A charging socket assembly

Abstract

A charging socket assembly for a vehicle comprises a charging socket compartment for charging a battery; a covering flap 130; and a linkage mechanism 200 to move the flap to cover and uncover the sock

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a charging socket assembly. Aspects of the invention relate to a charging socket assembly and a vehicle. BACKGROUND In an electric vehicle, it is known to provide a charging socket assembly which comprises a charging socket for a traction battery of the vehicle and a flap. The flap covers the charging socket when the charging socket is not in use to protect the charging socket. To charge the traction battery of the vehicle, the flap is opened so that the charging socket is uncovered and a charging gun or plug can be inserted into the charging socket to being charging. A motor may be used to move the flap to cover and uncover the charging socket. The present invention provides an improved charging socket assembly where the flap can be opened and closed by a motor and the flap can be held in position covering the charging socket when the charging socket is not in use so that the flap is not unintentionally opened. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a linkage mechanism, a charging socket assembly, a system and a vehicle. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided linkage mechanism operable to move a flap to cover and uncover the charging socket compartment of a vehicle. The linkage mechanism comprising: a input arm rotatable about a first axis, the input arm configured to be drivingly coupled to a motor; an output arm rotatable about a second axis, the output arm configured to be operably coupled to the flap; and an intermediate arm coupled between the input and output arms; wherein the linkage mechanism is moveable between: an open position in which the input and output arms are in a first position to uncover the charging socket compartment; a closed position in which the input and output arms are in a second position to cover the charging socket compartment, wherein the input and output arms are configured to rotate in a first direction from the first to the second positions; and a latched position in which the input arm is in a third position and the output arm is in the second position, wherein the input arm is configured to rotate in the first direction from the second to the third position such that the output arm is placed under tension to retain the flap in position covering the charging socket. The linkage mechanism allows the flap to be opened and closed. Advantageously, the linkage mechanism includes a latched position which may hold the flap in a position covering the charging socket to ensure that the flap remains closed when, for example, a vehicle including the assembly is being driven and also prevents unauthorised access to the charging socket. The linkage mechanism may be incorporated into a charging socket assembly. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a charging socket assembly. The charging socket assembly comprising: a charging socket compartment comprising a charging socket for charging a traction battery of a vehicle; a flap for covering the charging socket compartment; and a linkage mechanism operable to move the flap to cover and uncover the charging socket compartment, the linkage mechanism comprising: an input arm rotatable about a first axis, the input arm configured to be drivingly coupled to a motor; an output arm rotatable about a second axis, the output arm operably coupled to the flap; and an intermediate arm coupled between the input and output arms; wherein the linkage mechanism is moveable between: an open position in which the input and output arms are in a first position and the charging socket is uncovered by the flap; a closed position in which the input and output arms are in a second position and the charging socket is covered by the flap, wherein the input and output arms are configured to rotate in a first direction from the first to the second positions; and a latched position in which the input arm is in a third position, wherein the input arm is configured to rotate in the first direction from the second to the third position such that the output arm is placed under tension to retain the flap in position covering the charging socket. The linkage mechanism allows the flap to be opened and closed for access to the charging socket. Advantageously, the linkage mechanism includes a latched position which holds the flap in a position covering the charging socket to ensure that the flap remains closed when, for example, a vehicle including the assembly is being driven and also prevents unauthorised access to the charging socket. Optionally, the first and second axes may be parallel to each other. In certain embodiments, the flap may be configured to engage the charging socket compartment when the linkage mechanism is in the closed position such that rotation of the output arm in the first direction from the second position is restricted. The engagement of the flap with the charging socket compartment provides a simple yet effective way to maintain the output arm in substantially the second position as the input arm moves to the third position so that the output arm is placed under without the need to include further components in the assembly. Optionally, an input shaft may be connected to and configured to rotate the input arm about the first axis, the input shaft being configured to be drivingly coupled to the motor In certain embodiments, the intermediate arm may be configured to engage with a locking spigot, the locking spigot being arranged coaxially with the first axis to prevent further rotation of the in first direction in the latched position. The assembly therefore limits the tension that can be applied to the output arm reducing the risk of damage to the mechanism. The intermediate arm may comprise a recess configured to accommodate the locking spigot when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position. The locking spigot may therefore be accommodated in a dedicated space of the intermediate arm. In certain embodiments, the intermediate arm may comprise a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portion being connected at an angle such that the locking spigot resides between first and second portions when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position. Providing the intermediate arm with two portions connected at an angle may improve the rotation of the input and output arms between open, closed and enable a compact linkage mechanism to be provided thereby reducing packaging requirements of the linkage mechanism. The intermediate arm may be configured to engage with the locking spigot at a junction between the first and second portions of the intermediate arm when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position. Causing the intermediate arm to contact the locking spigot shaft in the junction between the two portions of the arm may help improve movement of the linkage mechanism between the closed and latched positions and further reduce the packaging requirements of the linkage mechanism. The recess may be positioned at the junction connection between the first and second portions of the intermediate arm. The locking spigot may therefore be accommodated in a dedicated space of the intermediate arm between the first and second portions. In certain embodiments, in the closed position, a joint coupling the intermediate arm to the input arm may reside on a line extending through the first axis and the second axis, and, in the latched position, the joint coupling the intermediate arm to the input arm may be offset in the first direction from the line extending through the first axis and the second axis. As such, the packaging requirements for the linkage mechanism may be further reduced and movement of the linkage mechanism between the closed and latched positions may be improved. In certain embodiments, the charging socket assembly may comprise the motor, wherein the motor is configured to hold the linkage mechanism in the latched position. The motor may therefore further help hold the flap in the closed position covering the charging socket. In certain embodiments, the charging socket assembly may comprise an input shaft connected to and configured to rotate the input arm about the first axis, the input shaft being configured to be drivingly coupled to the motor; and a manual release mechanism for releasing the linkage mechanism from the latched position, wherein the manual release mechanism is coupled to the input shaft and configured to, upon activation, rotate the input shaft to cause the input arm to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction to release the tension from the output arm. Therefore, if the motor cannot be used to move the flap from the latched to the closed position, a user may access the manual release mechanism by which the linkage mechanism can be released from the latched position and the flap then opened so that the traction battery can be charged. The manual release mechanism may comprise a collar surrounding the input shaft; wherein the collar is configured to engage with the input shaft when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position such that rotation of the collar in the second direction causes the input shaft to rotate in the second direction upon activation of the manual release mechanism. As such, the manual release mechanism may be operably coupled to the input shaft without requiring significant modification to the shaft. Optionally, the collar may comprise a projection arranged to contact a corresponding projection on the input shaft when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position. The projections on the collar and input shaft may engage one another when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position (i.e. when the input arm is in the third position) so that the manual release mechanism can be used. Optionally, the manual release mechanism may comprise a cable coupled to the collar, wherein movement of the cable activates the manual release mechanism. The