Emergency release mechanism

Abstract

Release order (104, 104a), comprising: an interactive element (184, 184a) configured to be partially located within a guide section (160) of a housing (112) and to be displaceable relative to the housing (112) between a first position and a second position, wherein the interactive element (184, 184a) includes a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be exposed at a first side (152) of the housing (112), and the second end including a receptacle (196) configured to movably engage a release arm (108) to move the release arm (108) from a locked position to an unlocked position when moved from the first position to the second position.

Description

Cross-reference to related registrations

[0001] This application claims the benefits of preliminary US application No. 63 / 822,491, filed on June 12, 2025, and preliminary US application No. 63 / 761,225, filed on February 21, 2025. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. Area

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an emergency release mechanism and, in particular, to an emergency release mechanism for a charging port of an electric vehicle. background

[0003] Traditionally, a cable pull system is used to operate an emergency release function. This system requires a long cable with a user-accessible feature—such as a loop end—for manual operation. However, the loop end is often located in an inconvenient area, such as the trunk, hatch, or under the hood, far from the charging port. Furthermore, the cable pull system carries the risk of damaging the actuator if not used correctly. A damaged actuator can prevent the charging system from operating properly, requiring maintenance. To address these issues, a common approach is to eliminate the cable pull system entirely and provide either no access or limited manual access to the actuator's emergency release lever in emergency situations. These alternatives also have their own disadvantages and limitations.While conventional emergency release mechanisms have proven acceptable for their intended use, there is a constant need for improvement in the state of the art.

[0004] The background information provided here serves the purpose of presenting the general context of the disclosure. The work of the inventors currently named, to the extent described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that would not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a release arrangement. The release arrangement includes an interactive element configured to be partially located within a guide section of a housing and to be displaceable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The interactive element includes a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be exposed at a first side of the housing. The second end includes a receptacle configured to movably engage a release arm to move the release arm from a locked position to an unlocked position when it is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0006] Further applications of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and the specific examples serve only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0007] The present disclosure becomes more understandable through the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a loading system that includes a release arrangement in a first position according to the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the charging system from Fig. 1A, which includes the release arrangement in a second position. Fig. 2A is a top view of the release arrangement from Fig. 1A in the first position. Fig. 2B is a top view of the release arrangement from Fig. 1A in the second position. Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the charging system. Fig. 1A. Fig. Figure 4 is another perspective view of the charging system. Fig. 1A. Fig. 5 is a prospective view of a further release arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Fig. 6A is a top view of the release arrangement from Fig. 5 in a first position. Fig. 6B is a top view of the release arrangement from Fig. 5 in a second position. Fig. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the release assembly. Fig. 5.

[0008] Reference symbols can be reused in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed description

[0009] Fig. Figures 1A-4 illustrate a charging system 100. As explained in more detail below, the charging system 100 can be connected (e.g., electrically connected) to the electrical system of a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle, not shown), such as an electric vehicle, to facilitate the transfer of electricity from a charger (not shown) to a storage component of the electrical system, such as a battery. The charging system 100 can be installed on or inside the vehicle. For example, the charging system 100 can be mounted on or integrated into a body panel of the vehicle, such that a section of the charging system 100 is accessible to a person (e.g., the driver of the vehicle) from outside the vehicle.

[0010] The charging system 100 can include a release assembly 104, a release arm 108, a housing 112, a charging socket 116, and a locking tab 120. The release assembly 104 can be coupled to the release arm 108 and / or the housing 112 (e.g., slidably coupled). The release arm 108 can be coupled to the housing 112 (e.g., rotatably coupled). The housing 112 can be coupled to the charging socket 116 (e.g., detachably coupled). In an assembled configuration ( Fig. 4) The locking tab 120 can be arranged inside the charging socket 116. The locking tab 120 can be coupled (e.g., operationally coupled) to the release arm 108.

