereby releasing the charging lock pin 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the manual release lever 242 is rotatably connected to the charging lock housing 210.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface 266 of the cable adapter 260 is connected to the mounting portion 214, for example, at the charging socket housing 110 or the charging lock housing 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable support 282 and the cable channel 280 therein extend parallel to the inner surface 266 to orient the manual release cable 250 parallel to the inner surface 266. The manual release cable 250 is configured to extend generally straight outward from the cable adapter 260 (e.g., parallel to the axis of the cable channel 280) to the manual release lever 242. Thus, a pulling action on the manual release cable 250 pulls the manual release lever 242 along the axis to actuate the manual release lever 242.

Claims

1. A charging lock assembly (200) for a charging socket assembly (100) of a vehicle, the charging lock assembly (200) comprising: A charging lock housing (210) having a cavity (212). A charging lock pin (220) is located in the cavity of the charging lock housing and is configured to lock the charging connector to the charging socket assembly during charging. A charging lock actuator (230) is operatively coupled to the charging lock pin, the charging lock actuator being configured to move the charging lock pin between a locked position and an unlocked position; and A release assembly (240) includes a release lever (242) operably coupled to the charging lock pin to release the charging lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, the release assembly includes a release cable (250) coupled to the release lever to actuate the release lever, and the release assembly includes a cable adapter (260) supporting the release cable, the cable adapter having a cable channel (280) for receiving the release cable.

2. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable adapter (260) includes a molded plastic body (262).

3. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable channel (280) extends along an axis that is generally aligned with the release lever (242) to align the end of the release cable (250) and the release lever.

4. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable adapter (260) includes a cable slot (284) leading to the cable channel (280), through which the release cable (250) is inserted into the cable channel.

5. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 4, wherein, The cable groove (284) extends longitudinally along the cable adapter (260) between the front (264) and rear (265) of the cable adapter.

6. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the release cable (250) includes a connector (258) for receiving an end of the release cable, the connector (258) being received in the cable channel (280) to position the release cable relative to the cable adapter (260).

7. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable adapter (260) includes a base (270) and a mounting bracket extending from the base, the mounting bracket being coupled to a mounting portion of either the charging lock housing (210) or the charging socket housing of the charging socket assembly (100).

8. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 7, wherein, The mounting bracket (272) includes a latch (278) that is snap-fitted to the mounting portion (214).

9. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 7, wherein, The mounting bracket (272) includes an end wall (276) and a side wall (277) perpendicular to the end wall. The end wall positions the cable adapter (260) longitudinally relative to the mounting portion, and the side wall positions the cable adapter laterally relative to the mounting portion (214).

10. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable adapter (260) includes an alignment groove (259) along the inner surface (266) of the cable adapter, the alignment groove being configured to receive an alignment track (216) of a mounting portion (214) of either the charging lock housing (210) or the charging socket housing (110) of the charging socket adapter.

11. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable adapter (260) includes a stop wall (286) at the cable channel (280), the stop wall being configured to position the release cable (250) in the cable channel.

12. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable adapter (250) includes a retaining latch (290) in the cable channel (280), the retaining latch being configured to engage the release cable (250) to retain the release cable in the cable channel.

13. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The release cable (250) includes a cable sleeve (242) and an inner pull cable (254) housed in a hole (256) in the cable sleeve, the cable sleeve being housed in the cable channel (280), and the inner pull cable being movable in the cable sleeve to pull the release lever (242) to release the charging lock pin (220).

14. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The release lever (242) is rotatably connected to the charging lock housing (210).

15. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable adapter (260) includes an inner surface (266) coupled to one of the charging lock housing (210) or the charging socket housing (110) of the charging socket assembly (100), and the cable channel (280) extends parallel to the inner surface (266) to orient the release cable (250) parallel to the inner surface.

16. The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable adapter (260) includes an inner surface (266) coupled to one of the charging lock housing (210) or the charging socket housing (110) of the charging socket assembly (100), and the cable channel (280) extends transversely to the inner surface to orient the release cable (250) transversely to the inner surface.

17. A charging socket assembly (100), comprising: A charging socket housing (110) having a front portion (130) and a rear portion (132), the charging socket housing having a terminal channel (116) between the front portion and the rear portion, the charging socket housing being configured to be coupled to a charging connector at the front portion; A charging terminal (120) is accommodated in the corresponding terminal channel and held in the charging socket housing. The charging terminal has a mating end and a terminating end, the terminating end being configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding power cable. The mating end includes a pin (122) configured to be connected to the charging connector. and A charging lock assembly (200) configured to lock the charging connector to the charging socket assembly during charging, the charging lock assembly including a charging lock housing coupled to the charging socket housing and having a cavity (212), the charging lock assembly including a charging lock pin (220) in the cavity of the charging lock housing, the charging lock pin being configured to lock the charging connector to the charging socket assembly during charging, the charging lock assembly including a charging lock actuator operably coupled to the charging lock pin, the charging lock actuator being configured to move the charging lock pin between a locked position and an unlocked position, the charging lock assembly including a release assembly (240), the release assembly including a release lever (242) operably coupled to the charging lock pin to release the charging lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, the release assembly including a release cable (250) coupled to the release lever to actuate the release lever, the release assembly including a cable adapter (260) supporting the release cable, the cable adapter including a cable channel for receiving the release cable.

18. A release assembly (240) for releasing a charging lock pin (220) for locking a charging connector to a charging socket assembly (100) during charging operation, the release assembly comprising: Release lever (242), which is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, is configured to be operably coupled to the charging lock pin to release the charging lock pin from a locked position to an unlocked position when the release lever moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position; A release cable (250) is connected to the release lever to actuate the release lever; and A cable adapter (260) supports the release cable and includes a cable channel for receiving the release cable, the cable adapter positioning the release cable relative to the release lever.

19. The release component of claim 18, wherein, The cable adapter (260) includes a molded plastic body (262).

20. The release component of claim 18, wherein, The cable channel extends along an axis that is generally aligned with the release lever (242) to align the end of the release cable (250) with the release lever.

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