A charging socket assembly for mounting to a vehicle

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a charging socket assembly 100 for mounting to a vehicle 1000, a system 300 and a vehicle 1000. The charging socket assembly 100 comprising: a charging socke

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a charging socket assembly for mounting to a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a charging socket assembly for mounting to a vehicle, a system for a charging a traction battery of a vehicle and a vehicle. BACKGROUND In an electric vehicle, it is known to provide a charging socket for receiving a charging plug to charge a traction battery of the vehicle and to provide a flap for covering the charging socket when it is not in use. The charging socket and flap are part of a charging socket assembly. To use the charging socket, the flap may be moved from a closed position, where the charging socket is covered, to an open position where the charging socket is accessible. A user may press the flap in a direction towards the charging socket to cause the flap to be released from the closed position or cause the flap to open. However, pressing the flap in a direction towards the charging socket may cause damage to the assembly as the flap moves and contacts other components in the assembly. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a charging socket assembly for mounting to a vehicle, a system for a charging a traction battery of a vehicle and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a charging socket assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprising: a charging socket configured to receive a charging plug; a user interface comprising a first material; and a flap for covering the charging socket and the user interface in a closed position, the flap comprising an engagement member configured to engage the user interface when the flap, in the closed position, is pushed in a direction towards the user interface; wherein the engagement member comprises a second material arranged to contact the first material of the user interface when the engagement member engages the user interface; and wherein one of the first material and the second material is more rigid than the other of the first material and the second material. In an embodiment, the first material may be more rigid than the second material. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a charging socket assembly for mounting to a vehicle. The assembly comprising: a charging socket configured to receive a charging plug for charging a traction battery of the vehicle; a user interface comprising a first material; and a flap for covering the charging socket and the user interface in a closed position, the flap comprising an engagement member configured to engage the user interface when the flap, in the closed position, is pushed in a direction towards the user interface; wherein the engagement member comprises a second material arranged to contact the first material of the user interface when the engagement member engages the user interface; and wherein the first material is more rigid than the second material. The charging socket assembly can receive input from a user whilst the flap is in a closed position covering the charging socket and the user interface. With the flap in the closed position, a user may push the flap towards the user interface and cause the engagement member to engage the user interface. When the engagement member engages the user interface the second material of the engagement member contacts the first material of the user interface. The force by which the flap is pushed by a user may vary. Providing a second material that is less rigid (i.e. softer) than the first material reduces the risk of damage to the charging socket assembly by the engagement member. Additionally, having the more rigid material as the user interface may advantageously reduce the risk of damage to this material caused by a user attempting to insert the charging plug into charging socket and improve the appearance of the charging socket assembly. In embodiments of either the above-described aspects of the invention, one or more of the following may apply. The user interface may be configured to send a signal to a controller in response to engagement from the engagement member. In an embodiment, the user interface may be substantially flush with a surface adjacent to the user interface. Therefore, the risk of damage occurring to the user interface when the user inserts the charging plug into the charging socket may be reduced. In an embodiment, the engagement member may comprise a protrusion for engaging the user interface. Providing the engagement member as a protrusion may ensure that the user interface is engaged when the flap is pushed in a direction towards the user interface whilst reducing the risk of other parts of the flap contacting the charging socket or the user interface. In an embodiment, the protrusion may comprise a support of a third material which is more rigid than the second material. The second material may at least partially cover the support to prevent contact of the third material and the user interface when the engagement member engages the user interface. Providing the protrusion of a harder core beneath the softer first material may help provide sufficient rigidity to the protrusion so that the user interface is engaged or activated when the flap is pushed in a direction towards the user interface. In an embodiment, the support may comprise an aperture through which the second material extends to secure the second material to the support. The second material may therefore be securely attached to the core which may improve the durability and longevity of the assembly. In an embodiment, the user interface comprises a button. A button may provide an improved user interface which is easy for a user to operate in all conditions. A button may be easily activated by a user when, for example, the user interface is wet due to rain or if a user if wearing gloves. The button may be configured to be pressed into the panel by the engagement member. In an embodiment, in the closed position, the engagement member may be spaced apart from the user interface prior to the flap being pushed in a direction towards the user interface. Having the engagement member spaced apart from the user interface (i.e. not in contact with the user interface) may reduce the risk of accidental engagement the user interface by the engagement member. In an embodiment, the assembly may comprise a panel comprising the charging socket and the user interface. In an embodiment, the user interface may be substantially flush with a surface of the panel adjacent to the user interface. In an embodiment, a flexible seal may be arranged to seal the flap to the panel and enclose