Mechanical damping mechanism, cover assembly, charging socket mechanism, and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mechanical damping mechanism, a cover assembly, a charging socket mechanism, and a vehicle. The mechanical damping mechanism includes a pivotable connection fixedly connected to and pivoted with a pivotable component, a coil spring having a central axis and compressible in the direction of the central axis, and a slidable element floatably disposed between the pivotable connection and the coil spring. The slidable element includes a first protrusion extending away from the coil spring in the direction of the central axis, which includes a first profile extending obliquely toward a top end of the first protrusion. The pivotable connection includes a second protrusion including a second profile configured to contact and press against the first profile of the slidable element after the pivotable component is pivoted by a first predetermined angle from an initial position of 0°, so that the slidable element slides in the direction of the central axis toward the coil spring to compress the coil spring, thereby damping the pivoting speed of the pivotable component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the technical field of vehicles. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a mechanical damping mechanism, a cover assembly including the mechanical damping mechanism, a charging socket mechanism including the cover assembly, and a vehicle provided with the charging socket mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Electric or hybrid vehicles typically include a charging socket with a built-in connector for connecting a charging gun to charge the vehicle. The charging socket usually has a dust cover (also called a "first cover") that can be opened to expose the connector and closed to cover it. In some cases, the charging socket is located within a recess in the vehicle body with an opening. For this purpose, a second cover is usually provided outside the dust cover for opening and closing this opening.

[0003] Typically, at least the dust cover is configured to open automatically under the action of a torsion spring. For example, one end of the dust cover can be pivotally connected to a charging socket, while the other end can have a latching element that engages the dust cover with the charging socket. A torsion spring is provided between the dust cover and the charging socket; when the latching element is pressed, disengaging the latching connection between the dust cover and the charging socket, the dust cover can automatically pivot open under the action of the torsion spring. However, to prevent the dust cover from opening too quickly under the action of the torsion spring, colliding with a second cover and making noise (impact noise), and colliding with the second cover and damaging at least one of the dust cover and the second cover, a damper is usually required to limit the opening speed of the dust cover, ensuring that the dust cover opens slowly and that it does not collide with, or collide with, the second cover with excessive force, causing noise and / or damage to at least one of the dust cover and the second cover.

[0004] Currently, the most commonly used dampers are hydraulic dampers, such as oil dampers. However, the fluid in hydraulic dampers is usually quite sensitive to temperature, and the damping value it produces varies greatly at high and low temperatures. Therefore, the damping effect of this type of damper changes significantly with temperature, making it difficult to maintain consistent damping performance.

[0005] In particular, under hot conditions, hydraulic dampers, such as oil-type dampers, may fail to achieve the intended damping effect due to insufficient damping value. This could result in the dust cover opening with virtually no damping, causing it to open too quickly, exceeding the maximum designed opening angle and impacting the second cover. This could cause impact noise and / or damage to at least one of the dust cover or the second cover. Under extremely cold conditions (e.g., at -20°C), hydraulic dampers may also cause the dust cover to open too slowly or at an incomplete opening angle due to excessive damping value. This could affect the operator's charging gun insertion operation or negatively impact the operator's experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to solve one or more of the problems described above and others, or to achieve other additional advantages.

[0007] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a mechanical damping mechanism is provided. The mechanical damping mechanism is used to dampen the pivoting speed of a pivotable component during pivoting of at least a portion of the pivotable component about a pivot axis, and includes: a pivotable connector fixedly connected to the pivotable component and capable of pivoting together with the pivotable component; a helical spring having a central axis perpendicular to the pivot axis and compressible along the direction of the central axis; and a slidable element buoyantly disposed between the pivotable connector and the helical spring; wherein the slidable element includes a first [missing information - likely a typo, should be "to extend away from the helical spring along the direction of the central axis"]. The first protrusion includes a first profile extending obliquely toward the top of the first protrusion; wherein the pivotable connector includes a second protrusion, the second protrusion including a second profile configured to contact and press against the first profile of the first protrusion of the slidable element after the pivotable component has pivoted from an initial position of 0° to a first predetermined angle, such that the slidable element slides toward the helical spring along the direction of the central axis and compresses the helical spring, thereby damping the pivoting speed of the pivotable component by means of the compressive force of the helical spring.

[0008] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a cover assembly is provided. The cover assembly includes: a cover pivotable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position; a torsion spring to twist about the pivot axis to release a torsion spring force thereby automatically driving the cover from its closed position to its open position; and a mechanical damping mechanism according to this disclosure, wherein a pivotable connector of the mechanical damping mechanism is fixed to a first end of the cover such that the pivotable connector is pivotable together with the cover.

