Release cable for the charging lock assembly of a charging inlet assembly

Abstract

A charging lock assembly (200) for a charging inlet assembly (100) comprises a charging lock housing (210) with a cavity (212) and a charging lock pin (220) in the cavity, configured to lock a charging plug to the charging inlet assembly during charging when the charging lock pin moves between a locked and an unlocked position. The charging lock assembly includes a release assembly (240) with a release lever (242) that is operationally connected to the charging lock pin to move the charging lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position. The release assembly includes a release cable (250) connected to the release lever to actuate the release lever and a cable adapter (260) that supports the release cable. The cable adapter has a cable channel (280) that accommodates the release cable.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority over U.S. Application No. 63 / 726,887, filed on December 2, 2024, entitled "Release cable for the charging lock assembly of a charging inlet assembly," the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0002] The subject matter of the present application relates generally to vehicle charging systems.

[0003] Charging inlet assemblies are used for charging vehicles, for example, charging the battery system of an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The charging inlet assembly includes charging connectors held within a housing.

[0004] A charging plug is inserted into the charging inlet assembly to charge the electric vehicle. For safety, the charging inlet assembly includes a charging lock to secure the plug during charging. The charging lock is electrically operated. If the charging lock malfunctions, the plug may remain locked to the charging inlet assembly, keeping the electric vehicle connected to the charging station. Manufacturers provide a manual release cable to unlock the plug. However, the manual release cable can become misaligned or mispositioned, leading to its failure. For example, the end of the manual release cable is typically held by a metal bracket that can bend or become misaligned relative to the housing, resulting in a malfunction or failure.The manual release cable can be difficult to install.

[0005] There is still a need for an improved design of the manual release cable for a charging inlet assembly.

[0006] In one embodiment, a charging lock arrangement is provided for a charging inlet arrangement of a vehicle.

[0007] The charging lock assembly comprises a charging lock housing with a cavity. The charging lock assembly includes a charging lock pin within the cavity of the charging lock housing. The charging lock pin is configured to lock a charging plug to the charging inlet assembly during charging. The charging lock assembly includes a charging lock actuator that is operationally coupled to the charging lock pin and configured to move the charging lock pin between a locked position and an unlocked position. The charging lock assembly includes a release assembly with a release lever that is operationally coupled to the charging lock pin to move the charging lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position.The release assembly comprises a release cable connected to the release lever to actuate the release lever, and a cable adapter that carries the release cable. The cable adapter has a cable channel that accommodates the release cable.

[0008] The invention is described by way of example with reference to the attached figures, of which Fig. 1 is a front face of a charging inlet arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 is a rear side of the charging inlet arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a manual release arrangement of a charging lock arrangement in an exit or unlocked position. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective rear view of the charging inlet arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual unlocking arrangement of the charging lock arrangement in an emergency or pulled position. Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective top view of part of the charging lock assembly, which shows the cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 5 is a top view of the cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7 is a front view of the cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of the charging lock arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 is a sectional view of part of the charging inlet arrangement, showing the charging lock arrangement connected to the charging inlet housing according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 10 is a side view of part of the charging inlet arrangement, showing the charging lock arrangement in a position for coupling with the bracket according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 11 is a side view of part of the charging inlet assembly, showing the manual release cable of the charging lock assembly in an exit or unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 12 is a side view of part of the charging inlet assembly, showing the manual release cable of the charging lock assembly in an emergency or pulled position according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 13 shows a top view of the cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 14 shows a side view of the cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 15 shows a perspective front view of the cable adapter according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 16 is a side view of part of the charging inlet assembly, showing the manual release cable of the charging lock assembly in an exit or unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 17 is a side view of part of the charging inlet arrangement, in which the manual release cable of the charging lock arrangement is shown in an emergency or pulled position according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a charging inlet arrangement 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of the charging inlet arrangement 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a manual unlocking arrangement 240 of a charging lock arrangement 200 in an exit or release position. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective rear view of the charging inlet arrangement 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the manual release arrangement 240 of the charging lock arrangement 200 in an emergency or pulled position.

