Electronic lock

By improving the switch signal circuit, the electrical circuit can be turned on or off by using the electrical connector on the lock rod to contact or offset the lock hole terminal. This solves the problems of large space occupation and high cost of micro switches and PCB boards, and realizes the miniaturization and cost reduction of electronic locks.

CN224097111UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-07TYCO ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY (SIP) CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-13
Publication Date
2026-04-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing electronic locks, the placement of microswitches and PCB boards takes up a lot of space and is costly, resulting in larger electronic locks and higher costs.

Method used

An improved switching signal circuit is adopted, which realizes the conduction or disconnection of the electrical circuit by contacting or offsetting the electrical connector on the locking rod with the lock hole terminal. The electrical circuit is formed by interlocking the molded terminals, eliminating the need for microswitches and PCB boards.

Benefits of technology

It saves internal space in electronic locks, reduces costs, simplifies assembly, and reduces the need for welding or screw positioning processes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses an electronic lock which comprises a first shell and a second shell, a lock hole is formed in the first shell, a lock rod of the electronic lock extends out of the first shell through the lock hole, the electronic lock further comprises an electric circuit used for transmitting switching signals of the electronic lock, and the electric circuit is used for transmitting the switching signals of the electronic lock. The electric loop comprises a pair of lock hole terminals arranged on the lock hole, an electric connecting piece is arranged on the lock rod, when the lock rod is in a locking position, the electric connecting piece is in contact with the lock hole terminals on the lock hole so as to conduct the electric loop and transmit the switching signal, and when the lock rod is in an unlocking position, the electric connecting piece is in contact with the lock hole terminals on the lock hole so as to transmit the switching signal. And the electric connecting piece is far away from the lock hole terminal on the lock hole, so that the electric loop is disconnected. According to the electronic lock, the internal space of the electronic lock can be saved, the size of the lock body is made to be small, parts are more convenient to assemble, outsourcing parts are not needed, and cost is saved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an electronic lock for a charging dock of an electric vehicle, and more specifically, to an electronic lock with an improved switching signal circuit. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic locks are key components of European standard AC charging sockets. During vehicle charging, the electronic lock locks the charging gun and signals to the vehicle that the charging gun is locked. Currently, electronic locks on the market use microswitches soldered onto printed circuit boards for the switch signal output. However, the placement of microswitches and PCB boards within the electronic lock occupies a significant amount of space and is costly. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned or other deficiencies in the prior art, this utility model proposes an electronic lock for electric vehicles. This electronic lock features an improved switching signal circuit.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic lock is provided, comprising a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is provided with a lock hole, and a locking rod of the electronic lock extends out of the first housing through the lock hole. The electronic lock further includes an electrical circuit for transmitting a switching signal of the electronic lock, wherein the electrical circuit includes a pair of lock hole terminals disposed on the lock hole, and an electrical connector is disposed on the locking rod. When the locking rod is in the locked position, the electrical connector contacts the lock hole terminals on the lock hole, thereby connecting the electrical circuit. When the locking rod is in the unlocked position, the electrical connector moves away from the lock hole terminals on the lock hole, thereby disconnecting the electrical circuit.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment, the keyhole includes a guide flange inside the first housing. When the locking lever is in the locked position, the electrical connector of the locking lever is opposite to the inner wall of the guide flange of the keyhole, and the pair of keyhole terminals are molded opposite each other on the inner wall of the guide flange.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector is a conductive integral part, including a fixing part and a pair of opposing protrusions. The fixing part fixes the electrical connector to the locking rod. The pair of protrusions are spring pieces that protrude in an arc shape toward the periphery of the locking rod. When the locking rod is in the locked position, the pair of protrusions abut against the pair of lock hole terminals on the inner wall of the guide flange.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fixing part of the electrical connector is a conductive sleeve fitted around the periphery of the locking rod.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking rod is made of a conductive material, and an insulating element is provided between the fixing portion of the electrical connector and the locking rod.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, one end of the locking rod is further provided with a non-conductive base, and the fixing part of the electrical connector is disposed between the locking rod and the base, wherein a non-conductive collar is provided between the fixing part and the locking rod.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the guide flange is configured to surround the periphery of the keyhole, wherein the locking bar is spaced apart from the guide flange.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment, the periphery of the locking rod includes an annular groove, and the fixing portion of the electrical connector is fitted into the groove.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrical circuit is disposed on the inner wall of the first housing, and the electronic lock further includes a signal output section disposed on the outside of the second housing. When the first housing and the second housing are assembled together, the signal output section is electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the first housing in order to output the switch signal.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, a pair of first terminals are provided on the inner wall of the first housing, and the pair of first terminals are electrically connected to the electrical circuit. The pair of first terminals protrude from the inner wall of the first housing toward the second housing. A pair of second terminals are provided inside the second housing, and the pair of second terminals are electrically connected to the signal output unit. The pair of second terminals protrude from the inner wall of the second housing toward the first housing. When the first housing and the second housing are assembled together, the first terminals contact the second terminals, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the signal output unit and the electrical circuit.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the second terminals of the second housing has a clamping groove at its free end. When the first housing and the second housing are assembled together, the pair of first terminals of the first housing are respectively inserted into the clamping grooves of the pair of second terminals of the second housing and clamped by the clamping grooves.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fixed end of each of the first terminals of the first housing is molded in the inner wall of the first housing, and the fixed end of each of the second terminals of the second housing is molded in the inner wall of the second housing.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first housing and the second housing are made of a non-conductive material, and the electrical circuit of the first housing is molded in the inner wall of the first housing.

