Socket or charging gun with protection assembly and protection method

Abstract

The application provides a socket or charging gun with a protection assembly and a protection method. The protection assembly is arranged on a terminal female seat of the socket or charging gun, and can automatically switch on and off according to the plug-in and plug-out states. The problem of exposed conductive terminals of the traditional charging gun or socket is solved, foreign matter insertion into the conductive jack to cause electric shock accidents is effectively avoided, the safety of the socket is significantly improved, and the risk of short circuit caused by the entry of rainwater, dust and other foreign matters into the socket in an outdoor environment is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of charging equipment technology, and in particular to a socket or charging gun with protective components and a protective method. Background Technology

[0002] With the booming development and popularization of the new energy vehicle industry, the frequency of vehicle charging has increased significantly. In related technologies, traditional charging sockets typically employ a plug-in connection structure, with the phase (live) and neutral (neutral) terminals often using a female connector. While this female connector structure provides basic physical protection for the conductive terminals, the sockets are often in a normally open or semi-open state, lacking active mechanical protection mechanisms, especially for the phase (live) and neutral (neutral) sockets of power sockets (IEC Type Ⅱa) and charging guns (IEC Type Ⅱe). However, this structure exposes significant safety hazards in practical applications and does not meet the requirements of the electric vehicle conductive charging interface series standard IEC62196-1-2025. Since new energy vehicle charging sockets are often placed in open or semi-open environments such as outdoor camping, family courtyards, or public parking lots, and the charging and discharging process often lasts for a long time, they are highly likely to attract curious children. Without effective protection, if children insert their fingers or metal objects (such as keys, wires, etc.) into socket holes out of curiosity, they are very likely to touch the live terminals inside, which can cause serious electric shock accidents and pose a great threat to personal safety.

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes a protective component, socket, or charging gun, and a protective method. The component employs a dynamic linkage protection mechanism: when the charging gun (or discharging gun) is inserted into the socket, the protective component (Shutters component) is mechanically driven to automatically open, allowing the terminals to connect normally; when the charging gun (or discharging gun) is pulled out, the protective component automatically resets and closes, completely shielding the internal live terminals, fundamentally blocking the electric shock path under abnormal conditions, and effectively improving the safety of using the socket and the charging gun (or discharging gun). Summary of the Invention

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives and effects, the present invention provides the following technical solutions.

[0005] A protective assembly includes a base, at least three protective plates, and a return torsion spring; The base is a hollow column, and one end of the hollow column is provided with a mounting platform. The mounting platform is provided with a pivot portion for the protective plate to rotate. The protective plate is provided with an opening block at one end, and the protective plate is rotatably connected to the mounting platform; the opening block protrudes from the base, and the side of the opening block away from the mounting platform is provided with an arc-shaped surface; The reset torsion spring is snapped into the mounting platform and the protective plate, so that the other end of the protective plate covers the hollow part of the hollow column.

[0006] Furthermore, the pivot portion is a fixed pin, and the protective plate is rotatably connected to the mounting platform via the fixed pin, which passes through the spring hole of the reset torsion spring.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a cap shell, the top of which has a through hole, the side wall has an opening window, and the inner side of the top has a limiting key. The fixing pin passes through the through hole, the protective plate and the reset torsion spring in sequence and is detachably connected to the mounting platform. The opening block protrudes from the opening window, and the limiting key is used to limit the protective plate when it is closed.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner side wall of the cap shell is provided with threads, and the outer side wall of the mounting platform is provided with matching threads, and the cap shell and the mounting platform are connected by the threads.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner side wall of the cap shell is provided with a snap-fit ​​block; the lower end of the cap shell is provided with a snap-fit ​​opening; the outer side wall of the mounting platform is provided with a snap-fit ​​platform and a limiting block; the cap shell is snapped in place by the snap-fit ​​block and the snap-fit ​​platform, and limited by the snap-fit ​​opening and the limiting block.

[0010] The present invention also provides a socket with a protective component, including the protective component as described in any of the preceding claims. The protective component is fixedly connected to the terminal female of the socket. When the charging gun is inserted into the socket, the plug end of the charging gun abuts against the opening block and applies an external force to the opening block, causing the protective plate to rotate around the rotation connection point against the elastic force of the reset torsion spring. The protective plate stops rotating when it coincides with the projection of the mounting platform. At this time, the terminal of the charging gun is inserted into the hollow column of the base and is in communication with the terminal of the socket.

