Tension module and electronic lock assembly

Abstract

In emergency situations, we provide a tension module and a corresponding electronic lock assembly that can quickly and reliably unlock an electronic lock. [Solution] The tension module is connected to a tension rope 11 for unlocking the electronic lock of the charging socket and is adapted to pull the unlock tension rope. The tension module comprises a base and a lever rotatably mounted to the base via a pivot axis so as to be rotatable between an initial position and an unlocked position about a pivot axis, the lever being configured to allow the unlock tension rope to be connected to the lever, and when the lever is actuated, the lever rotates about the pivot axis to pull the unlock tension rope, thereby unlocking the electronic lock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to Chinese Application No. 202422193940.9, titled "Tensile Module and Electronic Lock Assembly", filed on September 6, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to unlocking an electronic lock, and in particular, to a tensile module that can quickly and reliably unlock an electronic lock, for example, in an emergency situation, and a corresponding electronic lock assembly.

Background Art

[0003] With the development of electric vehicles, the demand for charging sockets and related components used to charge electric vehicles is increasing.

[0004] An electronic lock is an important component of a standard AC charging socket. It locks the head of the charging gun and provides a feedback signal to the electric vehicle indicating that the charging gun is locked while charging the electric vehicle through the inserted charging gun. The electronic lock of the charging socket usually has a tensile rope for unlocking. The unlocking cord can be pulled by the user to manually unlock the electronic lock in some situations such as abnormal or emergency situations, for example, when the charging gun cannot be inserted into the charging socket normally, or when it cannot be removed from the charging socket normally, or when the electronic lock cannot be opened, or when there is a power abnormality. One end of the tensile rope is connected to the unlocking mechanism of the electronic lock; on the other hand, the other end of the tensile rope is usually exposed outside the charging socket to facilitate the unlocking operation by the user.

[0005] The tensioning mechanism connected to the unlocking tension rope located at the tail end of some conventional electronic locks typically includes a tensioning ring. Since the tensioning ring is exposed to the outside of the electric vehicle after being mounted on the electric vehicle's panel, it is aesthetically undesirable. In addition, when unlocking the electronic lock, the operator needs to apply a large force to pull the tensioning ring, such as the same force as the unlocking force of the electronic lock, and the tensioning ring may become displaced when pulled. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This disclosure is proposed to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned and other problems and deficiencies of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a pulling module is provided which is connected to an unlocking pull rope of an electronic lock of a charging socket and adapted to pull the unlocking pull rope, the pulling module comprising a base and a lever rotatably mounted to the base via a pivot axis such that the lever is rotatable between an initial position and an unlocked position about a pivot axis, the lever being configured such that an unlocking pull rope can be connected to the lever, and when the lever is actuated, the lever rotates about the pivot axis to pull the unlocking pull rope, thereby unlocking the electronic lock.

[0008] In some embodiments, the tension module comprises a mounting box that defines a housing space and includes a base, and a lever rotatably positioned in the housing space via a pivot axis and having a first end and a second end located on either side of the pivot axis in a first direction, the first end being configured to allow a lock-unlocking tension rope to be connected to the first end; and a pressing member mounted on the mounting box and adapted to abut against the lever at a position adjacent to the second end, the pressing member being positioned such that when the electronic lock is unlocked, pressing the lever so that it rotates around the pivot axis causes the first end of the lever to pull the lock-unlocking tension rope and move in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby unlocking the electronic lock.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mounting box is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle panel equipped with an electronic lock, the mounting box further includes a cover, the base is adapted to be mounted on the panel and has openings in a third direction perpendicular to a first and a second direction, and the cover is configured to cover the openings in the base and define a housing space between the base and the cover.