[0009] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a charging socket mechanism is provided. The charging socket mechanism includes: a charging socket including a housing and a connector disposed within the housing, the housing including a first opening through which the connector can be accessed; and a cover assembly according to this disclosure, wherein the cover assembly is configured to pivot between its open position and its closed position to open and close the first opening.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a charging socket mechanism according to this disclosure, wherein a connector of the charging socket is configured to connect a charging gun for charging the vehicle.

[0011] Non-limiting illustrative examples of embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in the following numbered clauses.

[0012] Clause 1. A mechanical damping mechanism for damping the pivoting velocity of a pivotable component during at least a portion of its pivoting about a pivot axis, wherein the mechanical damping mechanism comprises:

[0013] A pivotable connector, which is fixedly connected to the pivotable component and is capable of pivoting together with the pivotable component;

[0014] A helical spring having a central axis perpendicular to the pivot axis and compressible along the direction of the central axis; and

[0015] A slidable element that can be floatably disposed between the pivotable connector and the helical spring;

[0016] The slidable element includes a first protrusion extending away from the helical spring along the direction of the central axis. The first protrusion includes a first profile extending obliquely toward the top of the first protrusion.

[0017] The pivotable connector includes a second protrusion, which includes a second profile. The second profile is configured to contact and press against the first profile of the first protrusion of the slidable element after the pivotable component pivots from an initial position of 0° to a first predetermined angle. This causes the slidable element to slide toward the helical spring along the direction of the central axis, thereby compressing the helical spring. The pivoting speed of the pivotable component is damped by the compressive force of the helical spring.

[0018] Clause 2. The mechanical damping mechanism as described in Clause 1, wherein the first predetermined angle is 80°.

[0019] Clause 3. The mechanical damping mechanism according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the first protrusion of the slidable element further includes a third profile extending obliquely toward the first profile and converging with the first profile at the apex of the first protrusion, and the pivotable connector further includes a recess in which the first protrusion of the slidable element is received when the pivotable component pivots to a second predetermined angle greater than the first predetermined angle.

[0020] Clause 4. The mechanical damping mechanism as described in Clause 3, wherein the second predetermined angle is 120°.

[0021] Clause 5. The mechanical damping mechanism according to Clause 3 or 4, wherein the mechanical damping mechanism further includes a first limiting element, the first limiting element including a cylindrical shaft portion, and the helical spring being disposed around the shaft portion of the first limiting element.

[0022] Clause 6. The mechanical damping mechanism according to Clause 5, wherein the first limiting element further includes a flat block disposed at one end of the shaft portion, the length of the flat block extending in a direction perpendicular to both the pivot axis and the central axis being greater than the diameter of the shaft portion, the slidable element including a hole for the shaft portion of the first limiting element to extend through and a first cutout for receiving a first portion of the flat block, the flat block being configured to prevent the slidable element from sliding away from the helical spring more than a predetermined distance along the direction of the central axis and to prevent the slidable element from moving along the direction of the pivot axis.

[0023] Clause 7. The mechanical damping mechanism as described in Clause 6, wherein the pivotable connector includes a second cutout for receiving a second portion of the flat block.

[0024] Clause 8. The mechanical damping mechanism according to Clause 7, wherein both the pivotable connector and the flat block are provided with holes for the extension of the pivot shaft.

[0025] Clause 9. The mechanical damping mechanism according to Clause 6, wherein the flat block includes at least one stop extending from the flat block along the pivot axis, wherein when the pivotable component pivots to the second predetermined angle, a second profile of the second protrusion of the pivotable connector abuts the stop to prevent further pivoting of the pivotable connector and the pivotable component.

[0026] Clause 10. A mechanical damping mechanism according to any one of Clauses 5 to 9, wherein the mechanical damping mechanism further comprises a second limiting element configured to prevent the slidable element from moving in a direction perpendicular to both the pivot axis and the central axis.

[0027] Clause 11. A mechanical damping mechanism according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the mechanical damping mechanism includes an adjusting element for adjusting the compression force of the helical spring to provide a predetermined damping force, the helical spring being disposed between the slidable element and the adjusting element.

[0028] Clause 12. The mechanical damping mechanism according to Clause 11, wherein the adjusting element is configured as a cylindrical element, and the position of the adjusting element in the direction along the central axis is adjustable to adjust the compression force of the helical spring.

