Electric vehicle charging connector adapter

Abstract

The adapter for an electric vehicle charging connector allows an EV to shift gears from parked while the charging connector remains connected to the charging port. As a result, the driver does not need to leave the EV to unplug the charging connector. The adapter can include an inner portion accommodating inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions, and an outer portion accommodating outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions. The adapter can also include a switching mechanism for selectively forming a connection between one of the outer communication pin portions and one of the inner communication pin portions. The outer charging pin portion and the outer communication pin portion can be configured to separate from the corresponding inner charging pin portion and inner communication pin portion, respectively, when the outer portion of the adapter is separated from the inner portion of the adapter.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Electric vehicles (or EVs), whether cars, trucks, or other vehicles, need to be frequently charged. For this purpose, EVs typically have a charging port located on the side of the EV. FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example of a Tesla® 10 having a charging port 11 into which a charging connector 12 can be plugged. The charging connector 12 can be electrically connected to a power source, such as a 240-volt outlet in a home or a public charging station. EVs from other manufacturers have similar charging ports and require similar charging connectors.

[0002] EVs take a relatively long time to fully charge. For example, it takes eight hours to fully charge an EV from a typical 240-volt home charger. Even with a high-voltage Supercharger, it usually takes at least 30 to 40 minutes to fully charge an EV.

[0003] Most EVs are designed to prevent the EV from moving while connected to a charger. This means the vehicle must remain parked while connected to the charger, and shifting into drive, reverse, or neutral is not possible. In addition, current charger designs require the charging connector to be manually removed from the charging port. This can cause various challenges. For example, if a driver is in a hurry to get going, they may forget to unplug the charging connector before getting into the EV. Similarly, if a driver has their hands full, it can be difficult to remove the charging connector from the charging port or manage the storage of the charging cable.

[0004] Scenarios where the driver is waiting inside the EV while it is charging can pose greater challenges. For example, a thunderstorm or other bad weather may hit just as charging is complete, forcing the driver to unplug the EV during the inclement weather. In another example, the charging station may be in a remote, dangerous location, with wild animals or lurking predators making it unsafe for the driver to exit the EV. In such cases, the driver may be trapped inside the EV, unable to drive until it is unplugged. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention extends to an adapter for an electric vehicle charging connector. The adapter allows an EV to be shifted from a parked state while the charging connector remains connected to the charging port. As a result, the driver does not need to leave the EV to unplug the charging connector. The adapter can include an inner portion accommodating inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions, and an outer portion accommodating outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions. In this context, the terms "inner" and "outer" are relative to the electric vehicle's charging port (i.e., the outer portion is disposed outwardly relative to the charging port). The adapter can also include a switching mechanism for selectively forming a connection between one of the outer communication pin portions and one of the inner communication pin portions. The outer charging pin portion and the outer communication pin portion can be configured to separate from the inner charging pin portion and the inner communication pin portion, respectively, when the outer portion of the adapter is separated from the inner portion of the adapter.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention can be embodied as an electric vehicle adapter including an inner portion configured for insertion into a charging port of an electric vehicle, an outer portion configured to receive a charging connector of the electric vehicle, and a switching mechanism configured to selectively form a connection between a first outer communication pin portion and a first inner communication pin portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the switching mechanism can initially form a connection through manual force and then through a locking tab on the electric vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inner portion can include an inner charging pin portion and the outer portion can include an outer charging pin portion connected to the inner charging pin portion. The outer charging pin portion can be configured to separate from the inner charging pin portion when the outer portion of the adapter separates from the inner portion of the adapter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer charge pin portion may be connected to the inner charge pin portion via a press fit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the outer charging pin portion can include a charging strip and lugs.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lug may be connected to the inner charging pin portion via a press fit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inner portion can include a plurality of inner communication pin portions and the outer portion can include a plurality of outer communication pin portions connected to the inner communication pin portions, and the outer communication pin portions can be configured to separate from the inner communication pin portions when the outer portion of the adapter separates from the inner portion of the adapter.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outer communication pin portion may include a communication strip.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inner communication pin portion can include a spring-loaded extension.

[0015] In some embodiments, the switching mechanism can include a first contact portion, a second contact portion, and a button for contacting the first contact portion with the second contact portion to form a connection between the first outer communication pin portion and the first inner communication pin portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inner portion of the adapter can include an opening through which a locking tab of the electric vehicle extends to press the first contact into the second contact.