cable may provide a simply yet effective way to activate manual release mechanism. In certain embodiments, the charging socket assembly may comprise an actuation member of the manual release mechanism disposed in the charging socket compartment, and wherein the flap comprises: a body having an opening through which the actuation member of the manual release mechanism is accessible when the flap covers the charging socket; and an outer panel arranged to cover at least the opening, the outer panel being detachable from the body. The user can the use the actuation member to cause the manual release mechanism to release the flap from the closed position and use the charging socket. The user can detach the outer panel from the flap to reveal the actuation member of the manual release mechanism. The charging socket assembly, therefore, provides the user with a simple and easy to use way in which to access the actuation member of the manual release mechanism when needed. However, with not needed, the actuation member is concealed by the flap. The flap provides protection for the actuation member and conceals it from view leaving the charging socket assembly with a clear aesthetic. The actuation member may be coupled to the cable and the actuation member is movable to cause the cable to move and activate the manual release mechanism. As such, movement of the actuation member causes the collar to rotate and the linkage mechanism to be released from the latched position. In certain embodiments, the actuation member may comprise an end portion accessible through the opening of the flap; and wherein the end portion is movable to cause the cable to move and activate the manual release mechanism. As such, the actuation member is simple fora user to use to activate manual release mechanism. In certain embodiments, the body of the flap may be configured to extend across the charging socket compartment to cover the charging socket when the flap is in the closed position. Having the body of the flap extend across the charging socket provides the flap with sufficient strength to support the outer panel and move between the open and closed positions. Since the opening only needs to allow access to the actuation member the opening does not significantly reduce the strength of the body. In certain embodiments, the body of the flap may be made of plastic. As such, the weight of the flap may be reduced. However, since the body of the flap extends across the charging socket compartment the body has sufficient strength to support the outer panel and move between the open and closed positions . In certain embodiments, the flap may comprise a seal disposed between the body of the flap and the outer panel of the flap to seal the outer panel to the body. The seal may prevent ingress of debris or water between the outer panel of the flap and the body of the flap thereby improving the longevity of the charging socket assembly. In certain embodiments, the seal may be further configured to seal the body of the flap to the charging socket compartment when the flap is in the closed position. Thus, the seal provides two functions. The seal may prevent ingress of debris or water into the charging socket compartment thereby improving the longevity of the charging socket assembly. In certain embodiments, the charging socket assembly may comprise a plurality of resilient retention fixings to releasably attach the outer panel of the flap to the body of the flap. Advantageously, the resilient retention fixings allow the outer panel of the flap to be detached and reattached to the body of the flap multiple times. In certain embodiments, each resilient retention fixing may be configured to engage both the outer panel of the flap and the body of the flap to releasably attach the outer panel to the body of the flap. In certain embodiments, each resilient retention fixing may be a spring clip. Advantageously, spring clips provide a simply yet resiliently deformable fixing. Using a spring clip allows a user to easily detach the outer panel from the body of the flap by, for example, inserting a lever between the outer panel and the body. In certain embodiments, a first portion of each clip may be received in an aperture in the outer panel and a second portion of each clip may be received in a corresponding aperture in the body of the flap to releasably attach the outer panel to the body. The second portion may comprise a closed end of the spring clip. As such, the outer panel can be easily reattached to the body of the flap by a user by pushing the closed end of spring clips back into the apertures in the outer panel of the flap. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising: a charging socket assembly as described above; and a lever comprising: a detachment portion for insertion between the outer panel of the flap and the body of the flap to detach the outer panel from the body thereby exposing the actuation member of the manual release mechanism; and an engagement portion configured to engage the actuation member. The lever advantageously provides two functions, to remove the outer panel using the detachment portion and too actuate the actuation member of the manual release mechanism using the engagement portion. The lever therefore provides a single tool for a user to access and actuate the manual release mechanism. A user does not need to keep track of multiple levers or components for the manual release mechanism. Additionally, since the lever can reach through the body of the flap to engage the actuation memberthe size of the opening in the body can be minimised allowing the strength of the body of the flap to be maximised. In certain embodiments, the lever may be made of plastic thereby reducing the risk of damage being caused to the charging socket assembly during use of the lever to detach the outer panel of the flap. In certain embodiments, the detachment portion may be at one end of the lever and the engagement portion may be at an opposing end of the lever. The lever, therefore, has a simple, compact design. In certain embodiments, the engagement portion may comprise a hook and the end portion of the actuation member comprises an aperture configured to receive the hook. The hook and aperture provide a secure engagement between lever and actuation member. This is particularly advantageous when the actuation member needs to be pulled away from the charging socket compartment to actuate the manual release mechanism. The hook and aperture provide a secure connection which would easily allow the pulling movement to be achieved by a user. In certain embodiments, the detachment portion may be tapered for insertion between the outer panel and the body of the flap thereby improving the ease of insertion of the lever between the outer panel and the body of the flap and reducing the risk of damage being caused during insertion. In certain embodiments, the detachment portion may be curved toward a first side of the lever. Providing the lever with a curve may improves the ease of manipulating the lever during use to detach the outer panel from the body of the flap. In certain embodiments, the lever may comprise a central portion extending from the first end to the second end and configured to be grasped by a hand of a user. Thus, the lever may be easily held and manipulated by a user. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the above-described charging socket assembly or system. 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 anyway 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 shows a schematic representation of a charging socket assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 where the flap is in a closed position; Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 where the flap is in an open position; Figure 4 schematically shows a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 schematically shows a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 schematically shows a linkage mechanism of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 where the linkage mechanism is in an open position; Figure 7 schematically shows the linkage mechanism of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 where the linkage mechanism is in a closed position; Figure 8 schematically shows a linkage mechanism of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 where the linkage mechanism is in a latched position; Figure 9 schematically shows a linkage mechanism of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 where the linkage mechanism is in the closed position; Figure 10 schematically shows a linkage mechanism of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 where the linkage mechanism is in the latched position; Figure 11 schematically shows a part of the charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 12 schematically shows the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 with the flap omitted; Figure 13 schematically shows the charging socket assembly of Figure 1 with the outer panel of the flap omitted; Figure 14 schematically shows a cross-section through a part of charging socket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 15 schematically shows a lever for use with the charging socket assembly; and Figure 16 shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 14 show a charging socket assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The charging socket assembly 100 is for charging a traction battery (not shown) of a vehicle 1000. The charging socket assembly 100 comprises a charging socket 102 for a traction battery of a vehicle. The charging socket 102 is for receiving a charging gun or plug 502. The charging socket assembly 100 is for mounting to the vehicle 1000. Figure 16 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1000 comprising the charging socket assembly 100. In Figure 16, the charging gun 502 is shown as received in the charging socket 102. The charging gun 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 gun 502. Each inlet 107 may comprise a plurality of channels, each channel being for receiving a part of the charging gun 502. The charging socket assembly 100 comprises a charging socket compartment 101. The charging socket compartment 101 comprises the charging socket 102. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the charging socket compartment 101 may comprise a panel 106. The charging socket 102 may be disposed within an aperture (shown in Figure 12) in the panel 106. 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 compartment 101 may comprise a user interface 110. The user interface 110 may be arranged near to the charging socket 102. The user interface 110 may enable a user to interact with the charging socket assembly 100 by providing an input to the charging socket assembly 100. For example, a user may provide the user interface 110 with a user input to initiate charging of a traction battery once the charging gun 502 has been received in the charging socket 102. The user interface 110 may comprise one or more buttons. 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. The charging socket assembly may comprise a housing 112. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 112 may be behind the panel 106. The housing 112 may be attached to the panel 106. The housing 112 may be configured to house one of more components of the charging socket assembly as described in further detail below. The assembly comprises a flap 130 for covering the charging socket compartment 101. The flap 130 is movable between a closed position, shown in Figure 2, and an open position, shown in Figures 1 and 3. In the closed position, the charging socket compartment 101 is covered by the flap 130. As shown in Figure 2, the charging socket compartment 101 may be entirely covered by the flap 130 in the closed position. The charging socket and user interface 110 are therefore concealed from view. The flap 130 may comprise an outer surface 130a. In the closed position, the outer surface 130a of the flap 130 may provide an external panel of the vehicle 1000. In the open position, the charging socket 102 is uncovered by the flap 130. The user interface 110 may also be uncovered by the flap 130 in the open position. When the flap 130 is in the open position, the charging gun 502 may be inserted into the charging socket 102 and the user may interact directly with the user interface 110. The charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a seal 172 shown in Figure 14 arranged to seal the flap 130 to the charging socket compartment 101 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The seal 172 may be arranged to seal against the rim 109 of the panel 106. The seal 172 may enclose the charging socket 102 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The seal 172 may be arranged to encircle the recess 108 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The seal 172 may be flexible to allow some movement of the flap 130 relative to the panel when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The seal 172 may be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the seal 172 may comprise rubber. As shown in the embodiments in the Figures, the flap 130 may be attached or coupled to the charging socket compartment 101. In particular, the flap 130 may be coupled to the panel 106. The flap 130 may be attached or coupled to the charging socket compartment 101 by a coupling mechanism 132. The coupling mechanism 132 may comprise a one or more legs. As shown in the embodiments in the Figures, the coupling mechanism may comprise a first leg 134. The first leg 134 may be pivotably coupled to the charging socket compartment 101 at one end and the flap 130 at the other end. The coupling mechanism may also comprise a second leg 135. The second leg 135 may be pivotably coupled to the charging socket compartment 101 at one end and the flap 130 at the other end. First and second legs 134,135 may be coupled to the flap 130 and to the charging socket compartment 101 at separate locations such that the first and second legs 134, 135 are spaced apart from one another. Providing both first and second legs 134, 135 may improve the stability of movement of the flap 130 as it moves between the open and closed positions. The coupling mechanism 132 may act as a four-bar linkage. However, the skilled person will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the coupling mechanism 132. Alternative coupling mechanisms may be used to pivotably attach the flap 130 to the charging socket compartment 101. The charging socket 102 assembly 100 comprises a linkage mechanism 200 operable to move the flap 130 between the open and closed positions i.e. to move the flap 130 to cover and uncover the charging socket 102 compartment 101. The linkage mechanism 200 is shown in Figures 4 to 10. The linkage mechanism 200 may be disposed within the housing 112 of the charging socket 102 compartment 101. In the Figures 2 and 3 the linkage mechanism 200 is concealed within the housing 112 underneath a cover. In Figure 5 the linkage mechanism 200 is shown, however, other features of the charging socket 102 assembly 100 including the panel 106 and housing 112 are omitted. The linkage mechanism 200 may be drivingly coupled to a motor 201, for example an electric motor 201. As such, the flap 130 may be a powered flap 130. The motor 201 may be configured to drive movement of the linkage mechanism 200 to cause the flap 130 to move between the open and closed positions. Thus, the motor 201 may be coupled to the coupling mechanism 132 via the linkage mechanism 200. The charging socket 102 assembly 100 may comprise the motor 201. The motor 201 may be positioned within the housing 112. In the Figures, the motor 201 is concealed within the housing 112. The linkage mechanism 200 comprises an input arm 202 rotatable about a first axis 204. The first axis 204 is shown in Figure 5. The input arm 202 is configured to be drivingly coupled to the motor 201 such that the motor 201 causes the input arm 202 to rotate about the first axis 204. The input arm 202 extends from a first end 202a to a second end 202b. A longitudinal axis of the input arm 202 extends from the first end 202a to the second end 202b. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the input arm 202 may be substantially straight i.e. the input arm 202 does not comprise is a bend or curve between the first and second ends 202a, 202b. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the charging socket 102 assembly 100 may comprise an input shaft 206 connected to the input arm 202. The input arm 202 may be coupled to the input shaft 206 at the first end 202a. The input shaft 206 is configured to rotate the input arm 202. The input shaft 206 is co-axial with the first axis 204. The input shaft 206 may extend through an aperture in the input arm 202 or an end of the input shaft 206 may be connected to the input arm 202. The input shaft 206 is configured to be drivingly coupled to the motor 201. As shown in the Figures 5 to 11, the input shaft 206 may comprise a plurality of splines 207. The motor 201 may be arranged to engage the plurality of splines 207 to cause the input shaft 206, and consequently the input arm 202, to rotate about the first axis 204. As shown in Figure 5, the linkage mechanism 200 may comprise a locking spigot 208. The locking spigot 208 is arranged coaxially with the first axis 204. A portion of the input shaft 206 may extend through the aperture in the input arm 202 to provide the locking spigot 208. Alternatively, the locking spigot 208 may be a separate component to the input shaft 206. As shown in Figure, 5 the input shaft 206 may be disposed on one side (e.g. below) of the input arm 202 and the locking spigot 208 may be disposed on the opposite side (e.g. above) of the input arm 202. The locking spigot 208 may have a substantially circular cross-section, where the crosssection is in a plane perpendicular to the first axis 204. An alignment member 210, for example a collar or sleeve, may be attached to one end of the locking spigot 208. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the other opposing end of the locking spigot 208 may be attached to the input arm 202. The alignment member 210 may be for aligning the cover in the correct position relative the housing 112. For example, the cover may comprise a recess 246 configured to receive the alignment member 210. The linkage mechanism 200 comprises an output arm 212 rotatable about a second axis 214. The second axis 214 is shown in Figure 5. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first and second axes 204, 214 may be parallel to one another. The output arm 212 extends from a first end 212a to a second end 212b. A longitudinal axis of the output arm 212 extends from the first end 212a to the second end 212b. The charging socket 102 compartment 101 may comprise a output shaft 216. The output arm 212 may be coupled to the output shaft 216 such that rotation of the output arm 212 causes the output shaft 216 to rotate. Similarly, rotation of the output shaft 216 may cause the output arm 212 to rotate. The output shaft 216 is coaxial with the second axis 214. The output arm 212 may be coupled to the output shaft 216 at the first end of the output arm 212. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first end of the output arm 212 may comprise an aperture configured to receive the output shaft 216. The aperture may be hexagon in shape and the output shaft 216 may have a corresponding hexagonal cross-section, where the cross-section is in a direction perpendicular to the second axis 214. The output arm 212 and the output shaft 216 may be secured together by a fastener 218, such as a screw or bolt, extending through the output arm 212 in a direction perpendicular to the second axis 214 to engage the output shaft 216 as shown in Figure 5. The output arm 212 is operably coupled to the flap 130 such that rotation of the output arm 212 causes the flap 130 to move between the open and closed positions. The output arm 212 is coupled to the flap 130 via the output shaft 216. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first leg 134 of the coupling mechanism 132 may be connected to the output shaft 216 so that the first leg 134 is pivotably coupled to the charging socket 102 compartment 101. The first leg 134 of the coupling mechanism 132 therefore rotates about the second axis 214. As shown in Figure 5, the output arm 212 may be coupled to a first end of the output shaft 216 and a locking nut 220 may be positioned on a second end of the output shaft 216. The first leg 134 of the coupling mechanism 132 may be coupled to the output shaft 216 between the output arm 212 and the locking nut 220. The locking nut 220 may therefore retain the first leg 134 of the coupling mechanism 132 on the output shaft 216. A washer 222 may be provided between the output arm 212 and the first leg 134 of the coupling mechanism 132. The linkage mechanism 200 comprises an intermediate arm 224 coupled between the input and output arms 202, 212. The intermediate arm 224 connects the input arm 202 to the output arm 212. The intermediate arm 224 is rotatably connected to each of the input and output arms 202, 212. The intermediate arm 224 transmits movement and force from the input arm 202 to the output arm 212 and from the output arm 212 to the input arm 202 such that a rotation of the input arm 202 causes a rotation of the output arm 212 and a rotation of the output arm 212 causes a rotation of the input arm 292. As shown in Figure 5, the input, output and intermediate arms 202, 212, 224 may reside in substantially parallel planes. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, a first end 224a of the intermediate arm 224 may be coupled to the input arm 202. The first end of the intermediate arm 224 may be coupled to a second end of the input arm 202. The first end of the intermediate arm 224 may be configured to rotate about a third axis 226 relative to the input arm 202. The third axis 226 may be parallel to the first and second axes 204, 214. However, unlike the first and second axes 204, 214, the third axis 226 may not be in a fixed position. The position of the third axis 226 relative to the first and second axes 204, 214 changes as the position of the intermediate arm 224 changes. The intermediate arm 224 may be coupled to the input arm 202 at a first coupling joint 228. The first coupling joint 228 may be co-axial with third axis 226. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the first coupling joint 228 may comprise a projection extending from the input arm 202. The projection may extend through an aperture in the intermediate arm 224. A bolt 230 may be secured to the projection after the projection has passed through the aperture to secure the input and intermediate arms 202, 224 together. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, a second end 224b of the intermediate arm 224 may be coupled to the output arm 212. As such, the intermediate arm 224 may be coupled to the input and output arms 202, 212 at opposite ends. The second end 224b of the intermediate arm 224 may be coupled to the second end 212b of the output arm 212. The second end 224b of the intermediate arm 224 may be configured to rotate about a fourth axis 232 relative to the output arm 212. The fourth axis 232 may be parallel to the first and second axes 204, 214. In the same manner as the third axis 226, the fourth axis 232 may not be at a fixed position. The intermediate arm 224 may be coupled to the output arm 212 at a second coupling joint 234. The second coupling joint 234 may be co-axial with fourth axis 232. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the second coupling joint 234 may comprise a projection extending from the output arm 212. The projection may extend through an aperture in the intermediate arm 224. A bolt 236 may be secured to the projection after the projection has passed through the aperture to secure the output and intermediate arms 212, 224 together. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the intermediate arm 224 may have a bent or curved shape. As such, the intermediate arm 224 may comprise a first portion 238 and a second portion 240. The first portion 238 may extend from the first end 224a of the intermediate arm 224 to a junction 242 between the first and second portions 238, 240. A longitudinal axis of the first portion 238 of the intermediate arm 224 extends from the first end 224a through the third axis 226 to the junction 242. The second portion 240 of the intermediate arm 224 may extend from the second end 224b of the intermediate arm 224 to the junction 242. A longitudinal axis of the second portion 240 of the intermediate arm 224 extends from the second end 224b through the fourth axis 232 to the junction 242. The first portion 238 is connected to the second portion 240 at an angle a. The angle a between the first and second portions 238, 240 of the intermediate arm 224 subtends a plane 244 intersecting the third and fourth axes 226, 232 as shown in Figures 9 and 10. The angle a is an obtuse angle a. The angle a is measured between the longitudinal axes of the first and second portions 238, 240 of the intermediate arm 224. The intermediate arm 224 may comprise a recess 246. The recess 246 may be positioned at or in the junction 242 between the first and second portions 238, 240 of the intermediate arm 224. The recess 246 is positioned on the side of the intermediate arm 224 which faces towards the first axis 204. The recess 246 of the intermediate arm 224 is sized to receive the locking spigot 208. That is, the recess 246 may be configured to conform to the outer surface of the locking spigot 208. The linkage mechanism 200 is moveable between an open position, a closed position and a latched position. The open position is shown in Figures 4 and 6. The closed position is shown in Figures 7 and 9. The latched position is shown in Figures 5, 8 and 10. When the linkage mechanism 200 is in the open position, the charging socket 102 compartment 101 is uncovered by the flap 130. The open position of the linkage mechanism 200, therefore, corresponds to the open position of the flap 130 as shown in Figure 4. When the linkage mechanism 200 is in the closed position or in the latched position, the charging socket 102 compartment 101 is covered by the flap 130 i.e. the flap 130 is in the closed position. The difference between the closed and latched positions is that when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position as well as the charging socket 102 compartment 101 being covered by the flap 130 tension is applied to the linkage mechanism 200 to hold the flap 130 in this position. In the open position, each of the input and output arms 202, 212 of the linkage mechanism 200 are in a first position as shown in Figures 4 and 6. The intermediate arm 224 extends between the input and output arms 202,212. In the closed position of the linkage mechanism 200, each of the input and output arms 202, 212 are in a second position as shown in Figures 7 and 9. The input and output arms 202, 212 are configured to rotate in a first direction 450 from the first to the second positions. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, input and output arms 202, 212 are configured to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction about the first and second axes 204, 214, respectively, from the first to the second positions. Rotation of the input and output arms 202, 212 from the first to the second positions causes the flap 130 to move to cover the charging socket 102 compartment 101. The flap 130 may be configured to engage the charging socket 102 compartment 101 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the closed position. Figures 5, 8 and 10 show the linkage mechanism 200 in the latched position. In the latched position, the input arm 202 is in a third position. The input arm 202 is configured to rotate in the first direction 450 from the second to the third position such that the output arm 212 is placed under tension to retain the flap 130 in the closed position covering the charging socket 102 compartment 101. The motor 201 may be configured to hold the linkage mechanism 200 in the latched position. In the latched position, the output arm 212 may remain substantially in the second position. The output arm 212 may be restricted when it is in the second position from further rotation in the first direction 450. As described above, in the embodiment in the Figures the flap 130 may engage with the charging socket 102 compartment 101 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the closed position. As such, rotation of the output arm 212 in the first direction 450 from the second position is restricted due to this engagement. Thus, the output arm 212 may remain substantially in the second position as the input arm 202 rotates to the third position. However, the skilled person will appreciate that output arm 212 may be restricted when it is in the second position from further rotation in the first direction 450 by alternative means. The rotation of the input arm 202 from the second to the third position causes the intermediate arm 224 to move. This movement of the intermediate arm 224 whilst the output arm 212 remains substantially in the second position places the output arm 212 under tension. The change in position of the intermediate arm 224 between the closed and latched positions of the linkage mechanism 200 is shown in Figures 7 to 10. Figure 7 shows the linkage mechanism 200 in the closed position with the input and output arms 202, 212 in the second position. The longitudinal axes of the output arm 212 and second portion 240 of the intermediate arm 224 are aligned (i.e. coaxial) when the linkage mechanism 200 in the closed position. This is illustrated in Figure 7 where dashed line 250 is aligned with the longitudinal axes of the output arm 212 and second portion 240 of the intermediate arm 224. When the input arm 202 has rotated to the third position so that the linkage mechanism 200 in the latched position, the longitudinal axes of the output arm 212 and second portion 240 of the intermediate arm 224 are no longer aligned. This is shown in Figure 8 where the dashed line 250 is still aligned with the longitudinal axis of the output arm but is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second portion 240 of the intermediate arm 224. The rotation of the input arm 202 has caused the intermediate arm 224 to rotate in the first direction 450 