[0029] Clause 13. A cover assembly comprising:

[0030] The cover is pivotable about a pivot axis between its open position and its closed position;

[0031] A torsion spring, the torsion spring being capable of torsion about the pivot axis to release the torsion spring force and automatically drive the cover from its closed position to its open position; and

[0032] Mechanical damping mechanism as described in any one of clauses 1 to 12

[0033] The pivotable connector of the mechanical damping mechanism is fixed to the first end of the cover, so that the pivotable connector can pivot together with the cover.

[0034] Clause 14. The cover assembly according to Clause 13, wherein the pivotable connector is integrally formed with the cover.

[0035] Clause 15. The cover assembly according to Clause 13 or 14, wherein a second end of the cover opposite to the first end is provided with a snap-fit ​​element, the snap-fit ​​element being configured to snap the cover into its closed position and to release the snap-fit ​​element so that the cover can automatically pivot from its closed position to its open position under the actuation of the torsion spring.

[0036] Clause 16. The cover assembly according to any one of Clauses 13 to 15, wherein the torsion spring comprises two sections connected to each other, the two sections being disposed on both sides of the pivotable connector of the mechanical damping mechanism along the direction of the pivot axis.

[0037] Clause 17. A cover assembly according to any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein, during the pivoting of the cover from its closed position toward an intermediate position between its closed position and its open position, the torsion spring increases the pivoting speed of the cover, and during the further pivoting of the cover from the intermediate position toward its open position, the mechanical damping mechanism decreases the pivoting speed of the cover.

[0038] Clause 18. The cover assembly according to Clause 17, wherein when the cover is in its closed position, the angle of the cover relative to a predetermined plane is 0°; when the cover is in the intermediate position, the angle of the cover relative to the predetermined plane is 80°; and when the cover is in its open position, the angle of the cover relative to the predetermined plane is 120°.

[0039] Clause 19. A charging socket mechanism comprising:

[0040] A charging socket, comprising a housing and a connector disposed within the housing, the housing including a first opening through which the connector can be accessed; and

[0041] The cover assembly as described in any of clauses 13 to 18

[0042] The cover assembly is configured to pivot between its open position and its closed position to open and close the first opening.

[0043] Clause 20. The charging socket mechanism according to Clause 19, wherein a first end of the cover of the cover assembly is pivotally fixed to the housing of the charging socket.

[0044] Clause 21. A vehicle including a charging socket mechanism according to Clause 19 or 20, wherein the connector of the charging socket is configured to connect a charging gun for charging the vehicle.

[0045] Clause 22. The vehicle according to Clause 21, wherein the charging socket mechanism is disposed within a recess in the body of the vehicle, the recess including a second opening to expose the charging socket mechanism.

[0046] Clause 23. The vehicle according to Clause 21 or 22, wherein the cover of the cover assembly is a first cover, and the vehicle further includes a second cover disposed outside the first cover, the second cover being pivotable between its open position and its closed position to open and close the second opening.

[0047] Clause 24. The vehicle according to Clause 23, wherein the second cover is provided with a mis-prevention element that, when the first cover is in its open position, as the second cover pivots from its open position toward its closed position, the mis-prevention element is capable of hooking at least a portion of the first cover and preventing the second cover from pivoting further toward its closed position.

[0048] Clause 25. The vehicle according to Clause 23 or 24, wherein a first end of the second cover is pivotally fixed to the body of the vehicle, a second end of the second cover is provided with a snap-fit ​​element configured to snap the second cover into its closed position and to release the snap-fit ​​element to allow the second cover to pivot from its closed position to its open position.

[0049] Clause 26. The vehicle according to Clause 25, wherein a first end of the second cover is pivotally secured to the body of the vehicle via another torsion spring, and the second cover is capable of automatically pivoting from its closed position to its open position under the actuation of the other torsion spring when the latching element of the second cover is released.

[0050] It should be noted that aspects of this disclosure described with respect to one embodiment can be included in other different embodiments, although these other different embodiments are not specifically described. In other words, features of all embodiments and / or any embodiments can be combined in any manner and / or combination, as long as they do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Many aspects of this disclosure will be better understood after reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a charging socket mechanism installed on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Disassembly diagram of the cover assembly of the charging socket mechanism shown;

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The enlarged disassembled view of the cover assembly shown above more clearly illustrates the structure of the mechanical damping mechanism of the cover assembly.

[0055] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a mechanical damping mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figures 5 to 12These are schematic diagrams of a dust cover of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in different open positions, wherein... Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the dust cover at 0° (i.e., in the closed position). Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the dust cover at 30°. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the dust cover at 60°. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the dust cover at 80°. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the dust cover at 90°. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the dust cover at 100°. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the dust cover at 110°. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the dust cover at 120° (i.e., in the fully open position).