[0011] Charging socket 116 can define a charging port 124. In use, charging port 124 can accommodate the charger (not shown). In the assembled configuration ( Fig. 4) The locking tab 120 can be located at least partially within the charging port 124. As explained in more detail below, the locking tab 120 can be positioned between an extended position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) and a retracted position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) move (e.g., shift). In the extended position, the locking tab 120 can engage the charger and secure the charger within the charging port 124.

[0012] The release arm 108 can include a main body element 128 and a bolt 132 coupled to the main body element 128. The main body element 128 can include a first end 136 and a second end 140 opposite the first end 136. The main body element 128 can define an opening 142 near (e.g., next to or on) the first end 136. The bolt 132 can be located near (e.g., next to or on) the second end 140. The release arm 108 can rotate about a release axis A1.

[0013] In various implementations, the housing 112 comprises a first housing element 144 and a second housing element 148. The first housing element 144 and the second housing element 148 can be coupled to each other (e.g., detachably coupled). In various implementations, the release assembly 104 is coupled to the first housing element 144 (e.g., slidably coupled), and the release arm 108 is coupled to the second housing element 148 (e.g., rotatably coupled). In various implementations, the first housing element 144 and / or the second housing element 148 are coupled to the charging socket 116 (e.g., detachably coupled).

[0014] The first housing element 144 can include a first side 152, a second side 156 opposite the first side 152, and a guide section 160 extending from the second side 156. The first housing element 144 can define an opening 164. The guide section 160 can define a channel 168. The channel 168 can communicate (e.g., fluid communication) with the opening 164. The channel 168 can extend through the guide section 160 and the first and second sides 152, 156 of the first housing element 144. The channel 168 can define a first section 172 and a second section 176. In various implementations, the first section 172 is positioned above the second section 176. In various implementations, the first section 172 defines a first width W1, and the second section 176 defines a second width W2. In various implementations, the first width W1 is larger than the second width W2.

[0015] In various implementations, a lubricant is applied to the first housing element 144 (e.g., the channel 168 or the first and second sections 172, 176). In these various implementations, the lubricant reduces the amount of friction between the first housing element 144 and the release assembly 104. In these various implementations, the lubricant is a dry Teflon lubricant or another similar type of lubricant.

[0016] The second housing element 148 can include a projection 180. In various implementations, the locking tab 120 is at least partially located in the second housing element 148. The projection 180 can be coupled (e.g., operationally coupled) to the locking tab 120. As explained in more detail below, the release arm 108 can be coupled to the projection 180, and a rotation of the release arm 108 can force a movement of the locking tab 120. In various implementations, the projection 180 is located within the opening 164 of the release arm 108.

[0017] The release arrangement 104 can include an interactive element 184 that has a first end 188 and a second end 192 opposite the first end. In the assembled configuration ( Fig. 4) The interactive element 184 can be arranged at least partially in the guide section 160 of the first housing element 144. The interactive element 184 can be positioned relative to the first housing element 144 between a first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) and a second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) be movable. In various implementations, the interactive element 184 moves from the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) to the second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) along a longitudinal axis A2. In the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) The first end 188 of the interactive element 184 is exposed on the first side 152 of the first housing element 144. In various implementations, the first end 188 of the interactive element 184 is in the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) flush with the first side 152 of the first housing element 144. In the second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) The first end 188 of the interactive element 184 is arranged within the first housing element 144 (e.g., the guide section 160). As explained in more detail below, a person (e.g., a driver of the vehicle) can exert a force on the first end 188 to move the interactive element 184 from the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) to the second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) to move.

[0018] The second end 192 of the interactive element 184 can include a receptacle 196 that can engage (e.g., movably engage) the release arm 108 (e.g., the bolt 132). As explained in more detail below, when the interactive element 184 moves from the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into the second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) moves, an engagement of the receptacle 196 with the release arm 108 (e.g. the bolt 132) moves the release arm 108 from a locked position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into an unlocked position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) move (e.g. rotate).

