Charging adapter

Abstract

A charging adapter includes an adapter body and a first clasp, a second clasp, and a linkage mechanism disposed on the adapter body. The adapter body includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector disposed at opposite ends of the adapter body and configured to connect to first and second external connectors, respectively. The first clasp includes a button and a clamping structure connected to the button and configured to clamp with the first external connector. The second clasp is configured to clamp with the second external connector. The linkage mechanism connects the first and second clamps and is configured to synchronously clamp and unclamp the first and second external connectors by the linkage mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a charging adapter. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are various specifications of charging guns and connectors for electric vehicles on the market. To enable charging equipment to charge different vehicles, adapters are needed. However, most current adapters are designed with two separate manual locking mechanisms for the adapter and the vehicle, as well as for the adapter and the charging gun. This makes operation inconvenient for users and makes it difficult to prevent the charging gun from being unplugged during charging. Unplugging the charging gun during charging may damage both the charging gun and the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, one object of this disclosure is to provide an improved charging adapter that solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

[0004] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a charging adapter includes an adapter body, a first latch, a second latch, and a linkage mechanism. The adapter body includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, which are disposed at opposite ends of the adapter body and configured to connect to a first external connector and a second external connector, respectively. The first latch is movably disposed on the adapter body and includes a button and a locking structure. The locking structure connects the button and is configured to engage with the first external connector. The second latch is movably disposed on the adapter body and is configured to engage with the second external connector. The linkage mechanism is disposed on the adapter body and connects the button of the first latch and the second latch. The first latch and the second latch are configured to simultaneously engage and disengage with the first external connector and the second external connector via the linkage mechanism.

[0005] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the linkage mechanism includes at least one translational slider connected to a second latch and configured to translate according to the pressing of a button on a first latch, wherein the translational slider causes the second latch to translate when it translates.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a first latch is located on a first side of the second electrical connector, and a second latch is located on a second side of the second electrical connector, the second side being opposite to the first side. A translational slider extends from the first side to the second side of the second electrical connector and connects the button of the first latch and the second latch.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the second latch and the translational slider together constitute a J-shaped structure.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the translational slider includes a first slider and a second slider, which are respectively connected to a button and a second latch, and each has an inclined surface, with the inclined surfaces of the first slider and the second slider abutting each other. The first slider is configured to slide along a first direction in response to the button of the first latch being pressed, and the second slider is configured to slide along a second direction inclined to the first direction in response to the sliding of the first slider.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the second electrical connector has a first side, a second side, and a third side, the second side being opposite to the first side and the third side being adjacent to the first and second sides. A first latch is disposed on the first side, and a second latch is disposed on the third side. The second direction in which the second slider slides is substantially perpendicular to the first direction in which the first slider slides.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first latch and the second latch are located on the same side of the second electrical connector. The linkage mechanism includes a rotating member, which includes a shaft, a first rotating arm, and a second rotating arm. The first rotating arm and the second rotating arm are respectively connected to the button of the first latch and the second latch, and are located on opposite sides of the shaft.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first latch and the second latch are located on opposite sides of the second electrical connector. The linkage mechanism includes a slider and a rotating member. The rotating member includes a shaft and a rotating arm. The rotating arm is connected to the second latch and to the button of the first latch via the slider.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the linkage mechanism is disposed along the periphery of the second electrical connector.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first latch is an integrally formed element, and the engaging structure and the button are located at opposite ends of the first latch.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the second electrical connector has a slot and a side opening. The slot is configured to receive a second external connector, while the side opening communicates with the slot. A second latch is configured to extend into the slot via the side opening and engage with the second external connector.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the charging adapter further includes an elastic member disposed on the adapter body. The elastic member engages a second latch and is configured to provide a force that pushes the second latch into a side opening.

[0016] In summary, the charging adapter disclosed herein includes a first latch for securing a first external connector, a second latch for securing a second external connector, and a linkage mechanism connecting the first latch and the second latch. The linkage mechanism can drive the first latch and the second latch to operate synchronously (synchronously securing with the two external connectors or synchronously separating from the two external connectors), which not only makes the charging adapter of this disclosure easy to operate, but also helps to prevent the charging gun using the charging adapter from being unplugged during charging. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0018] Figure 1 An exploded view of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 To show Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the charging system.