[0057] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of some features may be altered and they may not be drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide further additional embodiments.

[0059] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0061] When a component is described in the specification as being "on", "attached" to, "connected" to, "joined" to, or "in contact" with another component, the component may be directly located on, attached to, connected to, joined to, or in contact with the other component, or there may be an intermediate component present.

[0062] In this specification, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for ease of explanation only and are not intended to be limiting. Any technical feature represented by "first," "second," "third," etc., is interchangeable.

[0063] In the specification, spatial relation terms such as "above," "below," "front," "back," "top," and "bottom" describe the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relation terms include not only the orientation shown in the drawings but also the different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the drawings is inverted, a feature previously described as "below" other features can now be described as "above" other features. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), in which case the relative spatial relationships will be explained accordingly.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 This illustration shows a charging socket mechanism 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which can be disposed on a vehicle 1 (e.g., an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle). The charging socket mechanism 10 may include a charging socket 11. The charging socket 11 may include a connector 12 for connecting a charging gun to charge the vehicle 1. The charging socket 11 may include a housing 13. The connector 12 may be disposed within the housing 13. The housing 13 has an internal space for receiving the connector 12 and includes an opening 14. The connector 12 can be accessed via the opening 14 of the housing 13. The charging socket 11 may be disposed within a recess 15 of the vehicle body. The recess 15 may be formed, for example, on a side of the vehicle body. The recess may include an opening 16 to expose the charging socket mechanism 10.

[0065] The charging socket mechanism 10 may include a cover assembly 20. The cover assembly 20 may include a cover (also referred to as a "dust cover" or "first cover") 21. The cover 21 is pivotable about a pivot axis PP between its open position and its closed position to open and close the opening 14.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The first end 211 of the cover 21 can be pivotally connected (e.g., by means of a pivot axis 23) to the charging socket 11, for example, to the housing 13 of the charging socket 11. The cover assembly 20 may include a torsion spring 22. The torsion spring 22 is capable of torsion about the pivot axis PP to release the torsion spring force and automatically drive the cover 21 from its closed position to its open position. The torsion spring 22 may be sleeved on the pivot axis 23. The second end 212 of the cover 21 opposite to the first end 211 may be provided with a snap-fit ​​element 213. The snap-fit ​​element 213 is configured to snap the cover 21 into its closed position. The snap-fit ​​element 213 can be released so that the cover 21 can automatically pivot from its closed position to its open position under the actuation of the torsion spring 22. The snap-fit ​​element 213 may engage, for example, with a mating snap-fit ​​element 17 provided on the housing 13 of the charging socket 11 to perform the snap-fit. The latching element 213 can be released by engaging the latching element 17. For example, the latching element 213 can be released by pressing the engaging latching element 17 to disengage the latch between the latching element 213 and the engaging latching element 17. The latching element 213 and the engaging opening element 17 can have any suitable construction known in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0067] To prevent the cover 21 from opening too quickly under the actuation of the torsion spring 22, or from colliding with other components (such as the second cover 22 described below) and causing noise and / or damage to the cover 21 and at least one of the other components, the cover assembly 20 may also include a damping mechanism 30. The damping mechanism 30 is used to dampen the pivoting speed of the pivotable component (such as the cover 21 or any other suitable pivotable component) during pivoting about at least a portion of the pivot axis PP. In embodiments according to this disclosure, the damping mechanism 30 is a mechanical damping mechanism capable of providing a stable damping force regardless of temperature, thereby overcoming the temperature sensitivity of prior art hydraulic dampers.

[0068] Refer to 3 below. Figure 4 The specific composition of the damping mechanism 30 according to this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0069] The damping mechanism 30 may include a pivotable connector 31, a helical spring 32, and a sliding element 33 that is floatably disposed between the pivotable connector 31 and the helical spring 32.

[0070] The pivotable connector 31 can be fixedly connected to the pivotable component and can pivot together with the pivotable component. In some embodiments, the pivotable connector 31 can be integrally formed with the pivotable component. For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the pivotable connector 31 can be integrally formed with the cover 21 at the first end 211 of the cover 21.

[0071] The helical spring 32 may have a central axis CC perpendicular to the pivot axis PP, and it can be compressed along the direction of the central axis CC. When the helical spring 32 is compressed, it will provide a compressive force.