the charge socket when the flap is in the closed position. The seal may be flexible to allow the flap, in the closed position, to be moved towards the user interface. The seal may allow the flap to be sealed to the panel to prevent ingress of water or debris but may flex to that the flap can be pushed towards and contact the user interface. The seal and the second material of the engagement member may comprise the same material. The seal and the second material of the engagement member may be one piece. That is, the seal and the second material may be a single component. Providing the seal and the second material as the same material or providing seal and the second material of the engagement member as one piece may improve the ease of manufacture of the assembly. In an embodiment, the seal may extend from a first portion to a second portion and wherein when the flap is in the closed position: the first portion of the seal engages the flap and the assembly comprises a first space between the first portion of the seal and the panel; and the second portion of the seal engages the panel and the assembly comprises a second space between the second portion of the seal and the flap; and wherein the seal is flexible such that the first and second spaces change in shape and a position of the first portion of the seal changes relative to a position of the second portion of the seal when the flap, in the closed position, is pressed towards the panel. This arrangement of the seal may improve the range of movement of the flap towards the panel when the flap is in the closed position. When the flap, in the closed position, is pushed towards the panel the seal may flex and deform changing the shape of the first and second spaces so that the flap moves closer to the panel thereby improving movement of the flap towards the user interface. In an embodiment, the first portion of the seal may be movable relative to the flap or the second portion of the seal is movable relative to the panel such that a radial distance between the first portion of the seal and the second portion of the seal increases when the flap, in the closed position, is pressed towards the panel. Either the first or second portion of the seal may therefore be free to move when the flap is pressed. This may improve the ease of pressing the flap towards the panel. Additionally, increasing the radial distance between the first and second portions may create a biasing force which may cause the flap to move away from the panel once the force pressing the flap towards the panel has been removed. In an embodiment, the first portion of the seal is attached to the flap. The seal may therefore move with the flap as the flap is moved between the open and closed positions. This may improve the aesthetic of the charge socket assembly because the seal is not attached to the panel and may reduce the risk of the user causing damage to the seal when inserting a charge plug into the socket. In an embodiment, the panel may comprise a recess surrounded by a rim, the charge socket being disposed within the recess. The seal may be arranged to extend from the flap to the rim when the flap is in the closed position to enclose the recess and wherein the first portion of the seal is attached to the flap at a position radially inwards of the rim when the flap is in the closed position. The seal may therefore extend from the flap to the rim, rather than the recess of the panel, when the flap is in the closed position to seal the flap to the rim. Sealing the flap against the rim may be advantageous because any debris or water which builds up on the outside of the seal is not within the recess and, therefore, further from the socket. As such, the risk of water or debris entering the socket when a user opens flap and inserts a charging plug is reduced. In an embodiment, the flap may be moveable from the closed position in which the socket and user interface are covered by the flap to an open position in which the charging socket is uncovered by the flap. The user interface may be configured to receive a user input to move the flap from the closed position to the open position in response to engagement of the user interface with the engagement member. In the open position, the user interface may be uncovered. In an embodiment, the flap may be coupled to the panel by a linkage mechanism, and wherein the assembly comprises an actuator configured to cause the linkage mechanism to move the flap between the closed position and the open position. The actuator may be an electric motor. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for a charging a traction battery of a vehicle. The system comprising: a charging socket assembly as described above; and a controller configured to receive a user input signal from the user interface in response to the user input; wherein, in response to receipt of the user input signal, the controller is configured to: output an open signal to cause the flap to move from the closed position to the open position to thereby open the flap. The system therefore provides at least the same advantages as the above-described charging socket assembly. The controller comprises one or more controllers collectively comprising at least one electronic processor having an electrical input for receiving an input signal; and at least one memory device electrically coupled to the at least one electronic processor and having instructions stored therein; and wherein the at least one electronic processor is configured to access the at least one memory device and execute the instructions thereon so as to: output an open signal to cause the flap to move from the closed position to the open position to thereby open the flap. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a charging socket assembly as described above or a system as described above. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a charging socket assembly in accordance with an embodiment to the invention; Figure 2 shows a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 in a first configuration; Figure 4 shows a side view of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 in a second configuration; Figure 5 shows a cross-section of a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a rearview of a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 in a second configuration; Figure 8 schematically shows a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 9 shows a vehicle in accordance with to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 7 show a charging socket assembly 100 for charging a traction battery 200 of a vehicle 1000. The charging socket assembly 100 comprises a charging socket 102 for receiving a charging plug 502. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1000 comprising the charging socket assembly 100. In Figure 9, the charging plug 502 is shown as received in the charging socket 102. The charging plug 502 is attached by a cable 504 to a charging station 506. As shown in Figure 1, the charging socket 102 may comprise one or more inlets 107 for receiving the charging plug 502. Each inlet 107 may comprise a plurality of channels, each channel being for receiving a part of the charging plug 502. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a panel 106. The panel 106 may comprise the charging socket 102. The panel 106 may comprise a recess 108 surrounded by a rim 109. The charging socket 102 may be disposed within the recess 108. The panel 106 may be configured to be attached to the vehicle 1000. The panel 106 may comprise one or more clips 111 for engaging a part of the vehicle 1000. Additionally or alternately, the panel 106 may be attached to the vehicle 1000 by one or more fasteners. The charging socket assembly 100 comprises a user interface 110. The user interface 110 comprises a first material. In the charging socket assembly 100, the user interface 110 is arranged near to the charging socket 102. The user interface 110 enables a user to interact with the charging socket assembly 100 directly or indirectly by providing an input to the charging socket assembly 100. The user interface 110 is configured to receive a user input. The user interface 110 may be substantially flush with an adjacent surface. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 1, the panel 106 may comprise the user interface 110. The user interface 110 may therefore be substantially flush with an adjacent surface of the panel 106. The user interface 110 may be disposed within the recess 108 of the panel 106. The user interface 110 may comprise any suitable input element. Non-limiting examples of input elements include a button, a touch screen and a switch. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the user interface 110 comprises a button. The user may press the button 110 to provide the user input. The button 110 may be configured to move relative to the panel 106 when pressed. As such, the button may be depressed into the panel 106. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 1, the panel 106 may comprise a body portion 116 and an insert 118. The body portion 116 of the panel 106 may be configured to be attached to the vehicle 1000. The body portion 116 of the panel 106 may define the recess 108 and the rim 109 of the panel 106. The insert 118 may be attached to the body portion 116 of the panel 106. The insert 118 may be disposed within an aperture in the body portion 116 of the panel 106. The insert 118 may be surrounded by the body portion 116 of the panel 106. The insert 118 is shown in isolation from the other features of the charging socket assembly 100 in Figure 2. The insert 118 may comprise an aperture 117 extending therethrough. The charging socket 102 may be disposed in the aperture 117 of the insert 118. The insert 118 may comprise the user interface 110. Therefore the user interface 110 may be adjacent to the charging socket 102. The user interface 110 may be substantially flush with a surface of the insert 118 adjacent to the user interface 110. The insert 118 may be attached to the body portion 116 of the panel 106 by any suitable means. The insert 118 may comprise one or more projections 120 having apertures 122 for connecting the insert 118 to the body portion 116 of the panel 106 using one or more fasteners. Additionally or alternatively, the insert 118 may comprise one or more clips 124 configured to engage the body portion 116 of the panel 106 to connect the insert 118 to the body portion 116. The assembly comprises a flap 130 for covering the charging socket 102 and the user interface 110. The flap 130 may comprise an outer surface 130a and an opposing inner surface 130b. In the charging socket assembly 100, the user interface 110 is positioned sufficiently close to the charging socket 102 so that the flap 130 covers the charging socket 102 and user interface 110 at the same time. The flap 130 is movable from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the charging socket 102 and the user interface 110 are covered by the flap 130. The flap 130 may be substantially parallel to the rim 109 of the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. In the closed position, the flap 130 is movable in a direction towards the user interface 110. The flap 130 may be moved in this direction by the user pressing on the flap 130. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, in the open position the charging socket 102 and user interface 110 are both uncovered by the flap 130. In alternative embodiments, in the open position the charging socket 102 may be uncovered by the flap 130 and the user interface 110 may be covered by the flap 130. When the flap 130 is in the open position, the charging plug 502 may be inserted into the charging socket 102 and the user may interact directly with the user interface 110. The flap 130 is also movable from the open position to the closed position. Figure 3 shows the flap 130 in the closed position. In the closed position, the outer surface 130a of the flap 130 may provide an external panel of the vehicle 1000. In the closed position, the inner surface 130b of the flap 130 faces towards the panel 106. Figure 4 shows the flap 130 in the open position. As shown in Figure 3, in addition to covering the charging socket 102 and the user interface 110, the flap 130 may cover the entirety of the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. As shown in the embodiments in the Figures, the flap 130 may be attached or coupled to the panel 106. The flap 130 may be attached or coupled to the panel 106 by a linkage mechanism 132. The linkage mechanism 132 may comprise a plurality of connected legs. A first leg 134 of the linkage mechanism 132 is shown in Figure 4. The first leg 134 may be attached to the flap 130. A second leg (not shown), at the opposite end of the linkage mechanism 132 to the first leg 134, may be attached to the panel 106. The second leg, and any further legs, of the linkage mechanism 132 are concealed in Figures 3 and 4 by a cover 136 for protecting the linkage mechanism. In certain embodiments, the linkage mechanism 132 may comprise a four-bar linkage by which the flap 130 is attached to the panel 106. The four-bar linkage may comprise four connected legs. However, in alternative embodiments the flap 130 may be attached to the panel 106 by any suitable means to allow the flap 130 to move between the open and closed positions. The charging socket assembly 100 may comprise an actuator 160 (illustrated schematically in Figure 8) to cause the linkage mechanism 132 to move the flap 130 between the closed position and the open position. The actuator 160 may comprise any device suitable for enabling the flap 130 to move from the closed to the open position. In certain embodiments, the actuator 160 may comprise an electric motor. The actuator 160 is concealed in Figures 3 and 4 by the cover 136. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of a part of the charging socket assembly 100 with the flap 130 in the closed position. In Figure 5, the charging socket 102 has been omitted, for ease of understanding. The flap 130 comprises an engagement member 140 as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The inner surface 130b of the flap 130 may comprise the engagement member 140. The engagement member 140 is configured to engage the user interface 110 when the flap 130, in the closed position, is pushed in a direction towards the user interface 110. Therefore, when the flap 130 is in the closed position, the user can press the flap 130 towards the user interface 110 causing the flap 130 to move towards the user interface 110 and the engagement member 140 to engage the user interface 110. The engagement member 140 engages the user interface 110 by contacting the user interface 110. Pressing the flap 130 when it is in the closed position allows the user to interact indirectly with the user interface 110. The user interface 110 may be configured to receive a user input in response to the engagement of the engagement member 140. The user input may be to move the flap 130 from the closed position to the open position. The user interface 110 may be configured to send a user signal to a controller 400 (shown in Figure 8) in response to engagement from the engagement member 140 as will be described further below. Figures 5 and 6 show the flap 130 in the closed position prior to being pushed towards the user interface 110. As shown in Figure 5, in the closed position, the engagement member 140 may be spaced apart from the user interface 110 prior to flap 130 being pushed in a direction towards the user interface 110. As described above, the user interface 110 comprises a first material. The user interface 110 may comprise an outer surface 112 for engagement with the engagement member 140. The outer surface 112 of the user interface 110 may comprise the first material. As shown in the Figures, the outer surface 112 of the user interface 110 may face towards the engagement member 140 when the flap 130 is in a closed position. The engagement member 140 comprises a second material 143. The second material 143 is arranged to contact the first material of the user interface 110 when the engagement member 140 engages the user interface 110. As such, when the user presses the flap 130, in the closed position, the second material 143 of the engagement member 140 is brought into contact with the first material of the user interface 110. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the engagement member 140 may comprise an engagement surface 144. The engagement surface 144 may be defined solely by the second material 143. During use, the engagement surface 144 may be the only part of the engagement member 140 which engages the user interface 110. That is, the engagement member 140 may be configured so that the only contact between the user interface 110 and the engagement member 140 is the engagement surface 144. As shown in the Figures, the engagement surface 144 may face towards the outer surface 112 of the user interface 110 when the flap 130 is in a closed position. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the engagement surface 144 may be smaller than the outer surface 112 of the user interface 110 to enable the engagement member 140 to depress the user interface 110. The first material of the user interface 110 is more rigid than the second material 143 of the engagement member 140. As such, the first material has a higher elastic modulus than the second material 143. When the engagement member 140 engages the user interface 110, the second material 143 of the engagement member 140 contacts the first material of the user interface 110. This causes the second material 143 to flex reducing the risk of damage to the charging socket assembly 100 by the engagement member 140. Having the more rigid material as the outer surface 112 of the user interface 110 may reduce the risk damage to the charging socket assembly 100 which may be caused by a user attempting to insert the charging plug 502 into charging socket 102 and also improve the appearance of the charging socket assembly 100. In certain embodiments, the first material may comprise a rigid plastic material. The second material 143 may comprise rubber, or another elastomeric material. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the engagement member 140 may be a protrusion. The protrusion may be upstanding from the surrounding inner surface 130b of the flap 130. The protrusion may extend in a direction towards the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. As described above, in the embodiment in the Figures the user interface 110 comprises button. As such, when the user presses on the flap 130, the protrusion may push the button 110 so that the button depressed into the panel 106. The protrusion may comprise a support or core 141 at least partially covered by the second material 143. As shown in Figure 5, the second material 143 may at least partially cover the support 141 to prevent contact of the support 141 and the user interface 110 when the engagement member 140 engages the user interface 110. The support 141 may comprise a third material which is more rigid than the second material 143. The third material may be the same as the first material. The third material of the support 141 may provide the protrusion with sufficient rigidity so that the user interface 110 is engaged by the engagement member 140 when the flap 130 is pushed in a direction towards the user interface 110. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the second material 143 may be a covering 142. The covering 142 may extend at least partially across one or more surfaces of the support 141. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the support 141 may define an end or terminating surface 146. When the flap 130 is in the closed position, the end surface 146 may be substantially parallel to the outer surface 112 of the user interface 110. The covering 142 of the second material 143 may extend partially across end surface 146 of the support 141 to provide the engagement surface 144 of the engagement member 140 and to prevent contact of the support 141 and the user interface 110. In alternative embodiments, the covering 142 of the second material 143 may extend entirely across end surface 146 of the support 141. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the support 141 may be hollow to reduce the weight of the charge socket assembly 100. The support 141 may comprise an aperture 147 through which the covering 142 extends to secure the covering 142 to the support 141. The covering 142 may extend through the aperture 147 and may comprise a flange 148 positioned inside the support 141 to retain the covering 142 in place. As shown in Figure 5, the aperture 147 may be extend through the end surface 146 of the support 141 thereby reducing the risk that the support 141 contacts the user interface 110 when the engagement member 140 engages the user interface 110. The support 141 may comprise one or more side surfaces 149a, 149b attached to the end surface 146. The side surfaces 149a, 149b may extend in a direction from the end surface 146 of the support 141 towards the outer surface 130a of the flap 130. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the angle between each of the side surfaces 149a, 149b and the end surface 146 may be approximately 90 degrees. However, in alternative embodiments the angle between each of the side surfaces 149a, 149b and the end surface 146 may be greater than or less than 90 degrees. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the side surfaces 149a, 149b may comprise an inner side surface 149a and an outer side surface 149b. The inner side surface 149a may be radially inwards of the outer side surface 149b relative to a centre of the flap 130. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the covering 142 of the second material 143 may extend from the end surface 146 of the support 141 along the outer side surface 149b of the support 141. The covering 142 may extend along the entirety of the outer side surface 149b of the support 141. Figure 7 shows the charging socket assembly 100 with flap 130 in the open position. In Figure 7, the inner surface 130b of the flap 130 is illustrated. When the flap 130 is in the open position, if the flap 130 is pushed accidently or deliberated in a direction towards the vehicle 1000 the inner surface 130b of the flap 130 will contact the vehicle 1000. To reduce the risk of damage to the vehicle 1000 when this occurs, the flap 130 may comprise a contact member 180 disposed on the inner surface 130b of the flap 130. The contact member 180 may be configured to contact the vehicle 1000 and to prevent the rest of the inner surface 130b contacting the vehicle 1000 when the flap 130, in the open position, is pushed towards the vehicle 100. Therefore, the contact member 180 may be a protrusion upstanding from the surrounding inner surface 130b of the flap 130. The contact member 180 extends from the flap 130 in a direction towards the vehicle 1000. The contact member 180 may be configured contact the vehicle 1000 before any other part of the inner surface 130b of the flap 130 when the flap 130, in the open position, is pushed towards the vehicle 1000. The contact member 180 may therefore be positioned away from the point at which the linkage mechanism 132 is connected to the flap 130 and near an edge of the flap 130 as shown in Figure 7. The contact member 180 may comprise the second material to reduce risk of damage to the vehicle 1000. As described above, the second material may comprise rubber. In the same manner as described for the engagement member 140, the contact member 180 may comprise a core or support 182 of the third material and a covering 181 of the second material. As described above, the second material may be less rigid than the third material so that if the contact member 180 makes contact with the vehicle 1000 the second material to flexes reducing the risk of damage to the vehicle 1000. The covering 181 of the second material may cover the support 182 of the contact member 180 so that the support 182 of the contact member 180 does not contact the vehicle 1000. The support 182 may provide sufficient rigidity to prevent the rest of the inner surface 130b of the flap 130 contacting the vehicle 1000 when the flap 130, in the open position, is pushed towards the vehicle 1000. During manufacture, the second material of the engagement member 140 (i.e. covering 143) and the second material of the contact member 180 (i.e. covering 181) may be formed at the same time from the second material. The coverings 143, 181 may be formed by injection moulding. As such, the covering 143 of the engagement member and the cover 181 of the contact member may be one piece (i.e. a single component). The flap 130 may comprise a connecting portion 184 of the second material extending across the inner surface 130b of the flap 130 which connects the covering 143 of the engagement member 140 to the covering 181 of the contact member 180. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a seal 170 arranged to seal the flap 130 to the panel 106 and enclose the charging socket when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The seal 170 may be arranged to encircle the recess 108 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The seal 170 may be flexible to allow the flap 130 to move relative to the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The seal 170 may be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the seal 170 may comprise rubber. The seal 170 is shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the seal 170 on an edge of the flap 130 nearest to the engagement member 140. Figure 6 shows the seal 170 on an edge of the flap 130 away from the engagement member 140. The seal 170 comprises a first portion 171 and a second portion 172. The seal 170 extends from the first portion 171 to the second portion 172. The seal 170 may taper in a direction from the first portion 171 to the second portion 172. The seal 170 may be arranged so that when the flap 130 is in the closed position the first portion 171 of the seal 170 engages the flap 130 and the second portion 172 of the seal 170 engages the panel 106 so that the flap 130 is sealed to the panel 106. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first portion 171 of the seal 170 may be attached to the flap 130 and the second portion 172 of the seal 170 may be free to move relative to the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the second portion 172 of the seal 170 may comprise an edge of the seal 170. That is, the seal 170 may not extend further than the second portion 172. The second portion 172 of the seal 170 may therefore be a free edge of the seal 170. The first portion 171 of the seal 170 may comprise an edge of the seal 170. The seal 170 may comprise a third portion 175 extending between the first portion 171 and the second portion 172. The seal 170 may comprise a curve 176 between the first and second portions 171,172. As shown in the embodiments in the Figures, the third portion 175 of the seal 170 may comprise the curve 176. The seal 170 may be arranged so that when the flap 130 is in the closed position the assembly comprises a first space 173 between the first portion 171 of the seal 170 and the panel 106 and the assembly comprises a second space 174 between the second portion 172 of the seal 170 and the flap 130. Therefore, the first portion 171 of the seal 170 may be spaced apart from the panel 106 and the second portion 172 of the seal 170 may be spaced apart from the flap 130. The third portion 175 of the seal may also be spaced apart from one or both of the flap 130 and the panel 106. As shown in the embodiment shown in the Figures, only the edges of the seal 170 (i.e. the first and second portions 171, 172) may make contact with the panel 106 and the flap 130 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. As described above, the seal 170 may be flexible. Therefore, during use when the flap 130 in the closed position is pushed towards the panel 106, the seal 170 may flex and deform which causes the shape of the first and second spaces 173, 174 to change and a position of the first portion 171 of the seal 170 changes relative to a position of the second portion 172 ofthe seal 170. The curve 176 of the seal 170 may cause the seal 170 to flex in a defined place when flap 130 is pressed. The shape ofthe seal 170 may therefore allow the flap 130 to move closer to the panel 106. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, as the user presses the flap 130 towards the panel 106 the size of both the first and second spaces 173, 174 may decrease. The flap 130 may be pressed towards the panel 106 until the second portion 172 ofthe seal 170 is in contact with both the flap 130 and the panel 106. At this point, further movement ofthe flap 130 towards the panel 106 is limited by the compressibility ofthe seal 170. As described above, the engagement member 140 may be configured to engage the user interface 110 when the flap 130, in the closed position, is pushed in a direction towards the user interface 110. The seal 170 may therefore allow the flap 130 to move relative to the panel 106 so that the engagement member 140 may engage the user interface 110. The arrangement ofthe seal 170 may improve the range of movement ofthe flap 130 in a direction towards the panel 106 compared to, for example, a seal 170 that fills the entirety ofthe space between the flap 130 and the rim 109 ofthe panel 106 so that pressing the flap 130, in the closed position, merely compresses the seal 170 between the flap 130 and the rim 109 ofthe panel 106. The first portion 171 ofthe seal 170 may be radially offset from the second portion 172 ofthe seal 170 relative to a centre ofthe flap 130. As shown in the embodiment ofthe Figure, the seal 170 may extend outwards in the radial direction from the first portion 171 to the second portion 172. The radial direction being relative to the centre ofthe flap 130. Therefore, when the flap 130 in the closed position is pushed towards the panel 106, the second portion 172 ofthe seal 170 may move radially outwards. A radial distance between the first portion 171 ofthe seal 170 and the second portion 172 ofthe seal 170 may therefore increase when the flap 130 is pressed towards the panel 106. This may help facilitate the change in shape ofthe first and second spaces 173, 174 when the flap 130 is pressed. As shown in the embodiment in Figures 5 and 6, the seal 170 may be arranged to extend from the flap 130 to the rim 109 ofthe panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position to enclose the recess 108. Thus, the seal 170 may be configured to seal 170 against the rim 109 ofthe flap 130. The first portion 171 of seal 170 may be attached to the flap 130 so that the first portion 171 ofthe seal 170 is radially inwards ofthe rim 109 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. This may increase the distance by which the flap 130 can move towards the panel 106 because the first portion 171 ofthe seal 170 will not abut against the rim 109 when the flap 130 is pressed. The flap 130 may comprise an outer part 137 and an inner part 138 attached thereto. The inner part 138 may be disposed between the outer part 137 and the panel 106. The outer part 137 may define the outer surface 130a of the flap 130. The inner part 138 may define the inner surface 130b of the flap 130. The outer and inner parts 137, 138 of the flap 130 may enable the flap 130 to be easily formed from multiple different materials which may improve the aesthetics of the vehicle 1000 and ease of attaching the flap 130 to the panel 106. The outer part 137 of the flap 130 may comprise a material suitable for providing an outer panel 106 of the vehicle 1000. However, the inner part 138 of the flap 130 may comprise a different material. The inner part 138 of the flap 130 may comprise plastic. As shown in Figure 3, the linkage mechanism 132 may be attached to the inner part 138 of the flap 130. The seal 170 may extend between the outer part 137 and the inner part 138 of the flap 130 to seal 170 the inner part 138 to the outer part 137. As such, the seal 170 provides two functions. The seal 170 both seals the flap 130 to the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position and seals the inner part 138 of the flap 130 to the outer part 137 of the flap 130. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the seal 170 may be attached to the inner part 138 of the flap 130. The first portion 171 of the seal 170 may comprise a connecting portion 179a for connection to the inner flap 130. The seal 170 may be attached by any suitable means. The first portion 171 of the seal 170 may comprise a projection 179b extending to the outer part 137 of the flap 130. The projection 179b may seal 170 the outer part 137 of the flap 130 to the inner part 138 of the flap 130. The projection 179b may extend from the connecting portion 179a of the seal 170 to the outer part 137 of the flap 130. The flap 130 may be configured such that the entirety of the inner part 138 of the flap 130 is radially inwards of the rim 109 of the panel 106 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. Therefore, when the flap 130 in the closed position is pressed towards the panel 106, the inner part 138 of the flap 130 will not abut against the rim 109 thereby maximising the range of movement of the flap 130 relative to the panel 106. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 5, the seal 170 may be made from the same material as the covering of the engagement member 140. The seal 170 may, therefore, comprise the second material. As shown in Figure 5, the seal 170 may be one piece with the covering 143 of the engagement member 140. That is, the seal 170 and the covering 143 may be a single component. This may simplify manufacture of the charging socket assembly 100. The seal 170 and the covering 143 of the engagement member 140 may be formed by injection moulding. As shown in Figure 5, the covering 143 of the engagement member 140 may extend down the entirety of the outer side surface 149b of the support 141 of the engagement member 140 so that the covering joins the seal 170. It follows that the seal 170 may also be formed as one piece with the covering 181 of the contact member 180. As described above, the user interface 110 may be configured to receive a user input in response to the engagement of the engagement member 140. This user input may be a first user input. The first user input may be to move the flap 130 from the closed position to the open position. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the user interface 110 may also be configured to receive a second user input to move the flap 130 from the open position to the closed position. In such embodiments, when the flap is in the open position, the user interface 110 is uncovered by the flap 130. Therefore, the user may provide the second user input by directly engaging the user interface 110. For example, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the user may pressure the button whilst the flap 130 is open to provide the second user input. The user interface 110 may be configured to send a user input signal to a controller 400 (illustrated in Figure 8) in response to receipt of each of the first and second user inputs. The charging socket assembly 100 may be configured to receive signals from the controller 400 in response to receipt of the user input signals. The vehicle 1000 shown in Figure 9 may comprise the controller 400. The controller 400 may be located anywhere in the vehicle 1000. The controller 400 may, for example, be positioned in a different part of the vehicle 1000 to the charging socket assembly 100. The charging socket assembly 100 may comprise circuitry 150 (illustrated in Figure 8). The circuitry 150 may be attached to the panel 106. The circuitry 150 may be configured to relay one or more signals between the charging socket assembly 100 and the controller 400. As such, the circuitry 150 may reduce the number of connections required between the components of the charging socket assembly 100 and the controller 400. The circuitry 150 will be described further with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows a system 300 according to an embodiment of the invention, although it will be appreciated that this is merely illustrative. The vehicle 1000 shown in Figure 9 may comprise the system 300. The system 300 comprises the controller 400. The controller 400 comprises one or more processors or processing means 310, and memory means 320. The processing means 310 may be one or more electronic processing devices which operably execute computer-readable instructions. The memory means 320 may be one or more memory device. The memory means 320 is electrically coupled to the processing means 310. The memory means 320 is configured to store instructions, and the processing means 320 is configured to access the memory means 320 and execute the instructions stored thereon. The controller 400 comprises an input means 330 and an output means 340. The input means 330 may comprise an electrical input of the controller 400. The output means 340 may comprise an electrical output of the controller 400. The system 300 comprises the charging socket assembly 100. The charging socket assembly 100 shown in Figure 8 is the same as that described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for features of the charging socket assembly 100. The circuitry 150 of the charging socket assembly 100 is shown in Figure 8. In the same manner as the controller 400, the circuitry 150 may comprises an input means 151, an output means 152, one or more processors or processing means 153 and memory means 154. The circuitry 150 may be connected to the controller 400. The output means of the circuitry 150 may be connected to the input means of the controller 400 and input means of the circuitry 150 may be connected to the output means of the controller 400. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 8, the circuitry 150 may be connected to each of the user interface 110 and the actuator 160. The user interface 110 and the actuator 160 may be connected to one or both of the input means and output means of the circuitry 150, As such, the input means 151 of the circuitry is arranged to receive one or more signals from the user interface 110 and the actuator 160. The output means 152 of the circuitry is arranged to output receive one or more signals from the user interface 110 and the actuator 160. As shown in the non-limiting Figure 8, the charging socket 102 may be connected to the controller 400 via circuity 150. However, the charging socket 102 may be connected to the controller 400 by alternative means. For example, the charging socket 102 may be connected directly to the controller 400. The controller 400 may control charging of the traction battery 200. The controller 400 may control charging of the traction battery 200 by any suitable means. The user interface 110 may be configured to send a first user input signal to the controller 400 in response to receipt of the first user input move the flap 130 from the closed position to the open position. The circuitry 150 may be configured to receive the first user input signal from the user interface 110 and transmit the first user input signal to the controller 400. This may be achieved by the input means 151 of the circuitry 150 being arranged to receive the first user input signal from the user interface 110 and the output means 152 of the circuitry 150 being arranged to transmit the first user input signal to the input means 330 of the controller 400. In response to receipt of the first user input signal, the one or more processors 310 of the controller 400 may be collectively configured to determine whether a set of opening requirements have been met. This may ensure that the flap 130 is not opened unintentionally or when it is not safe to do so. The set of unlocking requirements may comprise, for example, determining whether the vehicle 1000 is stationary. In response to receipt of the first user input signal, the controller 400 is configured to output an open signal to the flap 130 to move the flap 130 from the closed to the open position. The circuitry 150 may be configured to receive the open signal and to transmit the open signal to the actuator 160 to cause flap 130 to open (i.e. move to the open position). Once the flap 130 is open, the user may insert the charging plug 502 into the charging socket 102. The user interface 110 may be configured to, in response to receipt of the second user input to move the flap 130 from the open to the closed position, send a second user input signal to the circuitry 150. The circuitry 150 may be configured to receive the second user input signal from the user interface 110 and transmit the