[0010] In some embodiments, the base includes a first side wall and a second side wall arranged opposite to each other in a second direction, and a bottom wall connecting the first side wall to the second side wall, with a pivot shaft mounted on the bottom wall, a first through-hole formed in the first side wall, and a rod-shaped body of a pressing member inserted into the first through-hole so that the body can move along the second direction in the first through-hole, a second through-hole formed in the second side wall, the second through-hole being sized so that an unlocking tension rope can pass through the second through-hole and be connected to the first end.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second through-hole is formed and positioned to extend in a second direction, so that when the unlocking tension rope is pulled by the lever, the unlocking tension rope can move in the second direction along the inner wall of the second through-hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first guide groove communicating with a first through-hole and extending in a second direction is formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the base, and at least a portion of the body of the pressing member is configured to be positioned in the first guide groove when the pressing member moves in the second direction, so that the body moves in the second direction guided by at least the first guide groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base further includes a second guide groove defined by a projection projecting away from the opening in a third direction, the second guide groove communicating with a first through hole and extending in a second direction, the pressing member including a button portion located at one end of a body fitted to be pressed by an operator and positioned outside the mounting box, the other end of the body fitted to abut against a lever, the pressing member further includes a guide block connected to the body at the other end, the guide block positioned in the second guide groove so as the pressing member moves in the second direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lever includes a first arm and a second arm, respectively, located on either side of the pivot axis in a first direction, the first arm having a first end and the second arm having a second end, and the first arm and the second arm forming an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, and thus the lever has a curved outer shape with a bend into which the lever is rotatably mounted on the pivot axis.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the lever is in its initial position, the first end connected to the unlocking tension rope is located closer to the second sidewall than the second end in a second direction, and therefore the unlocking tension rope is not pulled away from the electronic lock. When the lever is in the unlocked position, the first end connected to the unlocking tension rope is located further from the second sidewall than the second end in a second direction, and the electronic lock is unlocked by moving the unlocking tension rope in a second direction by pulling a portion of the unlocking tension rope located outside the mounting box into the housing space.

[0016] In some embodiments, the body of the pressing member is configured to slide relative to the lever when the lever rotates between an initial position and an unlocked position around a pivot axis.

[0017] In some embodiments, a cable routing groove is formed at the first end of the first arm, and the cable routing groove penetrates the first end in a second direction so that an unlocking tension rope can pass through the cable routing groove, and the end of the unlocking tension rope is connected to the first end via an anchor on the side of the first end that faces away from the second side wall, and when the lever is in at least one of the initial position and the unlocked position, a portion of the cable routing groove is aligned with a second through-hole in the second direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cable routing groove includes a first cable routing groove and a second cable routing groove, and when the lever is in the initial position, the first cable routing groove is aligned with a second through hole in a second direction, and the unlocking tension rope passes through the first cable routing groove; and when the lever is in the unlocked position, the second cable routing groove is aligned with a second through hole in a second direction, and the unlocking tension rope passes through the second cable routing groove at least partially, and the first cable routing groove and the second cable routing groove are in communication with each other, so that when the lever rotates from the initial position to the unlocked position around the pivot axis, the unlocking tension rope can transition from a state in which the unlocking tension rope is positioned in the first cable routing groove to a state in which the unlocking tension rope is positioned at least partially in the second cable routing groove.

[0019] In some embodiments, the length of the second arm is longer than the length of the first arm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the pivot shaft is mounted on the bottom wall, extends in a third direction, and is at least partially inserted into a hole formed in the curve of the lever, and the mounting position of the pivot shaft on the bottom wall is adjacent to the second side wall, such that when the lever is in the initial position, the first arm of the lever abuts against the second side wall, and when the lever is in the unlocked position, the second arm of the lever abuts against the second side wall.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pivot axis is mounted on a base, and the lever includes a first arm and a second arm, respectively located on either side of the pivot axis in a first direction, and is rotatably mounted on the pivot axis at a position between the first and second arms, and an unlocking pull rope is adapted to be connected to the first arm, and when the first arm is pulled away from the electronic lock and the lever is rotated around the pivot axis, the lever pulls the unlocking pull rope and unlocks the electronic lock.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cable groove is formed in the first arm portion, penetrates the lever in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and enables the unlocking tension rope to pass through the cable groove. Therefore, the end of the unlocking tension rope is connected to the lever via an anchor on the side of the lever facing away from the base.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cable groove is configured such that when the lever rotates, the unlocking tension rope is held in the cable groove and always extends and moves in the second direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the lever is located on the side of the base facing away from the electronic lock, a through hole is formed in the base, the through hole is sized such that the unlocking tension rope can pass through the through hole and be connected to the lever, and a part of the cable groove is aligned with the through hole in the second direction when the lever is in at least one of the initial position and the unlocking position.

[0025] In some embodiments, the through hole is formed and arranged to extend in the second direction. Therefore, when the unlocking tension rope is pulled by the lever, the unlocking tension rope can move in the second direction along the inner wall of the through hole.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cable groove includes a first cable groove and a second cable groove. When the lever is in the initial position, the first cable groove is aligned with the through hole in the second direction, and the unlocking tension rope passes through the first cable groove. When the lever is in the unlocking position, the second cable groove is aligned with the through hole in the second direction, and the unlocking tension rope at least partially passes through the second cable groove. The first cable groove and the second cable groove communicate with each other. Therefore, when the lever rotates from the initial position to the unlocking position around the pivot axis, the unlocking tension rope can shift from a state where the unlocking tension rope is positioned in the first cable groove to a state where the unlocking tension rope is at least partially positioned in the second cable groove.