[0017] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the advantages of the present invention are that the electronic lock of the present invention has an improved switching signal circuit. The upper and lower shells are connected by molded terminals to form an electrical circuit, which saves internal space of the electronic lock and allows the lock body to be made as small as possible. On the other hand, the electrical circuit between the upper and lower shells of the electronic lock is connected by terminal plugging, which simplifies assembly and does not require special welding or screw positioning processes. In addition, the switching signal of the electronic lock is triggered by the spring on the lock rod to open or close the electrical circuit, eliminating the need to purchase microswitches and PCB boards or other electronic components separately, thus saving costs.

[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A perspective view of the interior of the first housing of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A perspective view of the interior of the second housing of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a locked state is shown, illustrating the interaction between the guide flange of the first housing and the electrical connector of the lock bar, and details of the connection between the terminals of the first housing and the second housing.

[0022] Figure 4 A perspective view of the locking lever of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein details of the electrical connections of the locking lever are shown; and

[0023] Figure 5 A perspective view of the electrical circuit of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of this utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of this utility model and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0025] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0026] According to a general technical concept of this utility model, an electronic lock is provided, including a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is provided with a lock hole, and the lock rod of the electronic lock extends out of the first housing through the lock hole. The electronic lock also includes an electrical circuit for transmitting the switch signal of the electronic lock. The electrical circuit includes a pair of lock hole terminals disposed on the lock hole. An electrical connector is disposed on the lock rod. When the lock rod is in the locked position, the electrical connector contacts the lock hole terminals on the lock hole, thereby connecting the electrical circuit. When the lock rod is in the unlocked position, the electrical connector moves away from the lock hole terminals on the lock hole, thereby disconnecting the electrical circuit.

[0027] The electronic lock according to this utility model has an improved switching signal circuit. The upper and lower shells are connected by molded terminals to form an electrical circuit, saving internal space and making the lock body as small as possible. On the other hand, the electrical circuit between the upper and lower shells of the electronic lock is connected by terminal plugging, which is simple to assemble and does not require special welding or screw positioning processes. In addition, the switching signal of the electronic lock is triggered by the spring on the lock rod to open or close the electrical circuit, eliminating the need to purchase microswitches and PCB boards or other electronic components separately, thus saving costs.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of the interior of the first housing 200 of an electronic lock 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A perspective view of the interior of the second housing 300 of an electronic lock 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an electronic lock 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a locked state is shown, illustrating the interaction between the guide flange 211 of the first housing 200 and the electrical connector 410 of the lock bar 400, and details of the connection between the terminals of the first housing 200 and the second housing 300.

[0029] As shown in the figure, the electronic lock 100 according to this utility model includes a first housing 200 and a second housing 300. The first housing 200 is provided with a lock hole 210. The locking rod 400 of the electronic lock 100 extends out of the first housing 200 through the lock hole 210. An electrical circuit 220 for transmitting the switching signal of the electronic lock 100 is provided on the inner wall of the first housing 200. The electrical circuit 220 includes a pair of lock hole terminals 221 provided on the lock hole 210. An electrical connector 410 is provided on the locking rod 400. When the locking rod 400 is in the locked position, the electrical connector 410 contacts the lock hole terminals 221 on the lock hole 210, thereby connecting the electrical circuit 220. When the locking rod 400 is in the unlocked position, the electrical connector 410 moves away from the lock hole terminals 221 on the lock hole 210 and is offset from the lock hole terminals 221 on the lock hole 210, thereby disconnecting the electrical circuit 220. Therefore, the extension and retraction of the locking lever 400 respectively connect and disconnect the electrical circuit 220 inside the first housing 200, generating a switching signal in the electrical circuit 220, which represents the locking and unlocking state of the electronic lock 100.