[0072] The sliding element 33 may include a first protrusion 331 extending away from the coil spring 32 along the central axis CC. The first protrusion 331 has a tip 332 and includes a first profile 333. The first profile 333 may extend obliquely toward the tip 332 of the first protrusion 331. Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 12 As shown more clearly, the first profile 333 can be configured as a curved surface. The first profile 333 can be designed based on the pivot angle of the pivotable component and the distance that the sliding element 33 is expected to slide at a predetermined pivot angle, so that the helical spring 32 generates the desired compressive force and damping force at that predetermined pivot angle.

[0073] To cooperate with the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33, the pivotable connector 31 may include a second protrusion 311 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 The second protrusion 311 may include a second profile 312. The second profile 312 is configured to contact and abut against the first profile 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the slidable element 33 after the pivotable component has been pivoted from an initial position of 0° by a first predetermined angle (e.g., 80° or any other suitable angle). Figures 8 to 10 The sliding element 33 slides towards the helical spring 32 along the central axis CC, compressing the helical spring 32. This compression force of the helical spring 32 dampens the pivoting speed of the pivotable component. In other words, because the pivotable connector 31 is blocked by the inclined first surface 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 during pivoting, it tends to push away the sliding element 33 to continue pivoting. However, due to the presence of the helical spring 32, pushing away the sliding element 33 requires first overcoming the compression force of the helical spring 32. Therefore, the pivoting speed of the pivotable connector 31 will be hindered and gradually decrease. In other words, when the sliding element 33 slides towards the helical spring 32 and compresses it, the compression force of the helical spring 32 dampens the pivoting speed of the pivotable connector 31 and the pivotable component fixedly connected to it.

[0074] As can be seen, the damping mechanism 30 of this disclosure implements damping by means of a helical spring 32, and therefore it is a mechanical damping mechanism. Since the elasticity of the helical spring 32 is essentially unaffected by temperature, its damping characteristics remain stable at any temperature, thereby providing a stable damping force and overcoming the temperature sensitivity of hydraulic dampers in the prior art.

[0075] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown more clearly, the second surface 312 of the second protrusion 311 of the pivotable connector 31 can also be configured as a curved surface. For example... Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the second surface 312 of the second protrusion 311 does not contact the first surface 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 when the pivotable component (e.g., cover 21) pivots from 0° to a first predetermined angle (e.g., 80°). It only contacts the first surface 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 when the pivotable component pivots to the first predetermined angle. During subsequent pivoting, it presses against and slides along the first surface 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33, pushing the sliding element 33 towards the coil spring 32. When the pivotable component further pivots to another predetermined angle (e.g., 100°), as... Figure 10 As shown, the top end of the second protrusion 311 of the pivotable connector 31 substantially abuts against the top end of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33. After this predetermined angle, the second surface 312 of the second protrusion 311 of the pivotable connector 31 and the first surface 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 will no longer be in contact with each other (as shown). Figures 11 to 12 (As shown).

[0076] In the damping mechanism 30 according to this disclosure, by designing at least the first profile 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 and the second profile 312 of the second protrusion 311 of the pivotable connector 31, the minimum engagement angle of the first profile 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 and the second profile 312 of the second protrusion 311 of the pivotable connector 31 can be adjusted according to actual needs, and the maximum damping angle of the pivotable connector 31 (or the maximum angle at which the pivotable connector 31 can pivot) can also be adjusted. Furthermore, by designing at least the first profile 333 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 and the second profile 312 of the second protrusion 311 of the pivotable connector 31, the damping force curve provided by the damping mechanism 30 can also be adjusted according to actual needs, thereby adjusting the pivoting speed of the cover 21.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 12As shown more clearly, the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 may also include a third surface 334. The third surface 334 may extend obliquely toward the first surface 333 and converge with the first surface 333 at the top 332 of the first protrusion 331. The third surface 334 may also be configured as a curved surface. Correspondingly, the pivotable connector 31 may include a recess 313. When the pivotable component pivots beyond another predetermined angle mentioned above (e.g., 100°), the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 will gradually enter the recess 313, as... Figure 11 As shown. When the pivotable component pivots to a second predetermined angle (e.g., 120°), the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 will be fully received in the recess 313 of the pivotable connector 31, as shown. Figure 12 As shown. At this second predetermined angle, the pivotable component will no longer pivot, thus remaining at the desired second predetermined angle. This prevents the pivotable component (e.g., cover 21) from colliding with other components (e.g., the "second cover" mentioned below). In some embodiments, the recess 313 may include a fourth profile 314 and a fifth profile 315. When the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 is fully received in the recess 313 of the pivotable connector 31, the first profile 333 and the third profile 334 of the first protrusion 331 of the sliding element 33 can respectively abut against the fourth profile 314 and the fifth profile 315 of the recess 313 of the pivotable connector 31, as shown. Figure 12 As shown.