[0019] In various implementations, the receptacle 196 is or includes a yoke 200 that receives the release arm 108 (e.g., the bolt 132) (e.g., rotatably). As explained in more detail below, if the interactive element 184 moves along the longitudinal axis A2 from the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into the second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) shifts, an engagement of the yoke 200 with the release arm 108 (e.g. the bolt 132) moves the release arm 108 out of the locked position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into the unlocked position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) move (e.g. rotate).

[0020] The yoke 200 can include a first arm 204-1 and a second arm 204-2, which is spaced apart from the first arm 204-1, such that the first and second arms 204-1, 204-2 define a slot 208 between them. In various implementations, the slot 208 forms an opening 212 at a first end 216 of the yoke 200. In various implementations, the release arm 108 (e.g., the bolt 132) can be located within the slot 208. In various implementations, the first arm 204-1 and the second arm 204-2 extend from the second end 192 of the interactive element 184 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A2. In various implementations, the first arm 204-1 and the second arm 204-2 extend from the second end 192 of the interactive element 184 in a direction essentially (e.g. ± 10 degrees) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2.

[0021] In various implementations, the interactive element 184 is at least partially located within the channel 168. The interactive element 184 can include a flange section 220 and an end section 224 extending from the flange section 220. The flange section 220 can define a third width W3, and the end section 224 can define a fourth width W4. The third width W3 can be greater than the fourth width W4. The third width W3 can be equal to the first width W1, and the fourth width W4 can be equal to the third width W3. In various implementations, the flange section 220 is at least partially located within the first section 172 of the channel 168, and the end section 224 is at least partially located within the second section 176 of the channel 168.

[0022] A method for operating the release arrangement 104 is described in more detail below. For starting, the vehicle may be in a charging state. In this respect, the charger may be located in the charging port 124 and the locking tab 120 may be in the extended position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A). The locking tab 120 can secure the charger within the charging port 124. Furthermore, the release arm 108 can be in the locked position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) and the release arrangement 104 (for example, the interactive element 184) can be in the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A). A person (e.g., the driver of the vehicle) may wish to remove the charger from the charging port 124—for example, in response to an emergency situation, such as the release mechanism on the charger being inoperative, or to quickly prevent an overcharging scenario. To actuate the release arrangement 104, the person can exert a force on the first end 188 of the interactive element 184. For example, the person can use their finger, hand, or other body part, or a key, piston, button attached to the first end 188, or any other tool to press on the first end 188. This force can move the interactive element 184 from the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) to the second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) move (e.g., shift). For example, the interactive element 184 can move from the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) to the second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) move along the longitudinal axis A2. A movement of the interactive element 184 from the first position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into the second position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) can allow a movement (e.g. rotation) of the release arm 108 from the locked position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into the unlocked position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) around the release axis A1. A movement of the release arm 108 from the locked position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into the unlocked position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B) a movement (e.g. displacement) of the locking tab 120 from the extended position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into the retracted position ( Fig. 1B, Fig. 2B). In the retracted position, the locking tab 120 releases from the charger, thus allowing the charger to be released from the charging port 124 (e.g. by a person).

[0023] With reference to Fig. 5, Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. Figure 7 shows another release arrangement 104a. As explained in more detail below, release arrangement 104a can be used in place of release arrangement 104 in the loading system 100. Given the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with release arrangement 104a relative to release arrangement 104, the same reference numerals are used below, and the same components are identified in the drawings, while the same reference numerals containing letter extensions (e.g., "a") are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0024] The release assembly 104a can include an interactive element 184a and an intermediate arm 228. The intermediate arm 228 can be coupled to the interactive element 184a (e.g., movably coupled) and to the release arm 108 (e.g., rotatably coupled). In various implementations, the interactive element 184a includes a slot 226, and the intermediate arm 228 is arranged in the slot 226. The intermediate arm 228 can include a proximal end 232 and a distal end 236 opposite the proximal end 232. The proximal end 232 can be coupled to the release arm 108 (e.g., rotatably coupled). The proximal end 232 can include a first arm 230-1 and a second arm 230-2, which is spaced apart from the first arm 230-1, such that the first and second arms 230-1, 230-2 define a slot 234 between them. In various implementations, the release arm 108 (e.g., the bolt 132) can be located within the slot 234.The distal end 236 can define an opening 238.