[0027] In some embodiments, when the lever is in the initial position, the first arm portion abuts at least partially against the base, and when the lever is in the unlocking position, the second arm portion abuts at least partially against the base.

[0028] According to an embodiment of another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic lock assembly including an electronic lock of a charging socket and a tension module according to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The tension module is connected to the electronic lock via a tension rope for unlocking. When the tension module is actuated, the tension rope for unlocking is pulled to unlock the electronic lock.

[0029] In some embodiments, the tension rope for unlocking connected between the tension module and the electronic lock extends in a second direction when not being pulled, and the direction in which the tension module pulls the tension rope for unlocking is the same as the second direction.

[0030] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] <( [Figure 1] It is a side view schematically showing the structure of an electronic lock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a tension module of an electronic lock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view schematically showing a tension module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in a state where the cover of the mounting box is removed to show the structure inside the accommodation space, and the lever of the tension module is in the initial position or the non-unlocking position. [Figure 4]This is a schematic perspective view showing a tension module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with the cover of the mounting box removed to show the structure inside the housing space, and the lever of the tension module in the unlocked position or unlocked state. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view showing a lever of a tension module in the unlocked position or unlocked state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the pressing member of a tension module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a mounting box for a tension module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line A-A' in Figure 3, illustrating a tensile module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line B-B' in Figure 4, schematically illustrating a tensile module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a schematic perspective view showing a mounting configuration on a panel for a tension module of an electronic lock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a schematic side view illustrating the structure of an electronic lock assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a schematic side perspective view showing the structure of a tension module of an electronic lock assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with the lever in its initial or unlocked position. [Figure 13] This is a schematic side perspective view showing the structure of a tension module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with the lever in the unlocked position. [Figure 14] This is a schematic top perspective view showing the structure of a tension module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with the lever in the unlocked position. [Figure 15] This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a lever in a tension module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this description, identical or similar parts will be indicated by identical or similar reference numerals. The following description of each embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate the general inventive concept of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0033] In addition, the following detailed description includes numerous specific details for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically for the sake of simplifying the drawings.

[0034] In the following detailed description, terms indicating direction, such as "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "upper side," "lower side," "inside," and "outside," may be defined by the drawings, but the shape and position of the components are not limited by these terms and can be adjusted according to the actual application.

[0035] In addition, the terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, terms such as “equip,” “include,” and “have” are used to specify features, numbers, actions, elements, components, or combinations thereof and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, elements, actions, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0036] In this specification, we may use terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, we may refer to the first element as the second element, and the second element as the first element. The term “and / or” includes multiple combinations of related items, or any one of multiple related items.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the illustrated disclosure, a tension module is provided which can be used to unlock an electronic lock 10 by pulling an unlocking tension rope of the electronic lock 10, which is an electronic lock used, for example, in a charging socket (not shown) of an electric vehicle or other device and which can be mounted on a panel 1 (see Figure 10) of an electric vehicle or other device. The tension module 100 can be connected to the electronic lock 10 via an unlocking tension rope 11, for example, the tension module 100 can be connected to an unlocking mechanism of the electronic lock 10 via the unlocking tension rope 11, so that when the tension module 100 is activated or triggered, the tension module 100 pulls the unlocking tension rope 11 to trigger the unlocking mechanism and unlock the electronic lock 10.

[0038] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the tension module comprises a base and a lever. The base is adapted to be mounted or fixed to, for example, a panel, and the lever is rotatably mounted to the base via a pivot axis so as to be rotatable between an initial position and an unlocked position about a pivot axis. An unlocking tension rope can be connected to the lever, and so the lever rotates about the pivot axis when actuated (for example, by an operator) to pull the unlocking tension rope, thereby conveniently and quickly unlocking the electronic lock. The structure of the tension module according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, the tension module 100 mainly comprises a mounting box 110, a lever 120, and a pressing member 140, and thus the tension module 100 as a whole has a substantially box-like external shape and is easily mounted on a panel 1 of an electric vehicle or other device. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the mounting box 110 can be mounted or held in a groove 2 of panel 1 with only the pressing member 140 (described later) protruding outward from panel 1. The surface of the mounting box 110 into which the pressing member 140 is mounted or inserted is coplanar with the surface of panel 1 or has an overall appearance similar to the surface of panel 1, and thus the tension module 100 can match the external shape of panel 1 in order to improve the overall aesthetics.