[0017] In some embodiments, the adapter may also include a locking mechanism configured to secure the charging connector within the outer portion of the adapter.

[0018] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include an actuator that activates when the adapter is inserted into the charging port.

[0019] In some embodiments, the invention can be embodied as an electric vehicle adapter including an inner portion configured for insertion into a charge port of the electric vehicle, the inner portion including inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions, and an outer portion configured to receive a charging connector of the electric vehicle, the outer portion including outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions correspondingly connected to the inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions, respectively. The outer charging pin portions and outer communication pin portions can be configured to separate from the corresponding inner charging pin portions and inner communication pin portions, respectively, when the outer portion of the adapter is separated from the inner portion of the adapter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the adapter can include a switching mechanism configured to selectively form a connection between a first outer communication pin portion of the outer communication pin portions and a first inner communication pin portion of the inner communication pin portions.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outer charge pin portion may be connected to the inner charge pin portion via a press fit.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer charging pin portion may be connected to the inner charging pin portion via a charging strip.

[0023] In some embodiments, the outer communication pin portion may be connected to the inner communication pin portion via a communication strip.

[0024] In some embodiments, the adapter may further include a locking mechanism configured to secure the charging connector within the outer portion of the adapter.

[0025] In some embodiments, the invention can be embodied as an electric vehicle adapter that includes an inner portion that houses inner charging and communication pin portions and outer charging and communication pin portions, the inner charging and communication pin portions configured to separate from the corresponding outer charging and communication pin portions, respectively, when the electric vehicle is driven while the inner portion remains inserted in the electric vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments, the interior portion can form a break in the housing of the electric vehicle charging connector.

[0027] In some embodiments, the outer charging pin portion and the outer communication pin portion can be housed in an outer portion of the adapter, which may be configured to receive a charging connector of an electric vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, with the understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

[0029] [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an EV in which embodiments of the present invention may be used. [Figure 1B] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of an EV in which embodiments of the present invention may be used. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of an adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of an adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is an exploded view showing the adapter. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D shows the internal elements of the adapter. [Figure 2E] 2E and 2F are diagrams showing the switching mechanism of the adapter. [Figure 2F] 2E and 2F are diagrams showing the switching mechanism of the adapter. [Figure 3A] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing how the switching mechanism works. [Figure 3B] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing how the switching mechanism works. [Figure 4A] 4A-4D illustrate an example of how the adapter allows a driver to shift gears from park while the charging connector remains connected to the EV's charging port. [Figure 4B] 4A-4D illustrate an example of how the adapter allows a driver to shift gears from park while the charging connector remains connected to the EV's charging port. [Figure 4C] 4A-4D illustrate an example of how the adapter allows a driver to shift gears from park while the charging connector remains connected to the EV's charging port. [Figure 4D] 4A-4D illustrate an example of how the adapter allows a driver to shift gears from park while the charging connector remains connected to the EV's charging port. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows how the adapters separate. [Figure 6A] 6A-6F are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 6A-6F are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] 6A-6F are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6D] 6A-6F are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6E] 6A-6F are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6F] 6A-6F are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 7A-7H are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 7A-7H are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] 7A-7H are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7D] 7A-7H are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7E] 7A-7H are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7F] 7A-7H are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7G] 7A-7H are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7H] 7A-7H are various views of another example adapter constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows the adapter of FIGS. 7A-7H when connected to a CCS1 charging connector. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is an assembly diagram of an adapter that is incorporated into a Tesla charging connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is an exploded view of an adapter that is incorporated into a Tesla charging connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present invention is directed to various types of adapters that can be used to charge electric vehicles. Some of these adapters are separate components from the charger. Others are built into the charger. In these cases, the charger can be integrated into the charging station or can be separate from the charging station.

[0031] 2A-2F illustrate an adapter 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 100 includes an outer portion 110 having an end 111 configured to receive a charging connector for an EV (i.e., can be shaped to fit a charging port of an EV) and an inner portion 120 having an end 121 configured to be inserted into a charging port of an EV (i.e., can be shaped to fit a charging connector of an EV). While the illustrated adapter 100 is for a Tesla, an adapter configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can include outer and inner portions customized for any other EV.

[0032] 2B, inner portion 120 may include an opening 123 configured to align with a locking tab (or other feature) of an EV's charge port so that the locking tab can be inserted into inner portion 120. A button (or other feature) 122 may also extend from inner portion 120 (or possibly from outer portion 110) and can be pressed inward, as described in more detail below.