[0010] The charging inlet assembly 100 is used as a charging inlet for a vehicle, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The charging inlet assembly 100 is configured to connect to a charging connector, for example, a charging connector from a charging station (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the charging inlet assembly 100 is configured to connect to various types of charging connectors, such as an AC charger or a DC charger. The charging inlet assembly 100 can be a North American Charging System (NACS) charger, an SAE J1772 charger, a CCS1 charger, a CCS2 charger, or another type of charger.

[0011] The charging inlet assembly 100 comprises a housing 110 configured for installation in the vehicle. The charging inlet housing 110 includes a charging socket 112 configured to receive the charging plug. The charging inlet housing 110 includes walls 114 within the charging socket 112, forming various pockets or connection channels 116. The charging inlet housing 110 holds charging connectors 120 within the connection channels 116.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging ports 120 can be AC ​​charging ports and / or DC charging ports and / or ground charging ports and / or proximity charging ports and / or pilot charging ports. Optionally, the charging ports 120 can have contacts of different sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging ports 120 include pins 122 at the plug ends of the charging ports 120.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, conductors 124 are connected to the charging ports 120. One or more of the conductors 124 extend from the charging inlet assembly 100 to another component of the vehicle, for example, to the vehicle's battery system. In various embodiments, the conductors 124 can be power cables. In other embodiments, the conductors 124 can be busbars. The conductors 124 can include circuits on a printed circuit board. In various embodiments, the conductors 124 include AC conductors and DC conductors that extend to different components of the vehicle. The conductors 124 can extend straight away from the charging inlet housing 110 or at an angle of 90° (e.g., at a right angle) or at other angles.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, an AC module of the charging inlet arrangement 100 defines a low-voltage connector configured to couple with a low-voltage section of the charging plugs. The AC module is configured to couple with other components in the system, such as a battery distribution unit, to control vehicle charging. The AC module can transmit / receive charging-related signals, such as connection status, charging status, charging voltage, and the like.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, a DC module of the charging inlet arrangement 100 defines a high-voltage connector configured to couple with a high-voltage section of the charging plug. The DC module is configured to couple with other components in the system, such as the vehicle's battery and / or battery distribution unit. The DC module can be used for fast charging the battery.

[0016] The charging inlet housing 110 comprises a front 130 and a rear 132. The front 130 of the housing 110 faces outwards and is presented to the operator for connecting the charging plug. The rear 132 faces the interior of the vehicle and is generally not accessible without removing the charging inlet housing 110 from the vehicle. The charging inlet housing 110 includes a plate 134 on the front 130.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 comprises a mounting flange 140 ( Fig. 1), which is connected to the plate 134 at the front 130. The mounting flange 140 includes mounting tabs 142, which serve to fasten the housing 110 to the vehicle. The mounting tabs 142 have openings 144 that accommodate fasteners (not shown) for securing the charging inlet assembly 100 to the vehicle. Other types of fasteners may also be used to fasten the charging inlet assembly 100 to the vehicle. The housing 110 and / or the mounting flange may include a gasket to seal the charging inlet assembly 100 against the vehicle.

[0018] In various embodiments, the charging inlet assembly 100 can include a terminal cover (not shown) on the front of the charging inlet housing 110 to cover parts of the charging inlet housing 110. The charging inlet housing 110 can include one or more rear covers 136 on the rear of the housing 110 to close access to the rear of the charging inlet housing 110. The rear covers 136 can be attached or locked to the main part of the housing 110, for example, using clips or latches. In alternative embodiments, other types of fasteners, such as screws, can also be used.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging inlet arrangement 100 comprises a charging lock arrangement 200 configured to lock the charging plug to the charging inlet arrangement 100 during charging. The charging lock arrangement 200 comprises a charging lock housing 210, a charging lock pin 220 held by the charging lock housing 210, and a charging lock actuator 230 operationally connected to the charging lock pin 220. The charging lock pin 220 is configured to lock the charging plug to the charging inlet arrangement 100 during charging, for example, to lock the charging plug in the charging socket 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging lock arrangement 200 comprises a manual release arrangement 240 configured to manually release the charging lock pin 220.