[0040] A housing space 101 is defined in the mounting box 110. The lever 120 is mounted in the housing space 101 and, when activated (for example, when pressed or pushed), can pivot or rotate to switch between an unlocked state and an unlocked state. For example, the lever 120 is mounted in the mounting box 110 via a pivot axis 130 and is pivotable or rotatable about the pivot axis 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 120 has a first end 121 and a second end 124, respectively located on either side of the pivot axis 120 in a first direction Y. An unlocking tension rope 11 connected to an electronic lock 10 can be connected to the first end 121.

[0041] The pressing member 140 is mounted in the mounting box 110. For example, the pressing member 140 may include a rod-shaped or elongated body 141, which is partially inserted into the housing space 101 and contacts the lever 120, pressing the lever 120 to cause it to pivot or rotate around the pivot axis 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 141 of the pressing member 140 extends in a second direction X perpendicular to a first direction Y after being mounted in the mounting box 110. The pressing member 140 may also include a button portion 142 located at one end of the body 141, which is adapted to be pressed by an operator and positioned outside the mounting box 110, with the other end 143 on the opposite side of the body 141 adapted to contact the lever 120.

[0042] As an example, based on the principle of leverage, the other end 143 of the main body 141 of the pressing member 140 abuts against the lever 120, or abuts against the lever 120 at a position adjacent to the second end 124, pushing the lever 120 to pivot or rotate it around the pivot axis 130. The pressing member 140 is pressed by the operator when unlocking the electronic lock 10, pushing the lever 120 to rotate it around the pivot axis 130, moving the first end 121 of the lever 120, pulling and moving the unlock tension rope 11, or pulling the unlock tension rope 11 outward from the electronic lock 10, thereby unlocking the electronic lock 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting or rotational motion of the lever 120 causes the first end 121 to have a component of movement in a second direction X, pulling the unlocking tension rope 11 outward from the electronic lock 10 in the second direction X, thereby unlocking the electronic lock 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking tension rope 11 connected between the tension module 100 and the electronic lock 10 extends or is under tension in the second direction X when not being pulled or in an unlocked state.

[0043] Therefore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the tension module can be unlocked by pressing, improving the speed at which force is applied in emergencies. This pressing unlock operation is more convenient than the conventional unlock operation by pulling out the tension ring. At the same time, due to the lever principle, the force actually applied to the tension module may be less than the force required to unlock the electronic lock itself; that is, the force actually applied may be less than the design value of the unlocking force of the electronic lock itself due to the lever principle, optimizing the unlocking force.

[0044] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the mounting box 110 for the tension module 100 is configured to be mounted on a vehicle panel 1 equipped with an electronic lock 10, and after the tension module 100 is mounted on the vehicle, the vehicle can be made more aesthetically pleasing. In the illustrated embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 7, the mounting box 110 may have a split structure including a base 111 and a cover 112, for example, at least the base 111, or both the base 111 and the cover 112, can be mounted on a vehicle panel (see Figure 10, positioned in a groove 2 of the panel 1). The base 111 opens or has an opening in a third direction Z perpendicular to a first direction Y and a second direction X, and the cover 112 covers the opening in the base 111, defining a housing space 101 between the base 111 and the cover 112.

[0045] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 7, the base 111 has a substantially rectangular shape, including four side walls and a bottom wall connecting the side walls. Specifically, the base 111 includes a first side wall 113 and a second side wall 115 arranged to face each other in a second direction X, and a bottom wall 117 connecting the first side wall 113 and the second side wall 115. A pivot shaft 130 is fixedly or detachably mounted to the bottom wall 117 and can extend in a third direction Z. A first slot or through hole 114 is formed in the first side wall 113 of the base 111, and the body 141 of the pressing member 140 is inserted into the first slot or through hole 114, so that, for example, when the pressing member 140 is pressed or returns to its initial state, the body 141 can move in the first slot or through hole 114 in the second direction X.

[0046] A second slot or through-hole 116 is formed in the second side wall 115 of the base 111, and the second slot or through-hole 116 is sized so that an unlocking tension rope 11 (such as its end) can pass through the second slot or through-hole 116 to connect to the first end 121 of the lever 120. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second slot or through-hole 116 is formed and positioned to penetrate the second side wall 115 in a second direction X, so that when the unlocking tension rope 11 is pulled by the lever 120, the unlocking tension rope 11 can move along the inner wall of the second slot or through-hole 116 in the second direction X. In some examples, the thickness of the second side wall 115 and / or the size of the second slot or through-hole 116 may be appropriately selected so that the second slot or through-hole 116 can be used as a parallelizing structure to align the unlocking tension rope 11 parallel to the second direction X without deviation from the second direction X, and / or to ensure that the unlocking tension rope 11 moves in the second direction X without deviation from the second direction X.