second user input signal to the controller 400. In response to receipt of the second user input signal, the one or more processors 310 of the controller 400 may be collectively configured to determine whether a set of closing requirements have been met. This may ensure that the flap 130 is closed when it is safe to do so. The set of closing requirements may include determining whether the charging plug 502 has been removed from the charging socket 102. The charging socket 102 may comprise a charging socket sensor 105 configured to sense whether the charging plug 502 is received within the charging socket 102. The charging socket sensor 105 may be connected to one of the outputs of the charging socket 102. The input means of the controller 400 may be configured to receive, via the circuitry 150, a charging plug signal from the charging socket sensor 105. The charging plug signal is an electrical signal which is indicative of a whether the charging plug 502 is received within the charging socket 102. The input means 151 of the circuitry 150 may be arranged to receive the charging plug signal and the output means 152 of the circuitry 150 may be arranged to transmit the charging plug 502 signal to the input means 330 of the controller 400. In response to receipt of the second user input signal, the controller 400 may be configured to output a close signal to cause the flap 130 to move from the open position to the closed position to close the flap 130. The circuitry 150 may be configured to receive the close signal and to transmit the close signal to the actuator 160 to cause the actuator 160 to move the flap 130 from the open position to the closed position. The user interface 110 may be configured to sequentially receive the first and second user inputs. Therefore, the one or more processing means of the controller 400 may be collectively configured to identify which of the first user input to open the flap 130 or the second user input signal for closing the flap 130 has been received. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. In an alternative to the above-described embodiment, one or both of the user interface 110 and the actuator 160 may be connected directly to the controller 400. That is, the user interface 110 and the actuator 160 may not be connected to the circuity. As such, each of the user interface 110 and the actuator 160 may be configured to send and receive signals directly from the controller 400. In an alternative to the above-described embodiment, the user interface 110 may be configured to only receive the first user input to move the flap from the closed to the open position. In such embodiments, the charging socket assembly may comprise a second user interface configured to receive the second user interface to move the flap from the open position to the closed position. In alternative embodiments, the seal may be attached to the panel rather than the flap. As such, the first portion of the seal may be movable relative to the flap. Additional or alternatively, the first portion of the seal may be radially outwards of the second portion of the seal. In an alternative to the above-described embodiment, the second material may be more rigid than the first material.

Claims

1. A charging socket assembly for mounting to a vehicle, the assembly comprising:a charging socket configured to receive a charging plug for charging a traction battery of the vehicle; a user interface comprising a first material; anda flap for covering the charging socket and the user interface in a closed position, the flap comprising an engagement member configured to engage the user interface when the flap, in the closed position, is pushed in a direction towards the user interface;wherein the engagement member comprises a second material arranged to contact the first material of the user interface when the engagement member engages the user interface; andwherein the first material is more rigid than the second material.

2. A charging socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the user interface is substantially flush with a surface adjacent to the user interface.

3. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement member comprises a protrusion for engaging the user interface.

4. A charging socket assembly according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion comprises a support of a third material which is more rigid than the second material; and wherein the second material at least partially covers the support to prevent contact of the third material and the user interface when the engagement member engages the user interface.

5. A charging socket assembly according to claim 4, wherein the support comprises an aperture through which the second material extends to secure the second material to the support.

6. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface comprises a button.

7. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the closed position, the engagement member is spaced apart from the user interface prior to the flap being pushed in a direction towards the user interface.

8. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims comprising: a panel comprising the charging socket and the user interface; and a flexible seal arranged to seal the flap to the panel and enclose the charge socket when the flap is in the closed position; wherein the seal is flexible to allow the flap, in the closed position, to be move towards the user interface9. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap is moveable from the closed position in which the charging socket and user interface are covered by the flap to an open position in which the charging socket is uncovered by the flap; andwherein the user interface is configured to receive a user input to move the flap from the closed position to the open position in response to engagement of the user interface with the engagement member.

10. A charging socket assembly according to claim 9, wherein the flap is coupled to the panel by a 5 linkage mechanism, and wherein the assembly comprises an actuator configured to cause the linkage mechanism to move the flap between the closed position and the open position.

11. A system for a charging a traction battery of a vehicle, the system comprising a charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims; and10 a controller configured to receive a user input signal from the user interface in response to the userinput;wherein, in response to receipt of the user input signal, the controller is configured to:output an open signal to cause the flap to move from the closed position to the open position to thereby open the flap.1512. A vehicle comprising a charging socket assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ora system according to claim 11.19

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