[0020] The charging lock housing 210 can be coupled to the charging inlet housing 110. For example, the charging lock housing 210 can be attached to the charging inlet housing 110 by fasteners, latches, clips, or other fastening elements. The charging lock housing 210 can be located on a rear surface 132, for example, behind the plate 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging lock housing 210 is located on the underside of the charging inlet housing 110. Other positions are possible in alternative embodiments. The charging lock housing 210 includes an inner cavity 212. The charging lock pin 220 can be held in the cavity 212. The charging lock pin 220 can pass through the charging inlet housing 110, for example, into the charging socket 112 to connect to the charging plug. The charging lock actuator 230 can be held in the cavity 212.

[0021] The charging lock actuator 230 is operationally coupled to the charging lock pin 220 to move the charging lock pin 220 between a locked position and an unlocked position. For example, the charging lock pin 220 can be moved into the locked position in the charging socket 112 to engage with the charging plug and lock the charging plug in the charging socket 112. The charging lock pin 220 can be moved out of the charging socket 112 in the unlocked position to allow the charging plug to be removed from the charging socket 112. For example, the charging lock pin 220 can be retracted into the charging inlet housing 110 in the unlocked position. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging lock actuator 230 is an electric actuator. The charging lock actuator 230 can include an electric motor that is driven to extend and retract the charging lock pin 220.The loading lock actuator 230 can include a magnetic actuator that is actuated to extend and retract the loading lock pin 220. In alternative embodiments, other types of actuators can be used.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the manual release assembly 240 comprises a manual release lever 242, a manual release cable 250, and a cable adapter 260. The cable adapter 260 supports the manual release cable 250. The cable adapter 260 positions the manual release cable 250, for example, in alignment with the manual release lever 242, to ensure proper actuation. The manual release lever 242 is configured to be operationally coupled to the charging lock pin 220 to manually move the charging lock pin 220 from the locked position to the unlocked position, for example, during emergency operation when the charging lock assembly 240 does not properly unlock to release the charging plug (for example, if the charging lock actuator 230 fails).The manual release cable 250 is coupled to the manual release lever 242 to actuate the manual release lever 242. The manual release cable 250 can be pulled manually, for example, to the rear, to manually unlock the charging lock assembly 200. The manual release cable 250 can be routed to another area of ​​the vehicle, for example, to the trunk or the vehicle interior.

[0023] Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective top view of part of the charging lock assembly 200, showing the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective top view of the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective front view of the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] The cable adapter 260 serves to connect the manual release cable 250 relative to the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging inlet housing 110 (both in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) to support and hold. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 is a dielectric body. For example, the cable adapter 260 may be made of a plastic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 comprises a molded plastic body 262. The cable adapter 260 is lightweight. The cable adapter 260 is rigid and retains its shape throughout its service life. The cable adapter 260 may be designed to have features to accommodate the manual release cable 250 (e.g., a change in diameter to match the diameter of the manual release cable 250) and / or to receive or fit into a mounting point or holder 214 (shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) on the charging lock housing 210 and / or on the charging inlet housing 110, in order to fit into the system.

[0025] The cable adapter 260 extends between a front 264 and a rear 265. The cable adapter 260 comprises an inner surface 266 at an inner end and an outer surface 267 at an outer end. The cable adapter 260 comprises a first side 268 and a second side 269. The inner surface 266 is configured to face the mounting bracket 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging inlet housing 110. For example, the inner end is configured to be attached to or connected to the mounting bracket 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging inlet housing 110. The inner surface 266 can be located on the top of the cable adapter 260 and the outer surface 267 can be located on the bottom of the cable adapter 260, or vice versa.

[0026] The cable adapter 260 comprises a base 270 and a mounting bracket 272 extending from the base 270. The cable adapter 260 includes a cable channel 280 configured to accommodate the manual release cable 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 includes a cable holder 282 extending from the base 270. The cable holder 282 defines the cable channel 280. For example, the cable holder 282 may extend at least partially around the cable channel 280 to hold the manual release cable 250 within the cable channel 280. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastening clip 272 is provided at the inner end to attach the cable adapter 260 to the bracket 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging inlet housing 110, and the cable bracket 282 is provided at the outer end 267 to accommodate the manual release cable 250.