[0030] Among them, such as Figure 3 As shown, the lock hole 210 includes a guide flange 211 on the inner side of the first housing 200. When the lock rod 400 is in the locked position, the electrical connector 410 at the root of the lock rod 400 is opposite to the inner wall of the guide flange 211 of the lock hole 210. The pair of lock hole terminals 221 are molded onto the inner wall of the guide flange 211 opposite to each other. The electrical connector 410 is disposed at the root of the lock rod 400. It is a conductive integral component, for example, made of metal, including a fixing part 411 and a pair of opposing protrusions 412. The fixing part 411 fixes the electrical connector 410 to the locking rod 400. The pair of protrusions 412 are spring pieces that protrude in an arc shape toward the periphery of the locking rod 400. When the locking rod 400 is in the locked position, the pair of protrusions 412 abut against the pair of lock hole terminals 221 on the inner wall of the guide flange 211.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the guide flange 211 is configured to surround the periphery of the lock hole 210, wherein the lock bar 400 is spaced apart from the guide flange 211.

[0032] Figure 4 A perspective view of the locking lever 400 of an electronic lock 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which details of the electrical connector 410 of the locking lever 400 are shown.

[0033] As shown in the figure, the fixing part 411 of the electrical connector 410 is a conductive collar sleeved around the root of the locking rod 400.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking bar 400 is made of a conductive material, such as metal, and an insulating member 413 is provided between the fixing portion 411 of the electrical connector 410 and the locking bar 400.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the base of the locking rod 400 is also provided with a base 500 made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic. The fixing part 411 of the electrical connector 410 is disposed between the locking rod 400 and the base 500, wherein a non-conductive collar is provided between the fixing part 411 and the locking rod 400.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in the figure, the periphery of the root of the locking rod 400 includes an annular groove 420, and the fixing part 411 of the electrical connector 410 is sleeved in the groove 420.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will know that the specific form of the electrical connector 410 is not limited to the form described above, but can be modified in many ways. The form of the protrusion of the electrical connector 410 can also be many. For example, a through hole can be provided at the corresponding position of the conductive ring of the metal of the electrical connector 410. When the locking rod 400 is in the locked position and the unlocked position, the lock hole terminal 221 is in contact with the conductive part of the conductive ring or opposite to the through hole without contacting the conductive ring, thereby enabling the connection and disconnection of the electrical circuit between the lock hole terminal and the electrical connector 410.

[0038] In addition, the locking bar 400 can also be made of a non-conductive material. A conductive coating can be provided on the periphery of the locking bar 400 to replace the metal electrical connector 410, which can save the number of parts. In this case, the lock hole terminal can be configured to protrude towards the locking bar so as to clamp the electrical connector on the locking bar while making electrical contact with the conductive coating.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the electronic lock 100 also includes a signal output section 310, which is disposed outside the second housing 300. When the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are assembled together, the signal output section 310 is electrically connected to the electrical circuit 220 of the first housing 200 so as to output the switch signal.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, a pair of first terminals 222 are provided on the inner wall of the first housing 200. The pair of first terminals 222 are electrically connected to the electrical circuit 220. The pair of first terminals 222 protrude from the inner wall of the first housing 200 toward the second housing 300. A pair of second terminals 320 are provided inside the second housing 300. The pair of second terminals 320 are electrically connected to the signal output section 310. The pair of second terminals 320 protrude from the inner wall of the second housing 300 toward the first housing 200. When the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are assembled together, the first terminals 222 and the second terminals 320 contact each other, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the signal output section 310 and the electrical circuit 220.

[0041] Figure 5 A perspective view of the electrical circuit 220 of an electronic lock 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0042] As shown in the figure, each of the second terminals 320 of the second housing 300 has a clamping groove 321 at its free end. When the first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are assembled together, the pair of first terminals 222 of the first housing 200 are respectively inserted into the clamping grooves 321 of the pair of second terminals 320 of the second housing 300 and clamped by the clamping grooves 321.

[0043] In this configuration, the fixed end of each of the first terminals 222 of the first housing 200 is molded in the inner wall of the first housing 200, and the fixed end of each of the second terminals 320 of the second housing 300 is molded in the inner wall of the second housing 300.

[0044] The first housing 200 and the second housing 300 are made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, and the electrical circuit 220 of the first housing 200 is molded in the inner wall of the first housing 200.