[0078] With the aid of the damping mechanism 30 according to this disclosure, when the cover 21 pivots from its closed position toward its open position driven by the torsion spring 22, the cover 21 can undergo a pivoting process of first accelerating and then decelerating. More specifically, as the cover 21 pivots from its closed position (e.g., at 0° relative to a predetermined plane, such as the plane where the opening 14 of the housing 13 is located) toward an intermediate position between its closed and open positions (e.g., at 80° relative to a predetermined plane, such as the plane where the opening 14 of the housing 13 is located), the torsion spring 22 increases the pivoting speed of the cover 21; as the cover 21 pivots further from the intermediate position toward its open position (e.g., at 120° relative to a predetermined plane, such as the plane where the opening 14 of the housing 13 is located), the damping mechanism 30 decreases the pivoting speed of the cover 21. The acceleration process can shorten the time taken for the entire opening process of the cover 21 and thus ensure that the cover 21 can open within a predetermined time, while the deceleration process can ensure that the speed of the cover 21 is sufficiently reduced as it approaches its open position and can remain in its open position. This can further avoid or reduce the shaking caused by inertial forces when the cover 21 reaches its open position.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the damping mechanism 30 may further include a first limiting element 34. The first limiting element 34 may include a cylindrical shaft portion 341. The shaft portion 341 can be used to limit the movement of the coil spring 32; for example, the coil spring 32 may be limited around the shaft portion 341 of the first limiting element 34, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first limiting element 34 may further include a flat block 342 disposed at one end of the shaft portion 341. The length of the flat block 342 extending in a direction perpendicular to both the pivot axis PP and the central axis CC may be designed to be greater than the diameter of the shaft portion 341. The sliding element 33 may include a hole 335 through which the shaft portion 341 of the first limiting element 34 extends and a first cut 336 for receiving at least a portion (e.g., a first portion) of the flat block 342. The shaft portion 341 of the first limiting element 34 extends through the hole 335 of the sliding element 33, and the first portion of the flat block 342 of the first limiting element 34 may be accommodated in the first cut 336 of the sliding element 33. The width of the first cut 336 in the direction along the pivot axis PP may be substantially equal to the width of the flat block 342 in the direction along the pivot axis PP. Thus, when the first limiting element 34 is fixed, the flat block 342 can prevent the sliding element 33 from sliding away from the coil spring 32 by more than a predetermined distance along the direction of the central axis CC (that is, when the sliding element 33 abuts the bottom surface of the flat block 342, it will not be able to continue sliding), and can also prevent the sliding element 33 from moving along the direction of the pivot axis PP.

[0081] In embodiments including the flat block 342, in order to secure the first limiting element 34 via the flat block 342, the pivotable connector 31 may include a second cutout 316 for receiving at least a portion of the flat block 342 (e.g., a second portion different from the first portion). Figure 4 As shown, at least a portion of the flat block 342 (e.g., a second portion different from the first portion) can be received in the second cutout 316, thereby preventing the entire first limiting element 34 from moving. Additionally, the pivotable connector 31 and the flat block 342 may each be provided with holes 317 and 343 for the pivot shaft 23 to extend through. The pivot shaft 23 can extend through holes 317 and 343 to connect the pivotable connector 31 and the flat block 342 together.

[0082] In some embodiments, the flat block 342 may further include at least one stop 344 extending from the flat block 342 along the pivot axis PP. For example, the flat block 342 may include two stops 344 extending laterally from the flat block 342 along the pivot axis PP. When the pivotable component (e.g., cover 21) pivots to a second predetermined angle (e.g., 120°), the second profile 312 of the second protrusion 311 of the pivotable connector 31 may abut against the stop 344 to prevent further pivoting of the pivotable connector 31 and the pivotable component, such as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0083] In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 30 may further include a second limiting element 35. The second limiting element 35 is configured to prevent the slidable element 33 from moving in a direction perpendicular to both the pivot axis PP and the central axis CC. Figure 3 As shown, the second limiting element 35 may include a groove 351 for receiving the sliding element 33. The width of the groove 351 in a direction perpendicular to both the pivot axis PP and the central axis CC may be substantially equal to the width of the sliding element 33, thereby preventing the sliding element 33 from moving in that direction. The second limiting element 35 may be fixed to the housing 13 of the charging socket 11. In some embodiments, the second limiting element 35 may be integrally formed with the housing 13 of the charging socket 11.