[0047] In some embodiments, as described later, when the lever 120 pivots or rotates, the first end 121 can move relative to the unlocking tension rope 11, ensuring that the unlocking tension rope 11 remains extended in the second direction X without being displaced from the second direction X by the movement of the first end 121, and thus the unlocking tension rope 11 can always be pulled in the second direction X. As an example, the end of the unlocking tension rope 11 can be connected to the first end 121 via an anchor 12, for example, the end of the unlocking tension rope 11 is connected to the anchor 12 on the side of the first end 120 that faces away from the second side wall 115, and thus the unlocking tension rope 11 is connected to the lever 1220 and can move together with the lever 120. The connection and positional relationship between the unlocking tension rope and the first end of the lever are not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and it can be understood that the connection between the unlocking tension rope and the first end of the lever may be achieved in any suitable way.

[0048] When the pressing member 140 is pressed or released, the main body 141 can move or slide along the inner surface of the bottom wall 117 of the base 111. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, a first guide groove 118 is formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall 117 of the base 111. The first guide groove 118 communicates with the first slot or through hole 114 and may extend in a second direction X. When the pressing member 140 moves in the second direction X, at least a portion of the body 141 (for example, a portion of the body 141 facing away from the cover 112) can be positioned in the first guide groove 118, and thus the movement of the body 141 in the second direction X is guided by at least the first guide groove 118, and the inner wall surface of the first guide groove 118 can act as a positional limiter for the body 141, that is, it can limit the deviation or swing of the body 141 in the first direction Y.

[0049] In further embodiments, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, the base 111 may further include a second guide groove 119, which is defined by a projection of the base 111 projecting in a third direction Z away from the opening. The second guide groove 119 may communicate with the first slot or through hole 114 and extend in a second direction X. The second guide groove 119 may be formed on the side of the first guide groove 118 facing away from the opening of the base 111 and may communicate with the first guide groove 118. Correspondingly, the pressing member 140 may also include a guide block 144 connected to the main body 141 at its other end 143. The guide block 144 is at least partially positioned in the second guide groove 119 and slides along the second guide groove 119 as the pressing member 140 moves in the second direction X, so that the second guide groove 119 can guide the movement of the pressing member 140 in the second direction X, either alone or together with the first guide groove 118.

[0050] For example, the guide block 144 may further protrude or extend from the other end 143 of the main body 141 toward the second side wall 115, and the size of the guide block 144 may be greater than the width of the first slot or through hole 114 in the first direction Y. Thus, when the pressing member 140 moves in the second direction X, the guide block 144 can be obstructed by the surface of the bottom wall 117 facing away from the base 111, that is, the position of the guide block 144 is restricted in the third direction Z between the surface of the bottom wall 117 facing away from the base 111 and the inner surface defining the second guide groove 119 of the protrusion of the base 111, thereby preventing the pressing member 140 from swinging in the third direction Z while moving.

[0051] When the pressing member 140 is pressed or released, the lever 120 pivots or rotates around the pivot axis 130, which acts as a fulcrum, and both ends move like a seesaw. The lever 120 includes a first arm 122 and a second arm 123, which are located on either side of the pivot axis 130 in a first direction. The first end 121 is the end or tip of the first arm 122, and the second end 124 is the end or tip of the second arm 123. In the illustrated embodiment, by pressing a part of the second arm 123, such as the second end 124 or other portion, with the other end 141 of the body 141 of the pressing member 140, the lever 120 can pivot or rotate (for example, counterclockwise in the figure) around the pivot axis 130 acting as a fulcrum, move the first end 121 of the first arm 122 (for example, away from the second side wall 115 of the base 111), and then move it in the second direction X by pulling the unlocking tension rope 11 connected to the lever 120.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, an angle greater than 90 degrees (e.g., greater than 100 degrees, or greater than 120 degrees, or greater than 140 degrees) and less than 180 degrees (e.g., less than 170 degrees, or less than 160 degrees, or less than 150 degrees) can be formed between the first arm 122 and the second arm 123 of the lever 120, and the lever 120 has a curved outer shape, and the lever 120 is rotatably mounted on the pivot axis 130 at the bend of the curved outer shape or in the portion between the first arm 122 and the second arm 123. For example, the hole 125 (such as a through hole or a blind hole) is formed in a curved portion of the outer shape, or in the portion between the first arm 122 and the second arm 123, and the pivot shaft 130 is at least partially inserted into the hole 125. The form of the lever is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and it can be understood that in other embodiments the lever may be in the form of a straight rod or a straight plate.