[0033] 2C is an exploded perspective view of adapter 100, and FIG. 2D is a separated perspective view showing the internal components of adapter 100. Outer portion 110 is separable from inner portion 120. For example, magnets (as shown), breakable snaps, welding, adhesive, screws, or any other suitable connector or structure may be used to hold the portions together until forced apart, as described below.

[0034] Adapter 100 may include charging pins (i.e., pins used to supply voltage to the EV) formed by an outer charging pin portion 112a housed in outer portion 110 and an inner charging pin portion 112b housed in inner portion 120. In some embodiments, outer charging pin portion 112a and inner charging pin portion 112b may be integrally connected via a press fit or other mechanism that separates when outer portion 110 separates from inner portion 120. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, inner charging pin portion 112b includes a protrusion that inserts into a channel in outer charging pin portion 112a.

[0035] Adapter 100 also includes communication pins (i.e., pins used to detect a charging connector and / or communicate with a charger) formed by outer communication pin portion 113a housed in outer portion 110 and inner communication pin portion 113b housed in inner portion 120. In some embodiments, two of the three outer communication pin portions 113a and two of the three inner communication pin portions 113b may be integrally connected via opposing angled surfaces (as shown) or any other mechanism that separates when inner portion 120 separates from outer portion 110. A third (i.e., one additional) outer communication pin portion 113a and a third (i.e., one additional) inner communication pin portion 113b may be selectively connectable as described below.

[0036] The adapter 100 includes a switching mechanism 130 that selectively connects the outer communication pin portion 113a and the inner communication pin portion 113B. The switching mechanism 130 is configured so that the driver (or other individual) can manually press the button 122 to cause the EV to detect and establish connection of the charging connector to the charging port. In response, the EV extends a locking tab. The extension of the locking tab locks the charging connector to the charging port. However, as the adapter 100 is inserted into the charging port and the charging connector is inserted into the outer portion 110 of the adapter 100, the locking tab extends into the opening 123. Because the locking tab maintains the connection formed by the switching mechanism 130, the EV can be confident that the charging connector is connected to the charging port even after the driver stops pressing the button 122. If the driver subsequently commands the EV to stop charging while still seated in the EV, the EV retracts the locking tab. Once the locking tab is withdrawn, the switching mechanism 130 ceases connection, causing the EV to believe the charge connector is no longer connected to the charge port, allowing the driver to shift the EV out of park without leaving the EV to remove the charge connector. The driver can then drive away, causing the outer portion 110 to separate from the inner portion 120. The outer portion 110 can remain attached to the charge connector to protect it from falling to the ground.

[0037] 2C and 2D , switching mechanism 130 includes first contact portion 131, second contact portion 133, and insulator 132 disposed between first contact portion 131 and second contact portion 133 to prevent them from inadvertently establishing a connection. First contact portion 131 may be configured to move into contact with second contact portion 133 to selectively establish a connection between corresponding outer communication pin portion 113 a and inner communication pin portion 113 b. Switching mechanism 130 may include support member 134 that may support and separate other components.

[0038] 2E and 2F show the switching mechanism 130 in more detail. The first contact portion 131 may include an outer contact portion 131a connected to the outer communication pin portion 113a, an inner contact portion 131b extending inward, and an extension portion 131c interconnecting the outer contact portion 131a and the inner contact portion 131b. The extension portion 131c may be configured to extend outward through the inner portion 120 so that the button 122 may be connected thereto. The inner contact portion 131b may include a spring 131d to facilitate pivoting or movement of the inner contact portion 131b.

[0039] The second contact portion 133 includes an outer contact portion 133a that connects to the inner communication pin portion 113b, and an inner contact portion 133b that extends along but is spaced from the inner contact portion 131b. Thus, when the inner contact portion 131b is forced into contact with the inner contact portion 133b, a connection is established between the outer communication pin portion 113a and the inner communication pin portion 113b.

[0040] 3A and 3B illustrate how switching mechanism 130 establishes and maintains a connection. In FIG. 3A, the driver inserts inner portion 120 of adapter 100 into the EV's charging port and inserts the charging connector into outer portion 110 of adapter 100. The driver also manually applies force to button 122, forcing inner contact 131b into contact with inner contact 133b, allowing current to flow between outer communication pin 113a and inner communication pin 113b. Once this connection is established, the current flow indicates to the EV that the charging connector is connected to the charging port and extends the locking tab. In FIG. 3B, the locking tab is shown forcing inner contact 131b into contact with inner contact 133b, ensuring that current continues to flow between outer communication pin 113a and inner communication pin 113b, allowing the EV to charge.