[0025] In various implementations, the release arrangement 104a includes a pinion 240 that defines a pinion axis A3. In various implementations, the pinion axis A3 is coaxial with the release axis A1. As explained in more detail below, the pinion 240 can movably engage the interactive element 184a and the intermediate arm 228, such that a displacement of the interactive element 184a causes a rotation of the intermediate arm 228.

[0026] The interactive element 184a can include a first end 188 and a second end 192a. The second end 192a can include a rack 244 and an upper section 248 spaced apart from the rack 244. The rack 244 and the upper section 248 can define an opening 252 between them. In various implementations, the pinion 240 can be positioned and secured within the opening 252. The rack 244 can engage the pinion 240 (e.g., mesh it), such that a displacement of the interactive element 184a along the longitudinal axis A2 forces a movement (e.g., rotation) of the pinion 240 about the pinion axis A3.

[0027] A method for operating the release arrangement 104a is described in more detail below. For starting, the vehicle may be in a charging state. In this respect, the charger may be located in the charging port 124 and the locking tab 120 may be in the extended position ( Fig. 6A). The locking tab 120 can secure the charger within the charging port 124. Furthermore, the release arm 108 can be in the locked position ( Fig. 6A) and the release arrangement 104a (for example, the interactive element 184a) can be in the first position ( Fig. 6A). A person (e.g., the driver of the vehicle) may wish to remove the charger from the charging port 124—for example, in response to an emergency situation, such as the release mechanism on the charger being inoperative, or to quickly prevent an overcharging scenario. To actuate the release arrangement 104a, the person can exert a force on the first end 188 of the interactive element 184a. For example, the person can use their finger, hand, or other body part, or a key, piston, button attached to the first end 188, or any other tool to press on the first end 188. This force can move the interactive element 184a from the first position ( Fig. 6A) to the second position ( Fig. 6B) move (e.g., shift). For example, the interactive element 184a can move from the first position ( Fig. 6A) to the second position ( Fig. 6B) move along the longitudinal axis A2. A movement of the interactive element 184a from the first position ( Fig. 6A) into the second position ( Fig. 6B) can perform a movement (e.g. rotation) of the intermediate arm 228 about the pinion axis A3 from a starting position ( Fig. 6A) into a final position ( Fig. 6B). A movement of the intermediate arm 228 around the pinion axis A3 from a starting position ( Fig. 6A) into a final position ( Fig. 6B) can allow a movement (e.g. rotation) of the release arm 108 from the locked position ( Fig. 6A) into the unlocked position ( Fig. 6B) around the release axis A1. A movement of the release arm 108 from the locked position ( Fig. 6A) into the unlocked position ( Fig. 6B) a movement (e.g. displacement) of the locking tab 120 from the extended position ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A) into the retracted position ( Fig. 1B, Fig.2B). In the retracted position, the locking tab 120 releases from the charger, thus allowing the charger to be released from the charging port 124 (e.g. by a person).

[0028] The foregoing description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses in any way. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a multitude of forms. Although this disclosure includes certain examples, the actual scope of the disclosure should therefore not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon study of the drawings, the description, and the following claims. In the written description and the claims, one or more steps within a process may be carried out in a different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated, the numbering or other labeling of instructions or process steps is for convenience of reference and does not indicate a fixed sequence.

[0029] Numerical terms, such as "first," "second," and "third," may be used in the Revelation and the Claims as unambiguous designations: they are not used to indicate a sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In other words, a "second" element could again be called a "first" element without deviating from the principles of the present Revelation. Furthermore, the presence of a "second" element does not imply or require the presence of a "first" element. Likewise, the presence of a "first" element does not imply or require the presence of a "second" element.

[0030] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular articles "ein", "eine", and "der / die / das" before a noun do not restrict the noun to a single instance. The verbs "umfassen", "beinhalten", and "haben" are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of elements without excluding the presence of one or more additional elements.