[0027] The base 270 comprises a mounting plate 271 with a mounting surface 273 configured to attach to the bracket 214. The mounting surface 273 can be located at the inner end, for example, on the top. The mounting clamp 272 extends from the mounting plate 271, for example, over the mounting surface 273, to engage with the bracket 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging inlet housing 110.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 272 includes an alignment groove 274 along the inner surface 266 of the cable adapter 260. The alignment groove 274 can be formed in the mounting plate 271. The alignment groove 274 is configured to accommodate an alignment rail (not shown) of the bracket 214, for example, to position the mounting bracket 272 relative to the bracket 214. The alignment groove 274 can control the lateral positioning of the cable adapter 260 relative to the bracket 214.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 272 comprises one or more alignment walls 275 extending from the base 270. For example, the alignment walls 275 may extend from the top of the mounting plate 271. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment walls 275 may include an end wall 276 at one end of the base 270, for example, at the front 264. The end wall 276 positions the cable adapter 260 longitudinally relative to the bracket 214, for example, from front to back. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment walls 275 may include a side wall 277, for example, on the first side 268 and / or the second side 269. The side wall 277 positions the cable adapter 260 laterally relative to the bracket 214, for example, from one side to the other.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting bracket 272 comprises one or more latches 278 configured to lock onto the bracket 214 of the charging lock housing 210 and / or the charging inlet housing 110. The latches 278 may extend from the base 270. The latches 278 may be located above the mounting plate 271. The latches 278 may be flexible, for example, to lock and unlock a locking element of the bracket 214. Optionally, the latch 278 may extend from the end wall 276 and / or the side wall 277. In alternative embodiments, other types of fasteners may be used to attach the cable adapter 260 to the bracket 214.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable holder 282 extends from the base 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable holder 282 is located at the outer end 267, for example, on the underside. The cable holder 282 can be located on a front face 264. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable holder 282 is angled transversely to the base 270. For example, the cable channel 280 can be angled transversely to the base 270 (for example, the base 270 can be horizontal and the cable channel 280 can be angled). In an exemplary embodiment, the cable holder 282 is curved, for example, generally cylindrical.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable holder 282 comprises a first support wall 281 and a second support wall 283, which form the cable channel 280. The support walls 281, 283 are provided on opposite sides of the cable channel 280. The cable holder 282 includes a cable slot 284, which is open towards the cable channel 280. The cable slot 284 extends longitudinally along the cable adapter 260 between the front and rear of the cable holder 282. For example, the cable slot 284 is open at both the front and rear of the cable holder 282. The cable slot 284 is open between the ends of the support walls 281, 283. For example, the support walls 281, 283 face each other across the cable slot 284. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable slot 284 is configured to accommodate the manual release cable 250.For example, the manual release cable 250 can be inserted through the cable slot 284 into the cable duct 280 (e.g., by inserting it laterally into the cable duct 280).

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 comprises a stop wall 286 on the cable duct 280. The stop wall 286 serves to position the manual release cable 250 in the cable duct 280. The stop wall 286 can extend from the first support wall 281 and / or the second support wall 283 into the cable duct 280. The stop wall 286 can be located on or near the front of the cable holder 282.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable adapter 260 comprises retaining tabs 290 in the cable channel 280. The retaining tabs 290 are configured to engage the manual release cable 250 to hold the manual release cable 250 in the cable channel 280. In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining tabs 290 are deflectable tabs. The retaining tabs 290 comprise tab fingers 292 at their distal ends. The tab fingers 292 can dig into the manual release cable 250 or be received in a groove or slot in the manual release cable 250. The retaining tabs 290 can extend from the first support wall 281 and / or the second support wall 283 into the cable channel 280. The retaining tabs 290 can be provided on or near the front face of the cable holder 282. The retaining tabs 290 can be located behind the stop wall 286.