[0041] 4A-4D illustrate an example of how adapter 100 allows a driver to drive while the charging connector is connected to the EV's charging port. In step 1 shown in FIG. 4A, the driver is seated in the EV while the EV is charging. As shown, locking tab 123 is inserted into opening 123, maintaining contact between inner contact 131b and inner contact 133b. In step 2 shown in FIG. 4B, the driver stops charging (e.g., by pressing a button on a control screen), and in step 3, the EV releases the locking tab. In step 4 shown in FIG. 4C, the locking tab is withdrawn from opening 123, separating inner contact 131b from inner contact 133b, thereby stopping current flow between outer communication pin 113a and inner communication pin 113b. This cessation of current flow causes the EV to believe that the charging connector is no longer connected to the charging port, even though it is still connected via adapter 100. Therefore, in step 5, the EV allows the driver to shift into drive (or reverse). In step 6 shown in FIG. 4D, with the charging connector still inserted in the outer portion 110 and the inner portion 120 still inserted in the charging port, the driver drives the vehicle, causing the inner portion 120 to separate from the outer portion 110.

[0042] 5 illustrates the outer portion 110 and the inner portion 120 separated from one another. As shown, the outer charging pin portion 112a and the outer communication pin portion 113a can be cleanly separated from the corresponding inner charging pin portion 113b and the inner communication pin portion 113b, respectively, minimizing damage to the EV or the charging station. In some embodiments, the outer portion 110 and the inner portion 120 are configured to reconnect after separation, allowing the adapter 100 to be reused.

[0043] 6A-6F illustrate another adapter 600 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Adapter 600 is generally similar to adapter 100, but includes a locking mechanism 610 for locking the charging connector within outer portion 110. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate that locking mechanism 610 can be formed along the bottom of outer portion 110.

[0044] 6C is an exploded view of adapter 600, showing that the internal components of adapter 600 are similar to those of adapter 100. However, in adapter 600, inner communication pin portions 113b include spring-biased extensions 113b1 that form corresponding electrical connections. In particular, the spring-biased extensions 113b1 of two of the three inner communication pin portions 113b extend through support member 134 and are biased against the corresponding outer communication pin portion 113a, each of which may include a recess to increase the surface area of ​​the connection. The spring-biased extensions 113b1 of the remaining inner communication pin portions 113b extend into second contact portion 133.

[0045] Additionally, Figure 6C illustrates components of locking mechanism 610, including housing 620, locking tab 630, actuator 640, and cover 650. Figure 6D illustrates housing 620 with the other components of the locking mechanism removed. Figure 6E illustrates locking tab 630, actuator 640, and cover 650 in isolation. Figure 6F illustrates the locking mechanism 610 when unlocked and cover 650 is removed. Housing 620 includes an opening 621 that can extend into end 111, forming a channel 622 through which actuator 640 can slide. Cover 650 can include a notch 651 and a channel 652 that align with opening 621 and channel 622.

[0046] Actuator 640 includes a button 641 extending outward from housing 620, which is oriented toward / against the EV when adapter 600 is inserted into the EV's charging port. That is, inserting adapter 600 into the EV's charging port depresses button 641. Actuator 640 also includes an arm 642 extending from button 641 and positioned within channel 622. A pin 643 may protrude from arm 642 and be positioned in slot 631 of locking tab 630. As best shown in FIG. 6F , slot 631 is angled such that when button 641 is pressed against the EV and pin 643 slides within slot 631, locking tab 630 can lift through opening 621 and engage with a notch in the charging connector. Thus, a user can attach adapter 600 to the charging connector and then insert adapter 600 into the EV, locking the charging connector to adapter 600. Then, once charging has commenced as described above, the EV's locking tab can be inserted into opening 123 to prevent adapter 600 from being removed from the EV's charging port. In this manner, adapter 600 prevents the charging connector from being unintentionally or maliciously unplugged.