[0011] Preferably, the protective components are provided on both the phase wire terminal and the neutral wire terminal of the socket.

[0012] Preferably, the terminal female and the base are integrally formed.

[0013] The present invention also provides a charging gun with a protective component, including a gun body and a terminal socket of the charging gun, and further including the protective component as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the protective component is fixedly connected to the terminal socket of the charging gun; when the charging gun is inserted into a socket, the end of the socket pushes against the opening block, causing the protective plate to flip open.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for protecting a socket or charging gun with protective components, including the protective components described above: When the socket or charging gun is not in use, the protective component is closed to prevent the conductive terminals of the socket or charging gun from being connected to the outside; when the socket or charging gun is in use, the protective component is opened to allow the conductive terminals of the socket or charging gun to be connected to the outside.

[0015] This invention significantly improves the safety of the socket through its protective component. This component automatically switches between open and closed based on the insertion and removal of the charging / discharging gun. When the charging / discharging gun is removed, the component automatically closes to shield the internal live and neutral terminals. This design fundamentally solves the problem of exposed or constantly open terminals in traditional charging / discharging sockets or guns, effectively preventing electric shock accidents caused by children inserting their fingers or metal objects into the socket out of curiosity. It also avoids the risk of short circuits caused by rainwater, dust, or other foreign objects entering the socket in outdoor environments.

[0016] Secondly, the protection method provided in this application automates and intelligently performs the protection action, greatly improving the user's ease of operation. Users do not need to manually open or close the protective components; the opening and closing of the protective components are entirely driven by the plugging and unplugging action of the charging gun. This "plug and play, unplug and close" mechanism not only simplifies the user's operation steps but also avoids safety hazards caused by the user's negligence in forgetting to close the protective cover, ensuring the sealing of the socket when it is not in operation.

[0017] Furthermore, the structural design of this protective component balances durability and reliability. Opening and closing are achieved through mechanical linkage, reducing reliance on external power supplies or complex electronic control components and lowering the failure rate. Simultaneously, the protective component is in a closed protective state when not in use, effectively reducing the contact time between the internal conductive terminals and air, delaying oxidation and corrosion of the terminals, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the socket and ensuring stable conductivity over long-term use.

[0018] Of course, any product that implements the invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the above advantages at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the protective components in this invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the protective components in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the closed state structure of the protective component in this invention; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the protective component in the open state in this invention; Figure 5This is a top view of the protective component in the open state in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the protective component in the open state after disassembly in this invention; Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the protective components in this invention; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the protective component in this invention from another angle; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cap shell in this invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cap shell at a certain angle in this invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the cap shell from another angle in this invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the socket before use in this invention; Figure 13 In this invention Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the charging gun in the diagram; Figure 14 In this invention Figure 12 A front view of the charging gun in the image; Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the charging gun provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example

[0022] Please see Figures 1-7 This embodiment provides a protective component, including a base 1, three protective plates 2, and a reset torsion spring 3. The base 1 is a hollow column, which facilitates the insertion of the conductive terminals on the plug into the socket. One end of the hollow column is provided with a mounting platform 11 for mounting the protective plates 2. The protective plates 2 are rotatably connected to the mounting platform 11. One end of the protective plate 2 is provided with an opening block 21, which protrudes from the base 1. The side of the opening block 21 away from the mounting platform 11 is provided with an arc-shaped surface, which can be a spherical crown-shaped arc surface, a truncated cone side surface, or a side arc surface to form a conical guide. The reset torsion spring 3 is engaged with the mounting platform 11 and the protective plates 2, so that the other end of the protective plate 2 covers the hollow part of the hollow column, thereby achieving the purpose of covering the hollow part.

[0023] In this embodiment, a mounting post (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the lower end face of the protective plate 2, and a matching mounting hole can be provided on the mounting platform 11 so that the mounting post passes through the spring hole of the reset torsion spring 3. The protective plate 2 and the mounting platform 11 can be rotatably connected by the mounting post and the mounting hole.

[0024] In this embodiment, a fixing pin 31 can be used. The fixing pin 31 is passed sequentially through the mounting hole of the protective plate 2 and the spring hole of the return torsion spring 3, and then fixed to the mounting platform 11, so that the protective plate 2 is rotatably connected to the mounting platform 11 via the fixing pin 31. When the protective plate 2 is subjected to external force, it rotates horizontally about the fixing pin 31 as the center, such as... Figure 6 As shown; when the external force is removed, it resets under the action of the reset torsion spring 3, as... Figure 3 As shown, the ends of the three protective plates 2 furthest from the fixing pin 31 abut against each other, restricting the reset transition. Moreover, the ends of the protective plates 2 furthest from the fixing pin 31 are curved, allowing the three protective plates 2 to make closer contact in the reset state, thereby better shielding the hollow area.