[0020] Figure 3 To show Figure 1 The front perspective view of the charging adapter of the charging system shown.

[0021] Figure 4 A top perspective view is provided to illustrate a charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5 To show Figure 4 The front perspective view of the charging adapter of the charging system shown.

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown to illustrate a charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view is shown to illustrate a charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0026] 12, 12A, 12B, 12C: Charging adapters

[0027] 13: Charging gun

[0028] 15: The device being charged

[0029] 17: Elastic component

[0030] 19, 19A, 19B, 19C: Charging System

[0031] 20: Adapter body

[0032] 21: First electrical connector

[0033] 22: Second electrical connector

[0034] 23: Slot

[0035] 24: Side opening

[0036] 29: Second latch

[0037] 30: First tenon

[0038] 34: Pivot joint

[0039] 35: Button

[0040] 37: Snap-fit ​​structure

[0041] 50, 50A, 50B, 50C: Linkage Mechanism

[0042] 51: First slider

[0043] 52: Second slider

[0044] 53: Translation slider

[0045] 53B, 53C: Sliding parts

[0046] 54B, 54C: Rotating parts

[0047] 55: Shaft

[0048] 56,57: Incline

[0049] 58: Rotary Arm

[0050] 58C: First Rotary Arm

[0051] 59C: Second Rotary Arm

[0052] D1: First Direction

[0053] D2: Second Direction

[0054] E1: First external connector

[0055] E2: Second External Connector

[0056] K1: Card-fitting feature

[0057] K2: Hole position

[0058] S1: First side

[0059] S2: Second side

[0060] S3: Third side Detailed Implementation

[0061] To make the description of this disclosure more detailed and complete, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings and the various embodiments described below. The elements in the drawings are not drawn to scale and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Numerous practical details are described below to provide a comprehensive understanding of this disclosure; however, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure may be practiced without one or more of these practical details, and therefore, these details should not be used to limit this disclosure.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 1 . Figure 1 The following is a schematic exploded view of a charging system 19 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the charging system 19 includes a charging adapter 12, a charging gun 13, and a device 15 to be charged (e.g., an electric vehicle). The charging gun 13 and the device 15 to be charged have electrical connectors of different specifications. The charging adapter 12 connects the charging gun 13 and the device 15 to facilitate the charging gun 13 connecting to and charging the device 15. The charging adapter 12 includes an adapter body 20, which includes a first electrical connector 21 and a second electrical connector 22. The first electrical connector 21 and the second electrical connector 22 are disposed at opposite ends of the adapter body 20 and configured to connect to a first external connector E1 and a second external connector E2, respectively. In this embodiment, the first external connector E1 and the second external connector E2 are connectors for the device 15 to the charging gun 13, and have different specifications. For example, the first external connector E1 can be a connector of GBT, J1772, or CCS1 specifications, while the second external connector E2 can be a connector of NACS, CCS2, or Type 2 (IEC62196-2 Type 2) specifications. Correspondingly, the first electrical connector 21 of the adapter body 20 can be a connector of GBT, J1772, or CCS1 specifications, and the second electrical connector 22 can be a connector of NACS, CCS2, or Type 2 specifications. The adapter body 20 may include a housing and conductive pins and circuitry disposed within the housing.