[0031] Although each of the embodiments described above is characterized by certain features, any one or more of these features described in relation to any embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any of the other embodiments, even if such combination is not expressly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutations of one or more embodiments with each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] Unless expressly described as "direct" when a relationship between first and second elements is described in the above revelation, this relationship includes a direct relationship in which no other intervening elements exist between the first and second elements, as well as an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements exist between the first and second elements.

[0033] The term "sentence" generally means a grouping of one or more elements. The elements of a sentence need not necessarily share common characteristics or otherwise belong together. However, in various implementations, a "sentence" can, under certain circumstances, be an empty sentence (in other words, the sentence has zero elements under those circumstances). For example, a set of search results obtained from a query can be an empty sentence, depending on the query. In contexts where it is not otherwise clear, the term "non-empty sentence" can be used to explicitly denote the exclusion of an empty sentence—that is, a non-empty sentence always contains one or more elements.

[0034] A "subset" of a first sentence generally includes some of the elements of the first sentence. In various implementations, a subset of the first sentence is not necessarily a proper subset: under certain circumstances, the subset may be coextensive with (equal to) the first sentence (in other words, the subset may contain the same elements as the first sentence). In contexts where it is not otherwise clear, the term "proper subset" can be used to explicitly state that a subset of the first sentence must exclude at least one of the elements of the first sentence. Furthermore, in various implementations, the term "subset" does not necessarily exclude the empty sentence.As an example, one can consider a set of candidates selected based on first criteria and a subset of that set of candidates selected based on second criteria; if no elements of the candidate set satisfy the second criteria, the subset can be the empty set. In contexts where it is not otherwise clear, the term "non-empty subset" can be used to explicitly denote the exclusion of the empty set.

[0035] The phrase "at least one of A, B and C" should be interpreted as meaning a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted as meaning "at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C". The phrase "A, B and / or C" should be interpreted in the same way as the phrase "at least one of A, B and C".

[0036] The examples disclosed herein may include, among others, one or more components, such as connectors, terminals, conductors, insulating elements, shielding structures, housings, retaining features, and sealing elements, as well as corresponding systems and arrangements. These examples may be configured to facilitate the transmission of electrical signals, power delivery, electromagnetic compatibility, or mechanical retention under various environmental conditions, such as thermal cycling, vibration, or exposure to fluids. Disclosed components, systems, and arrangements may be modularly or integrally arranged to accommodate different system architectures and routing constraints.

[0037] Disclosed components may be made from thermoplastics, thermosetting resins, composites, or metals, which may be treated or coated for corrosion resistance, electromagnetic interference shielding, or biocompatibility for use in various applications, systems, and environments. In particular, sterilizable and / or biocompatible materials may be used in medical applications. UV-resistant and / or weatherproof materials may be incorporated in solar or renewable energy systems. Weight reduction may be a priority in aerospace and space-based systems, and high-performance materials such as polyimide films, fluoropolymers, or ceramic composites may be employed.

[0038] Disclosed components, systems, and arrangements may be designed for automated assembly, including robotic insertion, ultrasonic welding, or crimping techniques. Adaptations may be made to ensure compliance with relevant standards, including those of the International Organization for Standardization, military specifications, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Food and Drug Administration, or the International Electrotechnical Commission, depending on the target industry or market. In this respect, although examples and embodiments of the present disclosure may be illustrated and described herein in the context of an automobile, it is understood that such examples and embodiments are equally suitable for other applications, systems, environments, industries, and markets, among others.For example, implementations of the present disclosure, which generally relate to electrical components and arrangements and in particular, among others, to connectors, terminals, cable harnesses and integrated electrical connection systems, are suitable for a wide range of environments and applications.