[0025] See Figures 8-11 In this embodiment, a cap shell 4 is also included. The top of the cap shell 4 has a through hole 41, the side wall has an opening window 42, and the inner side of the top has a limiting key 43. The fixing pin 31 passes through the through hole 41, the protective plate 2, and the return torsion spring 3 in sequence, and is then threaded to the mounting platform 11. The opening block 21 protrudes from the opening window 42. The limiting key 43 is used to limit the protective plate 2 when it is in the closed state. The limiting key 43 is located on the return path of the protective plate 2. When the protective plate 2 rotates to the closed position under the action of the return torsion spring 3, the side of the protective plate 2 abuts against the limiting key 43, thereby precisely limiting the closing angle and ensuring the sealing of the joint of the three protective plates 2. The fixing pin 31 can also be fixedly connected to the mounting platform 11 by riveting, interference fit, or snap-fit. The cap shell 4 prevents the protective plate 2 from falling off and limits the rotation range of the protective plate, making it more convenient to use.

[0026] In this embodiment, a limiting groove (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the inner side wall of the cap shell 4, and a matching protrusion ring (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the outer side wall of the mounting platform 11. The cap shell 4 can be engaged and connected through the limiting groove and the protrusion ring. Alternatively, a thread (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the inner side wall of the cap shell 4, and a matching thread (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the outer side wall of the mounting platform 11. The cap shell 4 and the mounting platform 11 can be connected by the thread.

[0027] In this embodiment, a snap-fit ​​block 44 is provided on the inner side wall of the cap shell 4; a bayonet 45 is provided at the lower end of the cap shell 4; a snap-fit ​​platform 12 and a limiting block 13 are provided on the outer side wall of the mounting platform 11; the cap shell 4 is snapped together by the snap-fit ​​block 44 and the snap-fit ​​platform 12, and limited by the bayonet 45 and the limiting block 13. During installation, the snap-fit ​​block 44 passes through the notch of the snap-fit ​​platform 12, and then the cap shell 4 is rotated so that the snap-fit ​​block 44 engages with the snap-fit ​​platform 12 to lock in place, and the limiting block 13 engages with the upper limit opening of the cap shell 4 to achieve limitation. The installation is simple, the connection is reliable, and the use is convenient. Example

[0028] Please see Figure 8 , Figures 12-14 The present invention also provides a socket with protective components. The socket includes any of the protective components mentioned above. The protective components are fixedly connected to the terminal female base 5 of the socket by riveting, welding, threaded connection, or screw fixing, etc. The arc-shaped surface of the opening block 21 forms a conical guide portion. When the charging gun is inserted, the end of the charging gun plug first contacts the arc-shaped surface of the three opening blocks. As the insertion depth increases, a radial component force is generated, which converts the axial insertion force of the plug into the radial rotational torque of the protective plate 2, forcing the three protective plates 2 to rotate outward around the fixing pin 31 at the same time, realizing conical surface guidance. That is, when the charging gun is inserted into the socket, the end of the charging gun 6 pushes against the opening block 21 and applies an external force to the opening block 21, so that the protective plate 2 overcomes the elastic force of the return torsion spring 3 and rotates around the fixing pin 31; it stops when the protective plate 2 rotates to coincide with the mounting platform 11; at this time, the terminal 61 of the charging gun is inserted into the hollow column of the base 1 and is connected to the conductive terminal of the socket; the female base 5 of the phase terminal and the neutral terminal of the socket are both provided with protective components.

[0029] In this embodiment, the terminal female 5 and the base 1 are integrally formed, which is safe and reliable. Example

[0030] Please see Figure 15 The present invention also provides a charging gun with a protective component, including a gun body, a terminal socket of the charging gun, and a protective component as described in any of the above claims. The base of the protective component is fixedly connected to the terminal socket of the charging gun. When the charging gun is inserted into the socket, the end of the socket pushes against the opening block, causing the protective plate to flip open, and the conductive terminal of the socket is inserted into the terminal socket of the charging gun and connected to the conductive terminal of the charging gun. Example

[0031] The present invention also provides a method for protecting a socket or charging gun with protective components, including the protective components described above: When the socket or charging gun is not in use, the protective component is closed to prevent the conductive terminals of the socket or charging gun from being connected to the outside; when the socket or charging gun is in use, the protective component is opened to allow the conductive terminals of the socket or charging gun to be connected to the outside.