[0047] 7A-7H illustrate another example of an adapter 700 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Adapter 700 is similar to adapters 100 and 600, but is designed to allow an EV equipped with a Tesla charging port to be charged using a CCS1 charging connector commonly used on non-Tesla EVs. In particular, outer portion 110 has an end 111 configured to receive a CCS1 charging connector 800, as shown in FIG. 8. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate that adapter 700 can include a button 122 and opening 123 substantially similar to those described above.

[0048] 7C and 7D are exploded views of adapter 700, and FIGS. 7E and 7F are isolated views showing the internal components of adapter 700. Adapter 700 may include outer charging pin portion 112a, inner charging pin portion 112b, outer communication pin portion 113a, inner communication pin portion 113b, and switching mechanism 130 similar to adapters 100 and 600. In the illustrated embodiment, inner communication pin portion 113b also includes spring-loaded extension 113b1 similar to adapter 600. However, because the configuration of the CCS1 pins differs from the configuration of the Tesla pins, adapter 700 may include additional components for forming a break-away connection between the respective pin portions.

[0049] In adapter 700, outer charging pin portion 112a includes charging strip 112a1 and lug 112a2. Charging strip 112a1 is configured to connect to outer charging pin portion 112a and extend upward to connect to lug 112a2. Lug 112a2 is configured to form a separable connection (e.g., press-fit) with inner charging pin portion 112b. Outer communication pin portion 113a includes communication strip 113a1 that extends downward from outer communication pin portion 113a and then inward toward inner communication pin portion 113b. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner end of communication strip 113a1 is configured to contact spring-biased extension 113b1 (or first contact portion 131). However, communication strip 113a1 can also be configured to contact inner communication pin portion 113b in other ways, such as using opposing angled surfaces on adapter 100.

[0050] Adapter 700 also includes a power insulator 701 and a communication insulator 702 that function to physically and electrically separate charging strip 112a1 and communication strip 113a1. As best shown in FIG. 7G , with communication insulator 702 removed, power insulator 701 can include an opening 701a through which communication strip 113a1 extends and a channel 701b through which charging strip 112a1 can be embedded. The top of channel 701b can include an opening through which lug 112a2 is received. Similarly, as best shown in FIG. 7F , communication insulator 702 can include a channel 702a through which communication strip 113a1 is embedded and an opening 702b through which outer charging pin portion 112a extends. The bottom of channel 702a can include an opening that aligns with opening 701a in power insulator 701 to allow communication strip 113a1 to pass through.

[0051] 7H, power insulator 701 and communication insulator 702 have been removed to better illustrate how outer charging pin portion 112a and outer communication pin portion 113a can be separated from inner charging pin portion 112b and inner communication pin portion 113b. When outer portion 110 separates from inner portion 120, such as when a driver drives away from a charging station while the charging connector is still plugged in via adapter 700, lug 112a2 can be pulled away from inner charging pin portion 112b, and communication strip 113a1 can simply be pulled away from spring-biased extension 113b1.

[0052] 9A and 9B illustrate another example of an adapter 900 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the adapters previously described, adapter 900 is integral with a charging connector 950, which in the illustrated embodiment is a Tesla charging connector. However, adapters can also be configured to be integrally incorporated into CCS1 or other charging connectors in a manner similar to adapter 900.

[0053] The adapter 900 may include an inner portion 120 having an end 121 configured for insertion into a charging port of an EV. The inner portion 120 may be selectively coupled to a housing of a charging connector 950 (e.g., via sonic welding) and may include a seal 901 for preventing water or other liquids from entering the charging connector 950. The adapter 900 may further include inner charging pin portion 112b and inner communication pin portion 113b configured to selectively separate from the outer charging pin portion 112a and outer communication pin portion 113a, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer charging pin portion 112a forms a press fit with the inner charging pin portion 112b, and the outer communication pin portion 113a includes a spring-loaded mechanism for connecting with the inner communication pin portion 113b. However, other break-away connection techniques, as described above, may also be used. In some embodiments, the outer charging pin portion 112a and outer communication pin portion 113a may be directly coupled to the corresponding charging wire 951 and communication wire 952 of the charging connector 950, respectively.

[0054] When using adapter 900, an EV can be configured to allow a driver to shift gears from park while charging connector 950 remains connected. Then, as the EV drives away, inner portion 120, including inner charging pin portion 112b and inner communication pin portion 113b, can separate from the remaining components. In some embodiments, a sleeve or other protective mechanism can be placed around the housing of charging connector 950 to protect it if it falls to the ground. The broken adapter 900 or a new adapter 900 can then be attached to charging connector 950, allowing charging connector 950 to be used again.