[0084] In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 30 may further include an adjusting element 36 for adjusting the compression force of the helical spring 32 to provide a predetermined damping force. The helical spring 32 may be disposed between the sliding element 33 and the adjusting element 36, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The adjusting element 36 can be constructed as a cylindrical element, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The position of the adjusting element 36 in the direction along the central axis CC can be adjusted to adjust the compression force of the helical spring 32.

[0085] With the aid of the adjusting element 36, the damping force generated by the damping mechanism 30 according to the present disclosure can be adjusted, thereby increasing the versatility of the damping mechanism 30.

[0086] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the torsion spring 22 may include two segments 221 and 222 connected to each other. The two segments 221 and 222 may be respectively positioned on either side of the pivotable connector 31 of the damping mechanism 30 along the direction of the pivot axis PP. This symmetrical torsion spring design allows the cover 21 to apply a uniform force on the pivot axis 23 during opening and closing, which can improve product reliability and mitigate problems such as misalignment or rotational noise caused by asymmetrical wear due to long-term use.

[0087] return Figure 1 In some embodiments, vehicle 1 may further include a second cover 24 disposed outside cover 21. The second cover 24 is pivotable between its open position and its closed position for opening or closing opening 16. In some embodiments, the second cover 24 may be provided with a mis-prevention element 240. When cover 21 is in its open position, as the second cover 24 pivots from its open position toward its closed position, the mis-prevention element 240 can hook at least a portion of cover 21 (e.g., hook a latching element 213 on the second end 212 of cover 21) to prevent the second cover 24 from pivoting further toward its closed position. The mis-prevention element 240 can prevent the second cover 24 from moving to its closed position while cover 21 is open, thereby providing feedback to the operator to ensure that cover 21 is closed first.

[0088] In some embodiments, a first end 241 of the second cover 24 may be pivotally fixed to the vehicle body of the vehicle 1, and a second end 242 of the second cover 24 may be provided with a snap-fit ​​element 243. The snap-fit ​​element 243 of the second cover is configured to snap the second cover 24 into its closed position, and the snap-fit ​​element 243 of the second cover can be released to allow the second cover 24 to pivot from its closed position to its open position. The snap-fit ​​element 243 may engage, for example, with a mating snap-fit ​​element 18 disposed on the vehicle body. The snap-fit ​​element 243 can be released by engaging the snap-fit ​​element 18, for example, by pressing the mating snap-fit ​​element 18 to disengage the snap between the snap-fit ​​element 243 and the mating snap-fit ​​element 18, thereby releasing the snap-fit ​​element 243. The snap-fit ​​element 243 and the mating opening element 18 may have any suitable configuration known in the art, and will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the second cover 24 may be pivotally fixed to the vehicle body of the vehicle 1 via another torsion spring. When the latching element 243 of the second cover 24 is released, the second cover 24 is able to automatically pivot from its closed position to its open position under the drive of the other torsion spring.

[0089] Exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All changes and modifications are included within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the claims. This disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of those claims are also included.

Claims

1. A mechanical damping mechanism (30) for damping the pivoting speed of a pivotable component during at least a portion of pivoting about a pivot axis (PP), wherein, The mechanical damping mechanism includes: A pivotable connector (31) is fixedly connected to the pivotable component and is capable of pivoting together with the pivotable component; A helical spring (32) having a central axis (CC) perpendicular to the pivot axis and compressible along the direction of the central axis; and A slidable element (33) is floatingly disposed between the pivotable connector and the helical spring. The slidable element includes a first protrusion (331) extending away from the helical spring along the direction of the central axis. The first protrusion includes a first profile (333) that extends obliquely toward the top end (332) of the first protrusion. The pivotable connector includes a second protrusion (311), which includes a second profile (312). The second profile is configured to contact and press against the first profile (333) of the first protrusion of the slidable element after the pivotable component pivots from the initial position of 0° to a first predetermined angle, so that the slidable element slides toward the helical spring along the direction of the central axis and compresses the helical spring, thereby damping the pivoting speed of the pivotable component by means of the compression force of the helical spring.

2. The mechanical damping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The first predetermined angle is 80°; and / or The first protrusion of the slidable element further includes a third surface (334), which extends obliquely toward the first surface and converges with the first surface at the top of the first protrusion. The pivotable connector further includes a recess (313). When the pivotable component pivots to a second predetermined angle greater than the first predetermined angle, the first protrusion of the slidable element is received in the recess of the pivotable connector. Preferably, the second predetermined angle is 120°. More preferably, the mechanical damping mechanism further includes a first limiting element (34), the first limiting element including a cylindrical shaft portion (341), and the helical spring (32) being arranged around the shaft portion of the first limiting element; More preferably, the first limiting element further includes a flat block (342) disposed at one end of the shaft portion, the length of which extends in a direction perpendicular to both the pivot axis and the central axis is greater than the diameter of the shaft portion, the slidable element includes a hole (335) for the shaft portion of the first limiting element to extend through and a first cut (336) for receiving a first portion of the flat block, the flat block being configured to prevent the slidable element from sliding away from the helical spring more than a predetermined distance along the direction of the central axis and to prevent the slidable element from moving along the direction of the pivot axis.