[0032] This invention significantly improves the safety of the socket through its protective component. This component automatically switches between open and closed based on the insertion and removal of the charging gun. When the charging gun is removed, the component automatically closes to shield the internal live and neutral terminals. This design fundamentally solves the problem of exposed or constantly open terminals in traditional discharge sockets, effectively preventing electric shock accidents caused by children inserting their fingers or metal objects into the socket out of curiosity. It also avoids the risk of short circuits caused by rainwater, dust, or other foreign objects entering the socket in outdoor environments.

[0033] Secondly, the protection method provided in this application automates and intelligently performs the protection action, greatly improving the user's ease of operation. Users do not need to manually open or close the protective components; the opening and closing of the protective components are entirely driven by the plugging and unplugging action of the charging gun. This "plug and play, unplug and close" mechanism not only simplifies the user's operation steps but also avoids safety hazards caused by the user's negligence in forgetting to close the protective cover, ensuring the sealing of the socket when it is not in operation.

[0034] Furthermore, the structural design of this protective component balances durability and reliability, reducing reliance on external power supplies or complex electronic control components and lowering the failure rate. It can be installed on either a socket or a charging gun, offering convenient and quick installation. When not in use, the protective component is in a closed protective state, effectively reducing the contact time between the internal conductive terminals and air, delaying oxidation and corrosion, thereby extending the overall lifespan of the socket and ensuring stable conductivity over long-term use.

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to specific implementation methods. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention.

Claims

1. A protective component, characterized in that, Includes a base, at least one protective plate, a return torsion spring, and a cap. The base is a hollow column, and a mounting platform is provided at one end of the hollow column; The protective plate has an opening block at one end, and the protective plate is rotatably connected to the mounting platform. The mounting platform has a pivot portion for the protective plate to rotate. The opening block protrudes from the base, and the side of the opening block away from the mounting platform has an arc-shaped surface. The reset torsion spring is snapped into the mounting platform and the protective plate, so that the other end of the protective plate covers the hollow of the hollow column; The pivot portion is a fixed pin, and the protective plate is rotatably connected to the mounting platform through the fixed pin. The fixed pin passes through the spring hole of the reset torsion spring. The top of the cap has a through hole, the side wall has an opening window, and the inner side of the top has a limit key. The fixing pin passes through the through hole, the protective plate and the reset torsion spring in sequence and is detachably connected to the mounting platform. The opening block protrudes from the opening window, and the limit key is used to limit the protective plate when it is closed.

2. The protective component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side wall of the cap is provided with threads, and the outer side wall of the mounting platform is provided with matching threads. The cap and the mounting platform are connected by the threads.

3. The protective component as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side wall of the cap shell is provided with a snap-fit ​​block; the lower end of the cap shell is provided with a snap-fit ​​opening; the outer side wall of the mounting platform is provided with a snap-fit ​​platform and a limiting block; the cap shell is snapped in place by the snap-fit ​​block and the snap-fit ​​platform, and is limited by the snap-fit ​​opening and the limiting block.

4. A socket with protective components, characterized in that, Includes the protective component as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protective component is fixedly connected to the terminal female of the socket; when the charging gun is inserted into the socket, the plug end of the charging gun abuts against the arcuate surface of the opening block and applies an external force to the opening block, causing the protective plate to rotate around the pivot portion against the elastic force of the reset torsion spring; the protective plate stops rotating when it coincides with the projection of the mounting platform; at this time, the terminal of the charging gun is inserted into the hollow column of the base and is in communication with the terminal of the socket.

5. The socket with protective components as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The protective components are provided on both the phase wire terminal and the neutral wire terminal female of the socket; the terminal female is integrally formed with the base.

6. A charging gun with protective components, comprising a gun body and a terminal socket for the charging gun, characterized in that, It also includes a protective component as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base of the protective component is fixedly connected to the terminal socket of the charging gun; when the charging gun is inserted into the socket, the end of the socket pushes against the opening block, causing the protective plate to flip open.

7. A method for protecting a socket or charging gun with protective components, characterized in that, Includes the protective components as described in any one of claims 1 to 3: When not in use, the protective component is closed to prevent the conductive terminals of the socket or charging gun from being connected to the outside. When in use, the protective component is opened to allow the conductive terminals of the socket or charging gun to be connected to the outside.

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