[0053] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the lever 120 is positioned to be rotatable between an initial position and an unlocked position about a pivot axis 120. When the tension module 100 is not triggered or the pressing member 140 is not pressed (as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8), and therefore the lock is released, the lever 120 is in the initial position. At this time, as shown in Figure 3, the first end 121 of the lever 120 connected to the unlocking tension rope 11 is located closer to the second side wall 115 of the base 111 than the second end 124 in the second direction X, so that the unlocking tension rope 11 is not pulled away from the electronic lock 10. When the tension module 100 is triggered or activated, or when the pressing member 140 is pressed (as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9) and enters an unlocked state, the lever 120 is in the unlocked position. At this time, as shown in Figure 4, the first end 121 of the lever 120 connected to the unlocking tension rope 11 is moved in a second direction X so as to be further away from the second side wall 115 of the base 111 than the second end 124, pulling a portion of the unlocking tension rope 11 located outside the mounting box 110 into the housing space 101, that is, pulling the unlocking tension rope 11 outward from the electronic lock 10, thereby unlocking the electronic lock 10 by moving the unlocking tension rope 11 away from the electronic lock 10 in a second direction X.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the mounting position of the pivot shaft 130 on the bottom wall 117 of the base 111 is located closer to the second side wall 115 than to the first side wall 113. Therefore, when the lever 120 is in its initial position, the first arm 122 of the lever 120 abuts against the second side wall 115, stabilizing the state of the connected unlock tension rope 11 (such as when it is under tension) and preventing the unlock tension rope from slackening or winding up. When the lever 120 is in the unlocked position, the second arm 123 of the lever 120 can be pressed against the second side wall 123. Therefore, when the pressing member 140 is continuously pressed, the unlock tension rope 11 can be stably maintained in an extended state, thereby maintaining the unlocked state of the electronic lock 10.

[0055] In some cases, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the lever 120 rotates around the pivot axis 130 between an initial position and an unlocked position, that is, when the lever 120 switches between an unlocked state and an unlocked state, the body 141 or the other end 143 of the pressing member 140 can slide relative to the second arm 123 of the lever 120. For example, when the lever 120 is in its initial position, the body 141 or the other end 143 of the pressing member 140 abuts against the second end 124 of the lever 120, for example, against the inclined surface 1241 of the second end 124. During rotation of the lever 120 to the unlocked position, the other end 143 of the body 141 of the pressing member 140 slides from the inclined surface 1241 of the second end 124 to the side surface 1231 of the second arm 123, pushing the second end 124 of the lever 120 toward the second side wall 115 of the base 111.

[0056] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, a cable routing groove 1210 is formed in the first arm 122 or first end 121 of the lever 120, and the cable routing groove 1210 penetrates the first arm 122 or its first end 121 at least in a second direction X, allowing the unlocking tension rope 11 to pass through the cable routing groove 1210, and the end of the unlocking tension rope 11 is connected to the first arm 122 or its first end 121 via an anchor 12 on the side of the first end 121 opposite the second side wall 115 of the base 111. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the lever 120 is in the initial and / or unlocked position, a portion of the cable routing groove 1210 can be aligned in a second direction with a second through hole 116 (formed in the second side wall 115 of the base 111), so that the unlocking tension rope 11 can pass through the second through hole 116 and the cable routing groove 1210 in the second direction X without bending or shifting.

[0057] Similarly, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the lever 120 rotates around the pivot axis 130 between the initial position and the unlocked position, that is, when the lever 120 switches between the unlocked and unlocked states, the anchor 12 can slide against the first arm 122 of the lever 120, and thus ensure that the unlocking tension rope 11 connected to the lever 120 does not move substantially in the first direction Y and / or the third direction Z, and that the unlocking tension rope 11 always extends in the second direction X. For example, in the initial position, the anchor 12 is located on the side surface 1221 of the first arm 122 of the lever 120, and during the rotation of the lever 120 to the unlocked position, the anchor 12 slides from the side surface 1221 of the first arm 122 of the lever 120 to the inclined surface 1213 of the first end 121.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the cable routing groove 1210 has two parts, namely a first cable routing groove 1211 and a second cable routing groove 1212. For example, the first cable routing groove 1211 can be formed adjacent to the first end 121 of the first arm 122 of the lever 120, and the second cable routing groove 1212 can be formed at the first end 121. When the lever 120 is in its initial position, the unlocking tension rope 11 is connected to the anchor 12 through the first cable routing groove 1211. The first cable routing groove 1211 is aligned with the second through hole 116 (formed in the second side wall 115 of the base 111) in the second direction X, and when the lever 120 is in the unlocked position, the second cable routing groove 1212 is aligned with the second through hole 116 in the second direction X, and the unlocking tension rope 11 passes at least partially through the second cable routing groove 1212.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first cable routing groove 1211 and the second cable routing groove 1212 may be in communication with each other. Therefore, when the lever 120 rotates from the initial position to the unlocked position around the pivot axis 130, the unlocking tension rope 11 can transition from a state in which the unlocking tension rope 11 is positioned in the first cable routing groove 1211 to a state in which the unlocking tension rope 11 is at least partially positioned in the second cable routing groove 1212, and vice versa. As described above, during the rotation or rotation of the lever 120, the unlocking tension rope 11 does not move substantially in the first direction Y and / or the third direction Z, and the first arm 122 or first end 121 of the lever 120 moves relative to the unlocking tension rope 11 to achieve the transition of state.