so that the longitudinal axis of the second portion 240 of the intermediate arm 224 has moved output of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the output arm 212. As shown in Figure 7, the third axis 226 about which the intermediate arm 224 rotates relative to the input arm 202 may reside in a plane 248 that intersects both the first and second axes 204, 214 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the closed position. That is, the longitudinal axis of the input arm 202 may reside in the plane 248 that intersects both the first and second axes 204, 214. When the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position, the third axis 226 no longer resides in the plane 248 intersecting the first and second axes 204, 214 as shown in Figure 8. The rotation of the input arm 202 to the third position has caused the third axis 226 and the longitudinal axis of the input arm 202 to move in the first direction 450 and out of this plane 248. As described above, the angle a between the first and second portions 238, 240 of the intermediate arm 224 subtends a plane 244 intersecting the third and fourth axes 226, 232. As shown in Figure 9, when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the closed position the plane 244 intersecting the third and fourth axes 226, 232 is on a first side of the first axis 204. As shown in Figure 10, when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position the plane 244 intersecting the third and fourth axes 226, 232 is on a second side of the first axis 204. As such, the plane 244 passes through the first axis 204 as the linkage mechanism 200 moves from the closed position to the latched position. When the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position, the angle a between the first and second portions 238, 240 of the intermediate arm 224 results in the first axis 204 residing between first and second portions 238, 240 of the intermediate arm 224 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position. The intermediate arm 224 may be configured to engage with (i.e. contact) the locking spigot 208 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position as shown in Figures 5, 8 and 10. The locking spigot 208 may therefore limit the amount of tension placed on the output arm 212 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position. The intermediate arm 224 may be configured to engage with the locking spigot 208 at the junction 242 between the two portion so the intermediate arm 224 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position. As shown in Figure 10, when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position the plane 244 intersecting the third and fourth axes 226, 232 is on a first side of the first axis 204 and the intermediate arm 224 engages the locking spigot 208 on a second opposite side of the first axis 204. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the recess 246 may be received by the locking spigot 208 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position. During use of the charging socket 102 assembly 100, the motor 201 may drive the linkage mechanism 200 to cause the flap 130 to move between the open and closed positions. When the charging socket 102 assembly 100 is being used to charge the traction battery of a vehicle 1000, the charging gun 502 is in the charging socket 102 and the flap 130 is in the open position. Once the traction battery has been charged, the user will remove the charging gun 502 from the charging socket 102. The user may provide an input to the user interface 110 which may cause the motor 201 to move the flap 130 from the open to the closed position. To move the flap 130 from the open to the closed position, the motor 201 causes the input arm 202 to rotate in the first direction 450 from the first position shown in Figure 6 to the second position shown in Figure 7 to move the linkage mechanism 200 from the open position to the closed position. Due to the intermediate arm 224, the rotation of the input arm 202 causes the output arm 212 to also rotate in the first direction 450 from the first position to the second position. As the output arm 212 is connected to the flap 130 via the output shaft 216, rotation of the output arm 212 from the first to the second position causes the flap 130 to move from the open to the closed position. The motor 201 continues to rotate the input arm 202 in the first direction 450 from the second position to the third position to move the linkage mechanism 200 from the closed to the latched position. This rotation causes the intermediate arm 224 to move but further rotation of the output arm 212 in the first direction 450 is restricted. As such, the output arm 212 is placed under tension which retains the flap 130 in position covering the charging socket 102. Retaining the flap 130 in the closed position is advantageous because the charging socket 102 compartment 101 remains covered when for example, a vehicle 1000 including the assembly is being driven and may prevent unauthorised access to the charging socket 102. The linkage mechanism 200 may be continuously moved by the motor 201 from the open position through the closed position to the latched position. When the user wishes to charge the traction battery of the vehicle 1000 at a later time, the flap 130 must be moved from the closed to the open position. To move the flap 130 from the closed to the open position, the motor 201 causes the input arm 202 to rotate in a second direction 460 which is opposite to the first direction 450. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the second direction 460 is a clockwise direction. To move the linkage mechanism 200 from the latched to the closed position, the input arm 202 rotates in the second direction 460 from the third position to the second position so that the tension is released from the output arm 212. To move the linkage mechanism 200 from the closed position to the open position, the motor 201 then causes the input arm 202 to rotate in the second direction 460 from the second position to the first position. This rotation causes the output arm 212 to rotate from the second position to the first position thereby moving the flap 130 from the closed to the open position and uncovering the charging socket 102. The user can then insert the charging gun 502 into the charging socket 102 to charge the traction battery. When the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position, it holds the flap 130 in the closed position. As such, a user cannot manually move the flap 130 from the closed position to the open position when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position. The charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a manual release mechanism 300 for releasing the linkage mechanism 200 from the latched position. The manual release mechanism 300 may be used when the motor 201 is not available to open the flap. The manual release mechanism 300 enables the flap 130 to be moved from the closed to the open position so that the charging gun 502 can be inserted into the charging socket 102. The manual release mechanism 300 is configured to be actuated by a user through the flap 130. The charging socket assembly 100 may comprise an actuation member 400. The actuation member 400 is shown in Figures 5 and 12 to 14. In Figure 12, the charging socket 102 and flap 130 are omitted from the charging socket assembly 100. The actuation member 400 is not visible in Figure 1 as the flap 130 covers the actuation member 400 when the flap 130 is in the open position. The actuation member 400 is for actuating the manual release mechanism 300. The actuation member 400 may comprise an end portion 402. The end portion 402 is configured to be engaged by a user. The end portion 402 may comprise an aperture 406 extending therethrough. The aperture 406 may be used by the user to move the actuation member 400. The actuation member 400 may comprise a cable 404 extend from the end portion 402. The cable 404 may extend to the manual release mechanism 300 as shown in Figure 5. The end portion 402 of the actuation member 400 may be movable relative to the charging socket compartment 101 to cause the cable 404 to move and activate the manual release mechanism 300. The cable 404 may be flexible. During use, a user may pull the end portion 402 in a direction away from the charging socket compartment 101 to activate the manual release mechanism 300. The charging socket assembly 100 is arranged to allow the user to access the actuation member 400 through the flap 130 whilst the flap 130 is in the closed position. To this end, the flap 130 may comprise a body 138 and an outer panel 137. The outer panel 137 is detachably connected to the body 138 of the flap 130. Figures 2,3, and 14 show the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 attached to the body 138 of the flap 130 and Figure 13 shows the body 138 without the outer panel 137 attached. When the outer panel 137 is detached from the body 138 of the flap 130, the actuation member 400 is accessible. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the outer panel 137 may provide the outer surface of the flap 130. In the closed position, the outer surface 130a of the flap 130 may provide an external panel of the vehicle 1000. The body 138 may be disposed between the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 and the panel 106 of the charging socket compartment 101. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the coupling mechanism 132 may be attached to the body 138 of the flap 130. When the flap 130 is in the closed position, the charging socket compartment 101 is covered by both the body 138 of the flap 130 and the outer panel 137 of the flap 130. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, when the flap 130 is in the closed position the body 138 of the flap 130 may extend across the charging socket compartment 101 to cover the charging socket 102. Having the body 138 of the flap 130 extend across the charging socket 102 may provide the flap 130 with sufficient strength to support the outer panel 137 and move between the open and closed positions. In certain embodiments, the body 138 of the flap 130 may be made of plastic. The flap 130 may comprise a seal 174 disposed between the body 138 of the flap 130 and the outer panel 137 ofthe flap 130 to seal the outer panel 137 to the body 138. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 14, the seal 174 for sealing the outer panel 137 ofthe flap 130 to the body 138 ofthe flap 130 and the seal 172 for sealing the flap 130 to the charging socket compartment 101 may be provided as a single component 170. That is, the flap 130 may comprise one seal 170 that provides two functions. The seal 170 may be attached to the body 138 ofthe flap 130. The seal 170 may comprise a first portion 172 that is configured to engage the panel 106 ofthe charging socket compartment 101 when the flap 130 is in the closed position. The seal 170 may comprise a second portion 174 that extends from the body 138 ofthe flap 130 and the outer panel 137 ofthe flap 130 to seal the body 138 to the outer panel 137. The second portion 174 ofthe seal 128 may contact but may not be attached to the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 so that the seal 170 does not inhibit the outer panel 137 being detached from the body 138 of the flap 130. The body 138 of the flap 130 may comprise an opening 140 extending therethrough for accessing the actuation member 400. As shown in Figure 13, when the flap 130 is in the closed position and the outer panel 137 has been detached, the actuation member 400 of the manual release mechanism 300 is accessible through the opening 140. In particular, the end portion 402 of the actuation member 400 may be accessible through the opening 140. The outer panel 137 is configured to cover the opening 140 in the body 138 of the flap 130 when attached to the body 138. As such, when the manual release mechanism 300 is not needed, the actuation member 400 is covered by the outer panel 137 of the flap 130. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the outer panel 137 is configured to cover the entirety of the body 138 of the flap 130 when attached thereto. To releasably attach the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 to the body 138 of the flap 130, the charging socket assembly 100 may comprise a plurality of resilient retention fixings. Each resilient retention fixing may be configured to engage both the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 and the body 138 of the flap 130 to releasably attach the outer panel 137 to the body 138 of the flap 130. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the resilient retention fixings may be spring clips 150. For each spring clip 150, the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 may comprise an aperture 152 for receiving one end of the spring clip 150 and the body 138 of the flap 130 may comprise an aperture 154 for receiving the opposing end of the spring clip 150. In the non-limiting embodiment in the Figures, the body 138 and outer panel 137 of the flap 130 may be releasably attached to one another by four spring clips 150. Figure 13, therefore, shows four apertures 154 in the body 138 of the flap 130 each for receiving an end of a spring clip 150. Figure 14 shows a non-limiting example of a spring clip 150 that may be used to releasably attach to the body 138 of the flap 130 to the outer panel 137 of the flap 130. Each of the spring clips 150 may be substantially the same as one another. Each of the spring clips 150 may be configured to engage with the body 138 of the flap 130 and the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 in substantially the same way. As such, only one spring clip 150 will be described. The spring clip 150 may comprise two legs 156 which extend from a closed end 162, where the legs 156 are joined to one another, to an open end 164, where the legs 156 are separate from one another. As the two legs 156 of the spring clip 150 extend away from the closed end 162, the distance between the two legs 156 may increase until a turning point 158 is reached. After the turning point 158, the distance between the two legs 156 may decrease to a neck 160 of the spring clip 150. From the neck 160 of the spring clip 150, the legs 156 extend away from each other (i.e. in a direction away from the plane equidistant between the two legs 156) and back on themselves in a direction towards the closed end 162 of the spring clip 150 to form the open end 164 of the spring clip 150. The shape of the spring clip 150 therefore tapers in a direction from the turning point 158 to the closed end 162 of the spring clip 150 and in a direction from the turning point 158 to the neck 160 of the spring clip 150. The spring clip 150 may be symmetrical about a plane equidistant between the two legs 156. As shown in Figure 14, the spring clip 150 may be attached to the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 so that the spring clip 150 is retained in the outer panel 137 when the outer panel 137 is separated from the body 138 of the flap 130. The open end 164 of the spring clip 150 may be received by the outer panel 137 of the flap 130. The neck 160 of the spring clip 150 may reside in the aperture 152 in the outer panel 137 of the flap 130. The ends of the legs 156 which extend away from each other reside within the outer panel 137 on either side of the aperture 152 to retain the spring clip 150 in the aperture. When the outer panel 137 and the body 138 of the flap 130 are attached together, the closed end 162 of the spring clip 150 is received by the body 138 of the flap 130 as shown in Figure 14. To attach the outer panel 137 to the body 138 of the flap 130, the closed end 162 of the spring clip 150 may be pushed through the aperture 154 in the body 138 of the flap 130. The distance between the legs 156 at the turning point 158 is greater than the size of the aperture 154. Therefore, as the closed end 162 of the spring clip 150 is pushed through the aperture 154 in the body 138 of the flap 130, the aperture 154 causes the legs 156 of the spring clip 150 to be compressed together until that the distance between the legs 156 is less than the size of the aperture 154. The spring clip 150 is pushed into the aperture in the body 138 of the flap 130 until the turning point 158 is within the body 138 of the flap 130. The part of the spring clip 150 which has passed through the aperture 154 then expands so that the distance between the legs 156 increases. The turning point 158 is within the body 138 of the flap 130 and acts to retain the spring clip 150 in the body 138 of the flap 130. To detach the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 from the body 138 of the flap 130, the outer panel 137 may be pulled away from the body 138 of the panel with sufficient force to cause the legs 156 of the spring clip 150 are compressed together by the aperture 154 until that the distance between the legs 156 is less than the size of the aperture 154. The spring clip 150 may then by pulled through the aperture 154 in the body 138 of the flap 130 to separate the outer panel 137 from the body 138 of the flap 130. To help access the actuation member 400 and use the manual release mechanism 500, a lever 408 may be used. The lever 408 is shown in Figure 15. The charging socket assembly 100 and lever 408 may together form a system. The lever 408 may comprise a detachment portion 410 for insertion between the outer panel 137 of the flap 130 and the body 138 of the flap 130. The detachment portion 410 may therefore be used to detach the outer panel 137 from the body 138. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the detachment portion 410 may be tapered to facilitate insertion between the outer panel 137 and the body 138 of the flap 130. That is, the height of the detachment portion 410 may decrease towards an end of the detachment portion 410. The width of the detachment portion 410 may be constant. The detachment portion 410 may be curved. An end of the detachment portion 410 may be curved toward a first side of the lever 408. During use, the detachment portion 410 of the lever 408 may be inserted into a gap shown in Figure 14 between the outer panel 137 and the body 138 of the flap 130. The lever 408 may be pushed past the second portion 174 of the seal 170. Once inserted, the lever 408 may be twisted to cause one or more of the spring clips 150 to disengage from the body 138 of the flap 130 so that the outer panel 137 is detached. To entirely separate the outer panel 137 from the body 138 of the flap 130, the lever 408 may be inserted between the body 138 and the outer panel 137 close to each of the spring clips 150. The lever 408 may be formed from plastic to reduce reducing the risk of damage being caused to the charging socket assembly 100 during use of the lever 408. The lever 408 may comprise an engagement portion 412 configured to engage the actuation member 400. The engagement portion 412 of the lever 408 is therefore sized to pass through the opening 140 in the body 138 of the flap 130. The engagement portion 412 may comprise a hook. The hook may be configured to be received by the aperture 406 in the end portion 402 of the actuation member 400. This may provide a secure connection between the lever 408 and the actuation member 400. The lever 408 may then be used to pull the actuation member 400 in a direction away from the charging socket compartment 101 to actuate the emergence release mechanism. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the detachment portion 410 may be at one end of the lever 408 and the engagement portion 412 may be at an opposing end of the lever 408. The lever 408 may comprise a central portion extending from the first end to the second end. The central portion 414 may be configured to be grasped by a hand of a user. The central portion 414 may therefore comprise a plurality of indentations configured to accommodate a user’s fingers. The central portion 414 of the lever 408 may be substantially planar. The engagement portion 412 may reside in the same plane as the central portion 414 of the lever 408 to reduce the depth of the lever 408. As described above, the detachment portion 410 may be curved. As such, at least part of the detachment portion 410 extends outside of the plane in which the central portion 414 of the lever 408 resides. The central portion 414 and detachment portion 410 may have substantially the same width as one another Once the outer panel 137 has been removed, a user can activate the manual release mechanism 300 using the actuation member 400. The manual release mechanism 300 is for releasing the linkage mechanism 200 from the latched position. As shown in the embodiment in the Figures, the manual release mechanism 300 may be coupled to the input shaft 206. The manual release mechanism 300 is configured to engage with the input shaft 206 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position and, upon activation, to rotate the input shaft 206 to cause the input arm 202 to rotate in the second direction 460 to release the tension from the output arm 212. Once the tension has been released, a user may then manually move the flap 130 into the open position as the flap 130 will no longer be held in the closed position. The manual release mechanism 300 may be configured to rotate input shaft 206 so that the input arm 202 moves from the third position to the second position or from the third position to an intermediate position between the third and second positions. As shown in Figure 11, the manual release mechanism 300 may comprise a collar 302 surrounding the input shaft 206. The collar 302 may be co-axial with the first axis. An end of the cable 404 of the actuation member 400 may be attached to the collar 302. The cable 404 may be attached to the collar 302 such that movement of the end portion 402 of the actuation member 400 in a direction away from the charging socket compartment 101 causes the cable 404 to rotate the collar 302 in the second direction 460 i.e. causes activation of the manual release mechanism 300. The cable 404 of may extend from the end attached to the collar 302 to the end portion 402 of the actuation member 400 substantially in the second direction 460 as shown in Figure 5. As shown in the embodiment the Figures, a limb 304 may extend outwards from the collar 302. The limb 304 may extend radially outwards from the collar 302. An end cable 404 of may be attached to the limb 304. The limb 304 may comprise a connection member 306 extending therefrom and the end of the cable 404 may comprise an aperture 405 for receiving the connection member 306 to connect the cable 404 to the limb 304. The connection member 306 may comprise a pin shaft and a head at one end. The shaft may extend through the aperture 405 in the cable 404 for connection with the limb 304 of the collar 302. The head of the pin may be greater in size that the aperture 405 such that the cable 404 is retained on the shaft of the pin. The collar 302 may comprise a first projection 308 which extends inwardly towards the input shaft 206. The first projection 308 may extend radially inwardly towards the input shaft 206. The input shaft 206 may comprise a corresponding second projection 310 extending outwardly towards the collar 302. The second projection 310 may extend radially outwardly towards the input shaft 206. The first and second projections 308, 310 are positioned on the collar 302 and input shaft 206, respectively, so that first and second projections 308, 310 engage with (i.e. contact) one another when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position as shown in Figure 11. As such, the collar 302 is configured to engage with the input shaft 206 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, when the linkage mechanism 200 is not in the latched position, the first and second projections 308, 310 may not engage each other. Rather, the first and second projections 308, 310 may be spaced apart from one another. As such, the collar 302 may not engage with the input when the linkage mechanism 200 is in a position other than the latched position. In the latched position, the collar 302 is configured to engage with the input shaft 206 such that rotation of the collar 302 in the second direction 460 causes the input shaft 206 to rotate in the second direction 460 thereby causing the input arm 202 to rotate in the second direction 460 to release the tension from the output arm 212. The first projection 308 on the collar 302 has a first engagement surface 312 which faces in the second direction 460. The second projection 310 has a second engagement surface 314 which faces in the first direction 450. When the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position, the first engagement surface 312 is in contact with the second engagement surface 314 as shown in Figure 11. Each of the first and second engagement surfaces 312, 314 may be formed from a side wall of the corresponding projection. Each of the first and second engagement surfaces 312, 314 may be parallel to first axis. As described above, the input shaft 206 may comprise a plurality of splines 207 for engaging the motor 201. The second projection 310 may comprise an extension of one of the splines 207. The second projection 310 may comprise an extension of the one of the splines 207 that extends further than the remaining splines 207 in a direction parallel to the first axis. The collar 302 may be positioned on the input shaft 206 such that the first projection 308 of the collar 302 only engages the extended spline and does not engage with the remaining splines 207. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the first projection 308 on the collar 302 and the extension which provides the second projection 310 on the input shaft 206 are positioned above the splines 207 relative to the first axis. To use the manual release mechanism 300, a user first removes the outer panel 137 of the flap 130, as described above, to expose the actuation member 400. A user then pulls the end portion 402 of the actuation member 400 in a direction away from the charging socket compartment 101. The lever 408 can be used to pull the actuation member 400. The hook of the lever 408 may be inserted into the aperture 406 on the end portion 404 of the actuation member 400. Pulling the end portion 402 of the actuation member causes the collar 302 to rotate in the second direction 460 due to the cable 404. As the collar 302 rotates, the first engagement surface on the first projection 308 of the collar 302 exerts a force on the second engagement surface on the second projection 310 on the input shaft 206 thereby causing the input shaft 206 to rotate in the second direction 460. Rotation of the input shaft 206 in the second direction 460 causes the input arm 202 to also rotate in the second direction 460 out of the third position causing the tension on the output arm 212 to be reduced and the linkage mechanism 200 to be released from the latched position. When the linkage mechanism 200 is released from the latched position, the flap 130 will no longer be held in the closed position. A user can then manually move the flap 130 from the closed position to the open position and insert the charging gun 502 into the charging socket 102. The detachment portion 410 of the lever 408 may be inserted between the body 138 of the flap 130 and the charging socket compartment 101 to help move the flap 130 from the closed to the open position. The manual release mechanism 300 therefore provides the user with a way in which to manually move the linkage mechanism 200 out of the latched position so that the flap 130 can be open and the charging socket 102 accessed for charging. During operation of the linkage mechanism 200 with the motor 201, the manual release mechanism 300 is not used. To move the linkage mechanism 200 out of the latched position shown in Figures 5 and 11, the motor 201 engages the splines 207 to rotate the input shaft 206 in the second direction 460 about the first axis. As the input shaft 206 rotates in the second direction 460 out of the latched position, the position of the collar 302 does not change. That is, the input shaft 206 rotates relative to the collar 302. The position of the collar 302 may change only when the manual release mechanism 300 is used. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, this is achieved by the first projection 308 on the collar 302 and the extension which provides the second projection 310 on the input shaft 206 being positioned above the splines 207. Therefore, apart from the extension, the portion of the input shaft 206 which the collar 302 surrounds is free from splines 207. The first projection 308 of the collar 302 therefore does not engage with the input shaft 206 once the input shaft 206 has rotated out of the latched position and the first projection 308 has been separated from the second projection 310. As such, when the motor 201 rotates the input shaft 206 no tension is placed on the cable 404 as the input shaft 206 rotates relative to the collar 302. The charging socket assembly 100 therefore provides a linkage mechanism 200, operable by a motor 201, which may hold the flap 130 in a closed position thereby ensuring that the flap 130 remains closed when, for example, a vehicle 1000 including the assembly is being driven and prevents unauthorised access to the charging socket 102. The charging socket assembly 100 also provides an actuation member 400 which a user may access and use to release the flap 130 from the closed position so that the charging gun 502 may be inserted into the charging socket 102 when the motor 201 is not available. The skilled person will appreciate that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the present invention. 5 For example, in an alternative embodiment, the intermediate arm 224 may be substantially straight. That is, the intermediate arm may extend in a straight line from the first end 224a to the second end 224b. The locking spigot 208 may still be received in a recess 246 of the intermediate arm 224 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position. 10 In an alternative embodiment, the recess 246 may be omitted from the intermediate arm 224. The intermediate arm 244 may be configured to contact the locking spigot 208 at the junction 242 between the first and second portions 238, 240 of the intermediate arm 224 when the linkage mechanism 200 is in the latched position.