[0035] Fig. Figure 8 is a side view of the charging lock arrangement 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 shows the manual release cable 250 being inserted into the cable slot 284. The cable slot 284 is open on the side of the cable holder 282 to allow the manual release cable 250 to be inserted into the cable channel 280 through the cable slot 284.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the manual release cable 250 comprises a cable sleeve 252 and an inner pull cable 254, which is received in a bore 256 of the cable sleeve 252. The inner pull cable 254 is movable relative to the cable sleeve 252. For example, the inner pull cable 254 can be pulled rearward in the cable sleeve 252 to actuate the manual release lever 242, for example, to release the loading lock pin 220. The cable sleeve 252 is configured to be received in the cable channel 280. In an exemplary embodiment, the manual release cable 250 comprises a sleeve section 258 that receives the end of the cable sleeve 252. For example, the sleeve section 258 includes an inner bore 259 that receives the end of the cable sleeve 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve piece 258 comprises one or more grooves 259 on the outside of the sleeve piece 258.For example, the groove 259 can be a circumferential groove 259 that surrounds the sleeve piece 258.

[0037] Fig. Figure 9 is a sectional view of part of the charging inlet assembly 100, showing the charging lock assembly 200 connected to the charging inlet housing 110. Fig. Figure 9 shows the manual release cable 250 connected to the cable adapter 260. The manual release cable 250 is inserted into the cable channel 280. For example, the sleeve piece 258 is inserted into the cable channel 280. The sleeve piece 258 can be positioned by the stop wall 286 to position it axially within the cable channel 280. In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining tabs 290 are lockably connected to the sleeve piece 258. For example, the retaining tabs 290 are received in the groove 259. The retaining tabs 290 position the sleeve piece 258 axially within the cable channel 280. The retaining tabs 290 hold the sleeve piece 258 securely in the cable channel 280.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner pull cable 254 extends forward from the sleeve piece 258 and the cable adapter 260. The inner pull cable 254 is configured to be connected to the manual release lever 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the end of the inner pull cable 254 includes a fastening element 255 configured to attach to the manual release lever 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening element 255 is a loop or ring with an opening that receives part of the manual release lever 242. The inner pull cable 254 is configured to pull against the manual release lever 242 to actuate it.

[0039] Fig. Figure 10 is a side view of part of the charging inlet assembly 100, showing the charging lock assembly 200, which is ready to be coupled to the bracket 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 214 is provided on the charging inlet housing 110. Alternatively, the bracket 214 can be provided on the charging lock housing 210. The bracket 214 serves to position the charging lock assembly 200, such as the manual release cable 250, relative to the manual release lever 242.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket 214 comprises an alignment rail 216. The alignment rail 216 is configured to be received in the alignment groove 274. The alignment rail 216 positions the cable adapter 260, for example, in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment rail 216 is located on the bottom of the charging inlet housing 110.

[0041] In one exemplary embodiment, the bracket 214 comprises locking lugs 218 for locking the cable adapter 260 to the bracket 214. The locking lugs 218 can be provided on the sides and / or end walls of the charging inlet housing 110. The locking lugs 218 can be fixed locking lugs. Alternatively, the locking lugs 218 can also be deflectable locking lugs. The locking lugs 218 are configured to interact with the locking elements 278 of the mounting bracket 272 of the cable adapter 260. In alternative embodiments, other types of fasteners can also be used, such as clamps, fasteners, straps, and the like.

[0042] Fig. Figure 11 is a side view of part of the charging inlet assembly 100, showing the manual release cable 250 of the charging lock assembly 200 in an exit or unlocked position. Fig. Figure 12 is a side view of part of the charging inlet assembly 100, showing the manual release cable 250 of the charging lock assembly 200 in an emergency or pulled-out position. The manual release cable 250 is connected to the manual release lever 242. The manual release cable 250 is pulled backward to manually actuate the manual release lever 242, thereby releasing the charging lock pin 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the manual release lever 242 is rotatably connected to the charging lock housing 210.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface 266 of the cable adapter 260 is connected to the bracket 214, for example, to the charging inlet housing 110 or the charging lock housing 210. In another exemplary embodiment, the cable bracket 282 and the cable channel 280 located therein extend transversely to the inner surface 266 to align the manual release cable 250 transversely to the inner surface 266. For example, the cable support 282 is angled transversely to the inner surface 266 (e.g., upwards) to generally align the axis of the cable channel 280 with the manual release lever 242. Thus, the manual release cable 250 is configured to generally extend straight from the cable adapter 260 (e.g., parallel to the axis of the cable channel 280) to the manual release lever 242.This causes the pulling motion on the manual release cable 250 to pull the manual release lever 242 along the transverse axis, thus actuating the manual release lever 242. In this way, the manual release cable 250 does not jam and enables smooth, consistent operation.