[0060] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the length L1 of the second arm 123 of the lever 120 is longer than the length L2 of the first arm 122. Therefore, the force actually applied by the operator to the pressing member 140 and the lever 120 is smaller than the design value of the unlocking force of the electronic lock itself, optimizing the unlocking force.

[0061] Figures 11 to 15 show the structure of a tension module for an electronic lock assembly according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the tension module used to pull the tension rope 11 for unlocking the electronic lock 10 mainly comprises a base 210 and a lever 220. For example, the base 210 may have a shape adapted to be mounted or fixed to a panel, such as a plate shape, but is not limited thereto. The lever 220 is rotatably mounted to the base 210 via a pivot shaft 230 and is rotatable between an initial position and an unlocked position about the pivot shaft 230, thereby allowing switching between the initial state and the unlocked state. The unlocking tension rope 11 can be connected to the lever 220, so that when the lever 220 is operated by an operator to pull the unlocking tension rope 11 (for example, by being pushed, pulled, or driven in any other way), it can rotate around the pivot axis 230, thereby enabling convenient and quick unlocking of the electronic lock 10 when needed.

[0062] For example, the swivel shaft 230 is mounted on the base 210, and two brackets 240 are fixed to the surface of the base 210 at intervals, with both ends of the swivel shaft 230 connected to these two brackets 240, respectively. The swivel shaft 230 is positioned parallel to the surface of the base 210 and can extend in directions perpendicular to, for example, a first direction Y and a second direction X.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 220 pivots or rotates around a pivot axis 130, which acts as a fulcrum, and the portions of the lever 220 located on either side of the pivot axis 130 can move like a seesaw. For example, the lever 220 includes a first arm portion 221 and a second arm portion 222. The lever 220 is rotatably mounted on the pivot axis 230 at a position between the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222, such that, for example, the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 are located on either side of the pivot axis 230 in a first direction Y. For example, a hole 223 is formed at or in the position between the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 (see Figure 15), into which the pivot axis 230 can be inserted.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, portions of the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 of the lever 220 can form a curved or V-shaped outer shape by creating an angle between them that is greater than 90 degrees (e.g., greater than 100 degrees, or greater than 120 degrees, or greater than 140 degrees) and less than 180 degrees (e.g., less than 170 degrees, or less than 160 degrees, or less than 150 degrees). A hole 223 is formed in the curved portion of the curved or V-shaped outer shape, and the pivot shaft 230 is at least partially inserted into the hole 223, so that the lever 220 is rotatably mounted on the pivot shaft 230. In this specification, the lever is described as having two arms or arm sections, but it should be understood that the lever may be a single part, and the form of the lever is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the lever may be in the form of a straight rod or a straight plate.

[0065] The unlocking tension rope 11 is fitted to connect to the first arm portion 221, and therefore, when the first arm portion 221 is pulled away from the electronic lock 10 and the lever 220 is rotated around the pivot axis 230, the lever 220 pulls the unlocking tension rope 11 outward and unlocks the electronic lock 11.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 to 15, a cable routing groove 2200 is formed in the first arm portion 221. The cable routing groove 2200 may be, for example, a through hole or slot that penetrates the lever 220 in a second direction X perpendicular to a first direction Y, allowing the unlocking tension rope 11 to pass through the cable routing groove 2200, and thus the end of the unlocking tension rope 11 can be connected to the anchor 12 on the side of the lever 220 facing away from the base 210, thereby allowing the unlocking tension rope 11 connected to the unlocking mechanism of the electronic lock 10 to be connected to the lever 220 and move together with the lever 220. As shown in the figure, the first arm portion 221 may have a first portion 2211 and a second portion 2212 located on either side of the cable routing groove 2200, respectively. The first portion 2211 and the second portion 2212 may have a curved or inverted V-shaped outer shape, but in other embodiments they may have a straight shape.