[0039] While exemplary embodiments described herein may reference automotive use cases, the disclosed technology is not limited thereto and may be employed in any system requiring, for example, robust, secure, reliable, and / or durable electrical connectivity, among others. In particular, the disclosed structures, materials, and configurations may be adapted for use in aerospace systems, medical devices, consumer electronics, industrial automation, power distribution networks, solar and other renewable energy installations, watercraft, and space exploration platforms.Accordingly, although specific embodiments may describe automotive implementations, the principles disclosed herein are equally applicable to any system requiring a robust electrical connection, and claims directed to any system, application and / or environment will be considered by a person skilled in the art.

[0040] Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the following sections.

[0041] Item 1: Release arrangement, comprising: an interactive element configured to be partially located within a guide section of a housing and to be displaceable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, the interactive element comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be exposed on a first side of the housing, the second end comprising a receptacle configured to movably engage a release arm to move the release arm from a locked position to an unlocked position when moved from the first position to the second position.

[0042] Item 2: Release arrangement according to Item 1, wherein the second end includes a yoke configured to rotatably receive the release arm, such that a displacement of the interactive element along a longitudinal axis causes the release arm to rotate about a release axis.

[0043] Paragraph 3: Release arrangement according to paragraph 2, wherein: the yoke includes a first arm and a second arm spaced apart from the first arm, and the first arm and the second arm define a slot forming an opening at a first end of the yoke.

[0044] Item 4: Release arrangement according to item 3, wherein the first arm and the second arm extend from the second end of the interactive element in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0045] Item 5: Release arrangement according to any of items 1-4, further comprising the housing, wherein: the housing defines a channel extending through a proximal side of the housing and a distal side of the housing, and the interactive element is located within the channel.

[0046] Item 6: Release arrangement according to item 5, wherein: the interactive element includes a flange section and an end section extending from the flange section, the channel defines a first section and a second section, the flange section is arranged within the first section and the end section is arranged within the second section.

[0047] Item 7: Release arrangement according to item 6, wherein: the first section defines a first width and the second section defines a second width which is smaller than the first width.

[0048] Item 8: Release arrangement according to any of items 5-7, further comprising a lubricant arranged on the housing and configured to reduce the amount of friction between the housing and the interactive element.

[0049] Item 9: Release arrangement according to any one of items 1-8, further comprising: an intermediate arm with a proximal end rotatably coupled to the release arm and a distal end defining an opening; and a pinion arranged in the opening, the second end comprising a rack engaging with the pinion such that a displacement of the interactive element along a longitudinal axis causes the pinion to rotate about a pinion axis.

[0050] Item 10: Release arrangement according to item 9, wherein a displacement of the interactive element along the longitudinal axis causes a rotation of the release arm about a release axis.

[0051] Item 11: Release arrangement according to item 10, wherein the pinion axis and the release axis are coaxial.

[0052] Number 12: Release arrangement according to any of numbers 9-11, wherein: the second end includes an upper section spaced from the rack, the upper section and the rack defining an opening, and the opening being configured to secure the pinion.

[0053] Digit 13: Release arrangement according to one of the digits 1-12, wherein: the housing is configured to be coupled with a charging socket, and the release arm is rotatably coupled to the housing.

[0054] Paragraph 14: Release arrangement according to Paragraph 13, wherein: the charging socket defines a charging port configured to receive a charger, the release arm is operationally coupled to a locking tab configured to secure the charger within the charging port when the release arm is in the locked position, and the interactive element is configured to release the charger from the charging port in the second position.

[0055] Number 15: Release arrangement according to one of numbers 1-14, wherein the first end of the interactive element is flush with the first side of the housing.

[0056] Item 16: Charging system comprising: the release arrangement according to any of items 1-15; the release arm; and a charging socket defining a charging port configured to receive a charger, wherein: the housing is coupled to the charging socket and the release arm is rotatably coupled to the housing.

[0057] Item 17: Charging system according to item 16, further comprising a locking tab which is at least partially arranged within the charging port and is operationally coupled to the release arm, wherein the locking tab is configured to move from an extended position to a retracted position when the release arm moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0058] Item 18: Charging system according to item 17, wherein the locking tab is configured to engage the charger in order to secure the charger within the charging port in the extended position.