Claims

1. A charging socket assembly comprising:a charging socket compartment comprising a charging socket for charging a traction battery of a vehicle;a flap for covering the charging socket compartment; anda linkage mechanism operable to move the flap to cover and uncover the charging socket compartment, the linkage mechanism comprising:an input arm rotatable about a first axis, the input arm configured to be drivingly coupled to a motor;an output arm rotatable about a second axis, the output arm operably coupled to the flap; and an intermediate arm coupled between the input and output arms;wherein the linkage mechanism is moveable between:an open position in which the input and output arms are in a first position and the charging socket is uncovered by the flap;a closed position in which the input and output arms are in a second position and the charging socket is covered by the flap, wherein the input and output arms are configured to rotate in a first direction from the first to the second positions; anda latched position in which the input arm is in a third position, wherein the input arm is configured to rotate in the first direction from the second to the third position such that the output arm is placed under tension to retain the flap in position covering the charging socket.

2. A charging socket assembly of claim 1, wherein the flap is configured to engage the charging socket compartment when the linkage mechanism is in the closed position such that rotation of the output arm in the first direction from the second position is restricted.

3. A charging socket assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate arm is configured to engage with a locking spigot, the locking spigot being arranged coaxially with the first axis to prevent further rotation of the intermediate arm in first direction in the latched position.

4. A charging socket assembly of claim 3, wherein the intermediate arm comprises a recess configured to accommodate the locking spigot when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position.

5. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate arm comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portion being connected at an angle such that the locking spigot resides between first and second portions when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position.

6. A charging socket assembly according to claim 5, when dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein the intermediate arm is configured to engage with the locking spigot at a junction between the first and second portions of the intermediate arm when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position.

7. A charging socket assembly according to claim 5, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the recess is positioned at the junction between the first and second portions of the intermediate arm.

8. A charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the motor, wherein the motor is configured to hold the linkage mechanism in the latched position.

9. A charging socket assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 8, comprising:an input shaft connected to and configured to rotate the input arm about the first axis, the input shaft being configured to be drivingly coupled to the motor; anda manual release mechanism for releasing the linkage mechanism from the latched position, wherein the manual release mechanism is coupled to the input shaft and configured to, upon activation, rotate the input shaft to cause the input arm to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction to release the tension from the output arm.

10. A charging socket assembly according to claim 9, wherein the manual release mechanism comprises a collar surrounding the input shaft; wherein the collar is configured to engage with the input shaft when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position such that rotation of the collar in the second direction causes the input shaft to rotate in the second direction upon activation of the manual release mechanism.

11. A charging socket assembly according to claim 10, wherein the collar comprises a projection arranged to contact a corresponding projection on the input shaft when the linkage mechanism is in the latched position.

12. A charging socket assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the manual release mechanism comprises a cable coupled to the collar, wherein movement of the cable activates the manual release mechanism.

13. A charging socket assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising an actuation member of the manual release mechanism disposed in the charging socket compartment, and wherein the flap comprises: a body having an opening through which the actuation member of the manual release mechanism is accessible when the flap covers the charging socket; and an outer panel arranged to cover at least the opening, the outer panel being detachable from the body.

14. A charging socket assembly according to claim 13, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the actuation member is coupled to the cable and the actuation member is movable to cause the cable to move and activate the manual release mechanism.

15. A vehicle comprising the charging socket assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images