[0055] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. an inner portion configured for insertion into a charging port of an electric vehicle; an exterior portion configured to receive a charging connector configured to be inserted into the charging port of the electric vehicle, such that the exterior portion corresponds to the charging port of the electric vehicle; a switching mechanism configured to selectively form a connection between the first outer communication pin portion and the first inner communication pin portion; An adapter for electric vehicles.

2. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the switching mechanism initially forms a connection through manual force and subsequently forms the connection through a locking tab on the electric vehicle.

3. 2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the inner portion includes an inner charging pin portion and the outer portion includes an outer charging pin portion connected to the inner charging pin portion, the outer charging pin portion configured to separate from the inner charging pin portion when the outer portion of the adapter separates from the inner portion of the adapter.

4. 4. The adapter of claim 3, wherein the outer charging pin portion is connected to the inner charging pin portion via a press fit.

5. The adapter of claim 3 , wherein the outer charging pin portion includes a charging strip and lugs.

6. 4. The adapter of claim 3, wherein the inner portion includes a plurality of inner communication pin portions and the outer portion includes a plurality of outer communication pin portions connected to the inner communication pin portions, the outer communication pin portions configured to separate from the inner communication pin portions when the outer portion of the adapter separates from the inner portion of the adapter.

7. The adapter of claim 6 , wherein the outer communication pin portion comprises a communication strip.

8. 2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the switching mechanism includes a first contact portion, a second contact portion, and a button for contacting the first contact portion with the second contact portion, thereby forming the connection between the first outer communication pin portion and the first inner communication pin portion.

9. 9. The adapter of claim 8, wherein the interior portion of the adapter is provided with an opening through which a locking tab of the electric vehicle extends to press the first contact portion onto the second contact portion.

10. The adapter of claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the charging connector within the outer portion of the adapter.

11. The adapter of claim 10 , wherein the locking mechanism includes an actuator that is activated when the adapter is inserted into the charging port.

12. an inner portion configured to be inserted into a charge port of an electric vehicle, the inner portion including an inner charging pin portion and an inner communication pin portion; an outer portion configured to receive a charging connector configured to be inserted into the charging port of the electric vehicle such that the outer portion corresponds to the charging port of the electric vehicle, the outer portion including an outer charging pin portion and an outer communication pin portion correspondingly connected to the inner charging pin portion and the inner communication pin portion, respectively; Equipped with the outer charging pin portion and the outer communication pin portion are configured to separate from the corresponding inner charging pin portion and inner communication pin portion, respectively, when the outer portion of the adapter is separated from the inner portion of the adapter.

13. 13. The adapter of claim 12, further comprising a switching mechanism configured to selectively form a connection between a first outer communication pin portion of the outer communication pin portions and a first inner communication pin portion of the inner communication pin portions.

14. 13. The adapter of claim 12, wherein the outer charging pin portion is connected to the inner charging pin portion via a press fit.

15. 13. The adapter of claim 12, wherein the outer charging pin portion is connected to the inner charging pin portion via a charging strip.

16. 13. The adapter of claim 12, wherein the outer communication pin portion is connected to the inner communication pin portion via a communication strip.

17. The adapter of claim 12 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to secure the charging connector within the outer portion of the adapter.

18. an inner portion configured to be inserted into a charging port of an electric vehicle and forming an end of a housing of the charging connector of the electric vehicle, the inner portion accommodating an inner charging pin portion and an inner communication pin portion, the inner portion being selectively coupled to the housing of the charging connector; an outer charging pin portion and an outer communication pin portion fixed within the housing of the charging connector; Equipped with the inner charging pin portion and the inner communication pin portion are physically connected to the corresponding outer charging pin portion and the corresponding outer communication pin portion, respectively, while the inner portion is coupled to the housing of the charging connector; the inner charging pin portion and the inner communication pin portion are configured to correspondingly separate from the outer charging pin portion and the outer communication pin portion, respectively, in response to the inner portion breaking away from the housing of the charging connector when the inner portion remains inserted into the electric vehicle as the electric vehicle is driven away.

19. 20. The adapter of claim 18, further comprising a seal between the inner portion and the housing of the charging connector.

20. 20. The adapter of claim 18, wherein the outer charging pin portion forms a press fit with the inner charging pin portion, and the outer communication pin portion includes a spring-loaded mechanism for connecting with the inner communication pin portion.

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