3. The mechanical damping mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pivotable connector includes a second cutout (316) for receiving a second portion of the flat block. Preferably, both the pivotable connector and the flat block are provided with holes (317, 343) for the pivot shaft (23) to extend through. Preferably, the flat block includes at least one stop (344) extending from the flat block along the pivot axis, wherein when the pivotable component pivots to the second predetermined angle, the second profile of the second protrusion of the pivotable connector abuts against the stop (344) to prevent further pivoting of the pivotable connector and the pivotable component; More preferably, the mechanical damping mechanism further includes a second limiting element (35) configured to prevent the slidable element from moving in a direction perpendicular to both the pivot axis and the central axis.

4. The mechanical damping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The mechanical damping mechanism includes an adjusting element (36) for adjusting the compression force of the helical spring to provide a predetermined damping force. The helical spring is disposed between the sliding element and the adjusting element. Preferably, the adjusting element is configured as a cylindrical element, and the position of the adjusting element in the direction along the central axis can be adjusted to adjust the compression force of the helical spring.

5. A cover assembly (20), comprising: Cover (21), the cover being pivotable about a pivot axis between its open position and its closed position; A torsion spring (22) is capable of torsion about the pivot axis to release the torsion spring force and automatically drive the cover from its closed position to its open position; and The mechanical damping mechanism (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The pivotable connector (31) of the mechanical damping mechanism is fixed to the first end (211) of the cover (21), so that the pivotable connector can pivot together with the cover.

6. The cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The pivotable connector is integrally formed with the cover; Preferably, the second end (212) of the cover opposite to the first end is provided with a latching element (213), the latching element being configured to latch the cover in its closed position and to be released so that the cover can automatically pivot from its closed position to its open position under the drive of the torsion spring; Preferably, the torsion spring comprises two sections (221, 222) connected to each other, the two sections being respectively disposed on both sides of the pivotable connector (31) of the mechanical damping mechanism along the direction of the pivot axis; Preferably, during the pivoting of the cover from its closed position toward an intermediate position between its closed and open positions, the torsion spring increases the pivoting speed of the cover, and during the further pivoting of the cover from the intermediate position toward its open position, the mechanical damping mechanism decreases the pivoting speed of the cover. More preferably, when the cover is in its closed position, the angle of the cover relative to a predetermined plane is 0°; when the cover is in the intermediate position, the angle of the cover relative to the predetermined plane is 80°; and when the cover is in its open position, the angle of the cover relative to the predetermined plane is 120°.

7. A charging socket mechanism (10), comprising: A charging socket (11) includes a housing (13) and a connector (12) disposed within the housing. The housing includes a first opening (14) through which the connector can be accessed. and The cover assembly (20) according to claim 5 or 6. The cover (21) of the cover assembly is configured to pivot between its open position and its closed position to open and close the first opening; Preferably, the first end of the cover assembly is pivotally fixed to the housing of the charging socket.

8. A vehicle (1) comprising a charging socket mechanism (10) according to claim 7, wherein, The connector (12) of the charging socket (11) is configured to connect a charging gun to charge the vehicle.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein, The charging socket mechanism (10) is disposed in a recess (15) of the vehicle body, the recess including a second opening (16) to expose the charging socket mechanism.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The cover (21) of the cover assembly (20) is a first cover, and the vehicle also includes a second cover (24) disposed outside the first cover, the second cover being pivotable between its open position and its closed position to open and close the second opening; Preferably, the second cover is provided with a mis-protection element (240) that, when the first cover is in its open position, as the second cover pivots from its open position toward its closed position, the mis-protection element can hook at least a portion of the first cover and prevent the second cover from pivoting further toward its closed position; Preferably, the first end (241) of the second cover is pivotally fixed to the vehicle body, and the second end (242) of the second cover is provided with a latching element (243) configured to latch the second cover in its closed position and to release the latching element of the second cover so that the second cover can pivot from its closed position to its open position. More preferably, the first end of the second cover is pivotally fixed to the vehicle body via another torsion spring, and when the latching element of the second cover is released, the second cover can automatically pivot from its closed position to its open position under the drive of the other torsion spring.

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