[0044] Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective top view of the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective side view of the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective front view of the cable adapter 260 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cable adapter 260 is similar to the one shown in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 cable adapters shown; however, the cable holder 282 of the cable adapter 260 is arranged parallel to the base 270 and not at an angle perpendicular to the base 270.

[0045] The cable adapter 260 comprises the base 270 and the mounting bracket 272, which extends from the base 270. The cable adapter 260 comprises the cable support 282, which extends from the base 270 and forms the cable channel 280, configured to accommodate the manual release cable 250. The bracket 272 comprises an alignment groove 274 along the inner surface 266 of the cable adapter 260. The bracket 272 comprises alignment walls 275, which extend from the base 270. The bracket 272 comprises locking devices 278.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable support 282 extends from the base 270. For example, the first and second support walls 281, 283 extend from the underside of the base 270 to form the cable channel 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable channel 280 extends along an axis parallel to the base 270, for example, parallel to the inner surface 266. For example, the base 270 and the cable channel 280 can generally extend horizontally. The cable slot 284 is open to the cable channel 280. The cable adapter 260 includes the stop wall 286 on the cable channel 280. The cable adapter 260 includes the retaining tabs 290 in the cable channel 280.

[0047] Fig. Figure 16 is a side view of part of the charging inlet assembly 100, showing the manual release cable 250 of the charging lock assembly 200 in an exit or unlocked position. Fig.Figure 17 is a side view of part of the charging inlet assembly 100, showing the manual release cable 250 of the charging lock assembly 200 in an emergency or pulled-out position. The manual release cable 250 is connected to the manual release lever 242. The manual release cable 250 is pulled backward to manually actuate the manual release lever 242, thereby unlocking the charging lock pin 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the manual release lever 242 is rotatably connected to the charging lock housing 210.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface 266 of the cable adapter 260 is connected to the bracket 214, for example, to the charging inlet housing 110 or the charging lock housing 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable bracket 282 and the cable channel 280 located therein extend parallel to the inner surface 266 to align the manual release cable 250 parallel to the inner surface 266. The manual release cable 250 is configured such that it generally extends straight from the cable adapter 260 (for example, parallel to the axis of the cable channel 280) to the manual release lever 242. Therefore, the pulling force on the manual release cable 250 pulls the manual release lever 242 along the axis to actuate the manual release lever 242. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 726,887

[0001]