[0063] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 2 . Figure 2 To show Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the charging system 19 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the charging adapter 12 also includes a first latch 30, which is movably disposed on the adapter body 20 and includes a button 35 and a locking structure 37. The locking structure 37 connects to the button 35 and is configured to engage with the first external connector E1. In this embodiment, the first external connector E1 includes a locking feature K1 disposed on the top of the first external connector E1. The locking structure 37 of the first latch 30 can be engaged and fixed to the locking feature K1, so that the charging adapter 12 remains connected to the first external connector E1. The locking feature K1 can be a protrusion as shown, or it can be a groove, a hole, or other suitable structure.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first latch 30 is pivotally connected to the adapter body 20, and the button 35 and the engagement structure 37 are located on both sides of the pivot shaft 34. The button 35 is positioned away from the surface of the adapter body 20 for user pressing. When the button 35 is pressed, the engagement structure 37 connecting the button 35 rotates away from the adapter body 20 and disengages from the engagement feature K1 of the first external connector E1, thereby allowing the charging adapter 12 to be separated from the first external connector E1. In some embodiments, the first latch 30 is an integrally formed element, and the engagement structure 37 and the button 35 are located at opposite ends of the first latch 30. In some embodiments, a torsion spring (not shown) is provided around the pivot shaft 34 of the first latch 30, which provides a torque to rotate the engagement structure 37 toward the adapter body 20.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the charging adapter 12 further includes a second latch 29, which is movably disposed on the adapter body 20 and configured to engage with the second external connector E2. In this embodiment, the second external connector E2 has a hole K2 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second external connector E2. The second latch 29 can extend into the hole K2 to engage the second external connector E2, thereby maintaining the connection between the charging adapter 12 and the second external connector E2. In this embodiment, the second latch 29 is disposed inside the adapter body 20. The second electrical connector 22 may have a slot 23 and a side opening 24. The slot 23 is configured to receive the second external connector E2, while the side opening 24 is disposed on the side of the slot 23 and communicates with the slot 23. The second latch 29 is configured to extend into the slot 23 via the side opening 24, or to extend into the hole K2 of the second external connector E2 to engage with the second external connector E2.

[0066] like Figure 2As shown, the charging adapter 12 also includes a linkage mechanism 50, which is disposed on the adapter body 20 and connects to the button 35 of the first latch 30 and the second latch 29. The first latch 30 and the second latch 29 can be simultaneously engaged with the first external connector E1 and the second external connector E2 respectively through the linkage mechanism 50, and can also be simultaneously disengaged from the first external connector E1 and the second external connector E2 respectively. Compared with existing charging adapters, the charging adapter 12 disclosed herein is easy to operate, requiring only the operation of a single button 35 to achieve simultaneous unlocking or locking of the first latch 30 with the first external connector E1 and the second latch 29 with the second external connector E2. In addition, a lock can be added to the first latch 30 or the second latch 29. Since the first latch 30 and the second latch 29 operate synchronously, the lock can simultaneously fix the position of the first latch 30 or the second latch 29, preventing the charging gun 13 from being removed during charging and providing protection for the charging gun 13 and the device being charged 15.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the linkage mechanism 50 includes a translational slider 53, one end of which is connected to the button 35 of the first latch 30, and the other end is connected to the second latch 29. The translational slider 53 is configured to translate according to whether the button 35 of the first latch 30 is pressed or released (e.g., it translates downward when the button 35 is pressed and returns downward after being released). Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, when the sliding member 53 translates, it drives the second latch 29 to translate synchronously, causing the second latch 29 to enter or exit the side opening 24 of the second electrical connector 22 and the hole K2 of the second external connector E2. In some embodiments, the linkage mechanism 50 and the second latch 29 are disposed inside the adapter body 20, and the adapter body 20 has a cavity for the linkage mechanism 50 and the second latch 29 to move. The top end of the sliding member 53 may protrude from the outer surface of the adapter body 20 and abut against the inner side of the button 35 of the first latch 30. In some embodiments, the sliding member 53 and the second latch 29 may be an integrally formed structure.