[0045] The electronic lock according to this utility model has an improved switching signal circuit. The upper and lower shells are connected by molded terminals to form an electrical circuit, saving internal space and making the lock body as small as possible. On the other hand, the electrical circuit between the upper and lower shells of the electronic lock is connected by terminal plugging, which is simple to assemble and does not require special welding or screw positioning processes. In addition, the switching signal of the electronic lock is triggered by the spring on the lock rod to open or close the electrical circuit, eliminating the need to purchase microswitches and PCB boards or other electronic components separately, thus saving costs.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts.

[0047] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0048] While some embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0049] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An electronic lock (100) includes a first housing (200) and a second housing (300), wherein the first housing (200) is provided with a lock hole (210), and a locking rod (400) of the electronic lock (100) extends out of the first housing (200) through the lock hole (210), and the electronic lock (100) further includes an electrical circuit (220) for transmitting a switching signal of the electronic lock (100), wherein, The electrical circuit (220) includes a pair of lock hole terminals (221) disposed on the lock hole (210). An electrical connector (410) is disposed on the lock rod (400). When the lock rod (400) is in the locked position, the electrical connector (410) contacts the lock hole terminals (221) on the lock hole (210), thereby connecting the electrical circuit (220). When the lock rod (400) is in the unlocked position, the electrical connector (410) moves away from the lock hole terminals (221) on the lock hole (210), thereby disconnecting the electrical circuit (220).

2. The electronic lock (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock hole (210) includes a guide flange (211) on the inner side of the first housing (200). When the lock bar (400) is in the locked position, the electrical connector (410) of the lock bar (400) is opposite to the inner wall of the guide flange (211) of the lock hole (210), and the pair of lock hole terminals (221) are molded opposite to each other on the inner wall of the guide flange (211).

3. The electronic lock (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical connector (410) is a conductive integral part, including a fixing part (411) and a pair of opposing protrusions (412). The fixing part (411) fixes the electrical connector (410) to the locking rod (400). The pair of protrusions (412) are spring pieces that protrude in an arc shape toward the periphery of the locking rod (400). When the locking rod (400) is in the locked position, the pair of protrusions (412) abut against the pair of lock hole terminals (221) on the inner wall of the guide flange (211).

4. The electronic lock (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixing part (411) of the electrical connector (410) is a conductive sleeve sleeved around the locking rod (400).

5. The electronic lock (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking bar (400) is made of conductive material, and an insulating member (413) is provided between the fixing part (411) of the electrical connector (410) and the locking bar (400).

6. The electronic lock (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, One end of the locking rod (400) is also provided with a non-conductive base (500), and the fixing part (411) of the electrical connector (410) is provided between the locking rod (400) and the base (500), wherein a non-conductive collar is provided between the fixing part (411) and the locking rod (400).

7. The electronic lock (100) according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The guide flange (211) is configured to surround the periphery of the lock hole (210), wherein the lock bar (400) is spaced apart from the guide flange (211).

8. The electronic lock (100) according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the locking rod (400) includes an annular groove (420), and the fixing part (411) of the electrical connector (410) is fitted into the groove (420).

9. The electronic lock (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The electrical circuit (220) is disposed on the inner wall of the first housing (200). The electronic lock (100) also includes a signal output section (310), which is disposed on the outside of the second housing (300). When the first housing (200) and the second housing (300) are assembled together, the signal output section (310) is electrically connected to the electrical circuit (220) of the first housing (200) to output the switch signal.

10. The electronic lock (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, A pair of first terminals (222) are provided on the inner wall of the first housing (200), and the pair of first terminals (222) are electrically connected to the electrical circuit (220). The pair of first terminals (222) protrude from the inner wall of the first housing (200) toward the second housing (300). A pair of second terminals (320) are provided inside the second housing (300), and the pair of second terminals (320) are electrically connected to the signal output part (310). The pair of second terminals (320) protrude from the inner wall of the second housing (300) toward the first housing (200). When the first housing (200) and the second housing (300) are assembled together, the first terminals (222) and the second terminals (320) contact each other, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the signal output part (310) and the electrical circuit (220).

11. The electronic lock (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the second terminals (320) of the second housing (300) has a clamping groove (321) at its free end. When the first housing (200) and the second housing (300) are assembled together, the pair of first terminals (222) of the first housing (200) are respectively inserted into the clamping grooves (321) of the pair of second terminals (320) of the second housing (300) and clamped by the clamping grooves (321).

12. The electronic lock (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fixed end of each of the first terminals (222) of the first housing (200) is molded in the inner wall of the first housing (200), and the fixed end of each of the second terminals (320) of the second housing (300) is molded in the inner wall of the second housing (300).

13. The electronic lock (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first housing (200) and the second housing (300) are made of a non-conductive material, and the electrical circuit (220) of the first housing (200) is molded in the inner wall of the first housing (200).