Claims

[1] A charging lock assembly (200) for a charging inlet assembly (100) of a vehicle, the charging lock assembly comprising: a charging lock housing (210) with a cavity (212); a charging lock pin (220) in the cavity of the charging lock housing, wherein the charging lock pin is configured to lock a charging plug to the charging inlet assembly during charging; a charging lock actuator (230) which is operationally connected to the charging lock pin and is configured to move the charging lock pin between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a release arrangement (240) comprising a release lever (242) which is operationally connected to the charging lock pin in order to release the charging lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, wherein the release arrangement comprises a release cable (250) which is connected to the release lever in order to actuate the release lever, and wherein the release arrangement comprises a cable adapter (260) which carries the release cable, the cable adapter having a cable channel (280) which receives the release cable. [2] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises a shaped plastic body (262). [3] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable channel (280) extends along an axis which is generally aligned with the release lever (242) to align one end of the release cable (250) with the release lever. [4] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises a cable slot (284) open to the cable duct (280), wherein the unlocking cable (250) is inserted through the cable slot into the cable duct. [5] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 4, wherein the cable slot (284) extends longitudinally along the cable adapter (260) between a front (264) and a rear (265) of the cable adapter. [6] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the release cable (250) comprises a sleeve piece (258) which receives one end of the release cable, wherein the sleeve piece is received in the cable channel (280) to position the release cable relative to the cable adapter (260). [7] The charging lock assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises a base (270) and a support (272) extending from the base, the support being connected to a support of either the charging lock housing (210) or a charging inlet housing of the charging inlet assembly (100). [8] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 7, wherein the fastening clamp (272) comprises a locking mechanism (278) which is lockably connected to the holder (214). [9] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 7, wherein the fastening clamp (272) comprises an end wall (276) and a side wall (277) perpendicular to the end wall, wherein the end wall positions the cable adapter (260) longitudinally relative to the holder (214) and the side wall positions the cable adapter laterally relative to the holder. [10] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises an alignment groove (259) along the inner surface (266) of the cable adapter, wherein the alignment groove is configured to accommodate an alignment rail (216) of a holder (214) of either the charging lock housing (210) or a charging inlet housing (110) of the charging inlet adapter. [11] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises a stop wall (286) on the cable duct (280) which is configured to position the unlocking cable (250) in the cable duct. [12] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises retaining tabs (290) in the cable channel (280) configured to engage the release cable (250) to hold the release cable in the cable channel. [13] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the release cable (250) comprises a cable sleeve (242) and an inner pull cable (254) which is received in a bore (256) of the cable sleeve, wherein the cable sleeve is received in the cable channel (280), wherein the inner pull cable is movable in the cable sleeve to pull the release lever (242) and release the charging lock pin (220). [14] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the release lever (242) is rotatably connected to the charging lock housing (210). [15] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises an inner surface (266) which is connected to the charging lock housing (210) or a charging inlet housing (110) of the charging inlet arrangement (100), wherein the cable channel (280) extends parallel to the inner surface (266) to align the release cable (250) parallel to the inner surface. [16] The charging lock arrangement (200) according to claim 1, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises an inner surface (266) which is connected to the charging lock housing (210) or the charging inlet housing (110) of the charging inlet arrangement (100), wherein the cable channel (280) extends transversely to the inner surface in order to align the release cable (250) transversely to the inner surface. [17] A charging inlet arrangement (100) comprising: a charging inlet housing (110) with a front (130) and a back (132), wherein the charging inlet housing has connection channels (116) between the front and the back, wherein the charging inlet housing is configured to be connected to a charging plug at the front; Charging ports (120) which are received in the corresponding connection channels and held in the charging inlet housing, the charging ports having plug ends and connection ends, the connection ends being configured to be electrically connected to corresponding power cables, the plug ends comprising pins (122) configured to be connected to the charging plug; and a charging lock assembly (200) configured to lock the charging plug to the charging inlet assembly during charging, the charging lock assembly comprising a charging lock housing connected to the charging inlet housing and having a cavity (212), wherein the charging lock assembly comprises a charging lock pin (220) in the cavity of the charging lock housing, wherein the charging lock pin is configured to lock the charging plug to the charging inlet assembly during charging, wherein the charging lock assembly comprises a charging lock actuator which is operationally connected to the charging lock pin and configured to move the charging lock pin between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the charging lock assembly comprises a release assembly (240) with a release lever (242) which is operationally connected to the charging lock pin to move the charging lock pin from the locked position to the unlocked position, wherein the release assembly comprises a release cable (250) which is connected to the release lever to actuate the release lever, and wherein the release assembly comprises a cable adapter (260).which carries the release cable, wherein the cable adapter includes a cable channel that accommodates the release cable. [18] A release arrangement (240) for unlocking a charging lock pin (220) which is used to lock a charging plug on a charging inlet arrangement (100) during a charging process, the release arrangement comprising: a release lever (242) that is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, wherein the release lever is configured to be operationally coupled to the loading lock pin in order to unlock the loading lock pin from a locked position to an unlocked position when the release lever is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position; a release cable (250) connected to the release lever to actuate the release lever; and a cable adapter (260) that carries the release cable, wherein the cable adapter includes a cable channel that accommodates the release cable, and the cable adapter positions the release cable relative to the release lever. [19] The unlocking arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the cable adapter (260) comprises a molded plastic body (262). [20] The unlocking arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the cable channel extends along an axis which is substantially aligned with the unlocking lever (242) in order to align one end of the unlocking cable (250) with the unlocking lever.

Images