[0068] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the charging adapter 12 further includes an elastic element 17 disposed on the adapter body 20. The elastic element 17 is indirectly or directly connected to the second latch 29 and configured to provide a force for pushing the second latch 29 into the side opening 24 of the second electrical connector 22. The elastic element 17 can assist the second latch 29 and the linkage mechanism 50 to automatically reset. After the button 35 is released, the second latch 29 can automatically move into the side opening 24 of the second electrical connector 22 under the drive of the elastic element 17. The elastic element 17 can be a spring, a sheet spring, or other suitable elastic object. In this embodiment, the elastic element 17 is a compression spring, with one end of the elastic element 17 fixed to the inner wall of the housing of the adapter body 20 and the other end fixed to the translational slider 53.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the first latch 30 is located on the first side S1 of the second electrical connector 22, and the second latch 29 is located on the second side S2 of the second electrical connector 22, opposite to the first side S1. A translational slider 53 extends from the first side S1 to the second side S2 of the second electrical connector 22 and connects the button 35 of the first latch 30 and the second latch 29. In some embodiments, the second latch 29 and the translational slider 53 together form a J-shaped structure.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 3 . Figure 3 To show Figure 1 The figure shows a front perspective view of the charging adapter 12 of the charging system 19. As shown, in some embodiments, the linkage mechanism 50 (shown in dashed lines) is disposed along the periphery of the second electrical connector 22 to avoid the circuit connected to the second electrical connector 22. In this embodiment, the translation slider 53 (shown in dashed lines) is disposed along the periphery of the second electrical connector 22. The translation slider 53 may include a complete annular structure surrounding the second electrical connector 22 as shown, or it may include a C-shaped structure partially surrounding the second electrical connector 22.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Figure 4 To show a top perspective view of a charging system 19A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 To show Figure 4The diagram shows a front perspective view of the charging adapter 12A of the charging system 19A. The charging adapter 12A of this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the linkage mechanism 50A includes multiple translational sliders, each including a first slider 51 and a second slider 52 (shown in dashed lines). The first slider 51 and the second slider 52 are stacked and respectively connected to the button 35 and the second latch 29 of the first latch 30. The first slider 51 and the second slider 52 each have an inclined surface 56 and an inclined surface 57, which abut against each other. The first slider 51 is configured to slide along a first direction D1 when the button 35 of the first latch 30 is pressed, and the second slider 52 is configured to slide along a second direction D2 when the first slider 51 slides along the first direction D1. The second direction D2 is inclined to (not parallel to) the first direction D1. When the hole K2 of the second electrical connector 22 is located on the side of the second electrical connector 22, the linkage mechanism 50A of this embodiment can drive the second latch 29 to slide in a non-vertical direction (e.g., slide left and right), achieving the effect of synchronous operation of the first latch 30 and the second latch 29 as in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0072] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the second electrical connector 22 has a first side S1, a second side S2, and a third side S3, with the second side S2 opposite to the first side S1 and the third side S3 adjacent to both the first side S1 and the second side S2 (that is, the third side S3 is located on the side of both the first side S1 and the second side S2). A first latch 30 is disposed on the first side S1 of the second electrical connector 22, and a second latch 29 is disposed on the third side S3 of the second electrical connector 22. A second slider 52 extends to the third side S3 of the second electrical connector 22 and connects with the second latch 29, and the second direction D2 of the sliding of the second slider 52 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1 of the sliding of the first slider 51. The second latch 29 can retract from the side opening 24 and the corresponding hole K2 on the third side S3 of the second electrical connector 22 as the second slider 52 slides along the second direction D2, or slide into the side opening 24 and the hole K2 in the opposite direction of the second direction D2. In some embodiments, the second slider 52 and the second latch 29 can be integrally formed.

[0073] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in some embodiments, the charging adapter 12B further includes an elastic element 17 (shown in dashed lines) disposed on the adapter body 20. The elastic element 17 is indirectly or directly connected to the second latch 29, which can assist the second latch 29 and the linkage mechanism 50A in automatic reset (for example, driving the second slider 52 to slide in the opposite direction of the second direction D2, thereby driving the first slider 51 to slide in the opposite direction of the first direction D1). In this embodiment, the elastic element 17 is a compression spring, one end of which is fixed to the inner wall of the housing of the adapter body 20, and the other end is fixed to the second slider 52.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 6 . Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a charging system 19B according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the first latch 30 and the second latch 29 of the charging adapter 12B are located on opposite sides of the second electrical connector 22, specifically on opposite first sides S1 and S2 of the second electrical connector 22, respectively. A linkage mechanism 50B is disposed inside the adapter body 20 and includes a slider 53B and a rotating member 54B. The rotating member 54B is disposed on the second side S2 of the second electrical connector 22 and includes a shaft 55 and a rotating arm 58. The rotating arm 58 is rotatable about the shaft 55 and is connected to the second latch 29. The rotating arm 58 is further connected to the button 35 of the first latch 30 via the slider 53B extending from the first side S1 to the second side S2 of the second electrical connector 22.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the charging adapter 12B further includes an elastic element 17, which is indirectly or directly connected to the second latch 29, assisting the second latch 29 and the linkage mechanism 50B in automatic reset. In this embodiment, the elastic element 17 is a compression spring, with one end fixed to the inner wall of the housing of the adapter body 20 and the other end fixed to the rotating arm 58 of the rotating member 54B. In other embodiments, the elastic element may also be a torsion spring disposed around the shaft portion 55 of the rotating member 54B.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 7 . Figure 7This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a charging system 19C according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the first latch 30 and the second latch 29 of the charging adapter 12C are located on the same side of the second electrical connector 22, for example, on the first side S1 of the second electrical connector 22, to engage with the hole K2 located on the first side S1 of the second electrical connector 22. The linkage mechanism 50C is disposed inside the adapter body 20 and includes a slider 53C and a rotating member 54C. The rotating member 54C is disposed on the first side S1 of the second electrical connector 22 and includes a shaft portion 55, a first rotating arm 58C, and a second rotating arm 59C. The first rotating arm 58C and the second rotating arm 59C are located on opposite sides of the shaft portion 55 and can rotate synchronously around the shaft portion 55. The first rotating arm 58C is connected to the button 35 of the first latch 30 via the slider 53C, while the second rotating arm 59C is connected to the second latch 29. In some embodiments, the charging adapter 12C also includes an elastic element 17, which has a function and structure similar to the aforementioned elastic element 17.