[0059] Item 19: Loading system according to item 18, wherein the release arm includes a bolt configured to engage the receptacle in a rotatable manner.

[0060] Item 20: Vehicle comprising the charging system (100) according to any of the items 16-19. 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 / 822,491

[0001] US 63 / 761,225

[0001]

Claims

[1] Release order (104, 104a), comprising: an interactive element (184, 184a) configured to be partially located within a guide section (160) of a housing (112) and to be displaceable relative to the housing (112) between a first position and a second position, wherein the interactive element (184, 184a) includes a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be exposed at a first side (152) of the housing (112), and the second end including a receptacle (196) configured to movably engage a release arm (108) to move the release arm (108) from a locked position to an unlocked position when moved from the first position to the second position. [2] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to claim 1, wherein the second end includes a yoke (200) configured to rotatably receive the release arm (108) such that a displacement of the interactive element (184, 184a) along a longitudinal axis causes the release arm (108) to rotate about a release axis. [3] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to claim 2, wherein: the yoke (200) includes a first arm and a second arm spaced apart from the first arm, and the first arm and the second arm define a slot forming an opening at a first end of the yoke (200), wherein preferably the first arm and the second arm extend from the second end of the interactive element (184, 184a) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. [4] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the housing (112), wherein: the housing (112) defines a channel (168) that extends through a proximal side of the housing (112) and a distal side of the housing (112), and the interactive element (184, 184a) is arranged within the channel (168). [5] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to claim 4, wherein: the interactive element (184, 184a) includes a flange section (220) and an end section (224) extending from the flange section (220), the channel (168) defines a first section (172) and a second section (176), the flange section (220) is arranged within the first section (172), and the end section (224) is arranged within the second section (176), preferably: the first section (172) defines a first width, and the second section (176) defines a second width which is smaller than the first width. [6] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a lubricant arranged on the housing (112) and configured to reduce the amount of friction between the housing (112) and the interactive element (184, 184a). [7] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an intermediate arm (228) with a proximal end (232) rotatably coupled to the release arm (108), and a distal end (236) defining an opening; and a pinion (240) which is arranged in the opening, wherein the second end includes a rack (244) which engages with the pinion (240), such that a displacement of the interactive element (184, 184a) along a longitudinal axis causes a rotation of the pinion (240) about a pinion axis. [8] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to claim 7, wherein a displacement of the interactive element (184, 184a) along the longitudinal axis causes a rotation of the release arm (108) about a release axis. [9] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the pinion axis and the release axis are coaxial. [10] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: the second end includes an upper section (248) spaced apart from the rack (244), wherein the upper section (248) and the rack (244) define an opening, and the opening is configured to secure the pinion (240). [11] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the housing (112) is configured to be paired with a charging socket (116), and the release arm (108) is rotatably coupled to the housing (112). [12] Release arrangement (104, 104a) according to claim 11, wherein: The charging socket (116) defines a charging port (124) which is configured to accept a charger, the release arm (108) is operationally coupled to a locking tab (120) which is configured to secure the charger within the charging port (124) when the release arm (108) is in the locked position, and the interactive element (184, 184a) is configured to release the charger from the charging port (124) in the second position. [13] Charging system (100), comprising: the release arrangement (104, 104a) according to one of the preceding claims; the release arm (108); and a charging socket (116) that defines a charging port (124), which is configured to accept a charger, wherein: the housing (112) is coupled with the charging socket (116), and the release arm (108) is rotatably coupled to the housing (112). [14] Charging system (100) according to claim 13, further comprising a locking tab (120) which is at least partially arranged within the charging port (124) and is operationally coupled to the release arm (108), wherein the locking tab (120) is configured to move from an extended position to a retracted position when the release arm moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, wherein preferably the locking tab (120) is configured to engage the charger in order to secure the charger within the charging port (124) in the extended position, and wherein preferably the release arm (108) includes a bolt (132) which is configured to rotatably engage the receptacle (196). [15] Vehicle comprising the charging system (100) according to claim 13 or 14.

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