[0077] In summary, the charging adapter disclosed herein includes a first latch for securing a first external connector, a second latch for securing a second external connector, and a linkage mechanism connecting the first latch and the second latch. The linkage mechanism can drive the first latch and the second latch to operate synchronously (synchronously securing with the two external connectors or synchronously separating from the two external connectors), which not only makes the charging adapter of this disclosure easy to operate, but also helps to prevent the charging gun using the charging adapter from being unplugged during charging.

[0078] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charging adapter, comprising: An adapter body includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are disposed at opposite ends of the adapter body and configured to connect to a first external connector and a second external connector, respectively. A first latch is movably disposed on the adapter body and includes a button and a locking structure that connects the button and is configured to lock into the first external connector. A second latch, movably disposed on the adapter body and configured to secure with the second external connector; and A linkage mechanism is provided on the adapter body and connects the button of the first latch and the second latch, wherein the first latch and the second latch are configured to be locked and disengaged synchronously with the first external connector and the second external connector by means of the linkage mechanism.

2. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage mechanism includes at least one translational slider connected to the second latch and configured to translate according to the pressing of the button on the first latch, wherein the at least one translational slider translates and causes the second latch to translate.

3. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first latch is located on a first side of the second electrical connector, the second latch is located on a second side of the second electrical connector, the second side being opposite to the first side, and the at least one translational slider extends from the first side of the second electrical connector to the second side and connects the button of the first latch and the second latch.

4. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second latch and the at least one translational slider together form a J-shaped structure.

5. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one translational slider includes a first slider and a second slider, the first slider and the second slider being respectively connected to the button and the second latch, and each having an inclined surface, the inclined surfaces of the first slider and the second slider abutting each other, wherein the first slider is configured to slide along a first direction according to the button of the first latch being pressed, and the second slider is configured to slide along a second direction inclined to the first direction according to the sliding of the first slider.

6. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second electrical connector has a first side, a second side and a third side, the second side being opposite to the first side and the third side being adjacent to the first side and the second side, wherein the first latch is disposed on the first side and the second latch is disposed on the third side, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first latch and the second latch are located on the same side of the second electrical connector, the linkage mechanism includes a rotating member, the rotating member includes a shaft portion, a first rotating arm and a second rotating arm, the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm are respectively connected to the button of the first latch and the second latch, and are located on opposite sides of the shaft portion.

8. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first latch and the second latch are located on opposite sides of the second electrical connector, the linkage mechanism includes a sliding member and a rotating member, the rotating member includes a shaft portion and a rotating arm, the rotating arm is connected to the second latch, and the button of the first latch is connected through the sliding member.

9. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage mechanism is disposed along the periphery of the second electrical connector.

10. The charging adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first latch is an integrally formed element, and the engaging structure and the button are located at opposite ends of the first latch.

11. The charging adapter of claim 1, wherein the second electrical connector has a slot and a side opening, the slot being configured to receive the second external connector, the side opening communicating with the slot, and the second latch being configured to extend into the slot via the side opening and engage with the second external connector.

12. The charging adapter of claim 11, further comprising an elastic member disposed on the adapter body, the elastic member being connected to the second latch and configured to provide a force for pushing the second latch into the side opening.

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