[0067] The cable routing groove 2200 may be appropriately formed and configured such that, when the lever 220 rotates, the unlocking tension rope 11 is always held within the cable routing groove 2200 and always extends and moves in the second direction X without bending or flexing.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 220 is located on the side of the base 210 facing away from the electronic lock 10, and a through-hole 216 (see Figure 13) is formed in the base 210. The through-hole 216 is sized so that the unlocking tension rope 11 can pass through the through-hole 216 and be connected to the lever 220. Preferably, the through-hole 216 is formed and positioned to penetrate the base 210 in a second direction X, so that when the unlocking tension rope 11 is pulled by the lever 220, the unlocking tension rope 11 can move along the inner wall of the through-hole 216 in the second direction X. In some examples, the thickness of the base 210 and / or the size of the through-hole 116 may be appropriately selected so that the through-hole 216 can be used as a parallelizing structure to make the unlocking tension rope 11 parallel to a second direction X without bending, and / or to ensure that the unlocking tension rope 11 moves in the second direction X without bending. Furthermore, when the lever is in at least one of the initial position and the unlocked position, a portion of the cable routing groove 2200 may be aligned with the through-hole 216 in the second direction X.

[0069] In the embodiments shown in Figures 11 to 15, the cable routing groove 2200 formed in the lever 220 includes a first cable routing groove 2201 and a second cable routing groove 2202. When the lever 220 is in its initial position or unlocked state, the first cable routing groove 2201 is aligned with the through hole 216 of the base 210 in a second direction X, and the unlocking tension rope 11 extends through the first cable routing groove 2201 in the second direction X. When the lever 220 is in the unlocked position or unlocked state, the second cable routing groove 2202 is aligned with the through hole 216 in a second direction X, and the unlocking tension rope 11 extends through the second cable routing groove 2202 at least partially in the second direction X. The first cable routing groove 2201 and the second cable routing groove 2202 may be in communication with each other. Therefore, when the lever 220 rotates from the initial position to the unlocked position around the pivot axis 230, the unlocking tension rope 11 transitions from a state in which the unlocking tension rope 11 is positioned in the first cable routing groove 2201 to a state in which the unlocking tension rope 11 is at least partially positioned in the second cable routing groove 2202, and always maintains a state in which it extends in the second direction X through the cable routing groove 2200.

[0070] Similarly, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, when the lever 220 rotates around the pivot axis 230 between the initial position and the unlocked position, that is, when the lever 220 switches between the unlocked state and the unlocked state, the anchor 12 can slide against the first arm portion 221 of the lever 120, and thus ensure that the unlocking tension rope 11 connected to the lever 120 does not move substantially in the first direction Y and / or the third direction Z, and that the unlocking tension rope 11 always extends in the second direction X. For example, when the lever 220 is in its initial position, the anchor 12 is at least partially positioned on the surface of the second portion 2212 of the first arm 221 of the lever 220, and as the lever 120 rotates to the unlocked position, the anchor 12 slides from the surface of the second portion 2212 to the surface of the first portion 2211 of the lever 220.

[0071] In this specification, the cable routing groove is described as having two parts, but it can be understood that the cable routing groove may be a single groove or through hole. In addition, in other embodiments not shown, the above-mentioned cable routing groove may not be provided on the lever, and the unlocking tension rope may be connected to the lever in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, bolts, screws, perforated knots, and ties.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 to 14, the pivot shaft 230 and the lever 220 can be properly mounted to the base 210. Therefore, when the lever 220 is in its initial position, the first arm portion 221 of the lever 220 at least partially contacts the base 210 to stabilize the state of the connected unlocking tension rope 11 (such as when it is under tension) and prevent the unlocking tension rope from slackening or winding up. When the lever 220 is in the unlocked position, the second arm portion 222 at least partially contacts the base 210 to prevent the lever from continuing to rotate and to prevent the unlocking tension rope 11 from being pulled out excessively outward.

[0073] While embodiments of this disclosure have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments can be modified without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure, and that the scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise specified, terms such as “including,” “equipped with,” and “having” as used herein do not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, the number of elements in the claims should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A tension module connected to a tension rope (11) for unlocking an electronic lock (10) of a charging socket, and adapted to pull the tension rope for unlocking, wherein the tension module is Bass and, A lever is rotatably mounted on the base via the pivot axis so as to be able to rotate between an initial position and an unlocked position around the pivot axis. Equipped with, A tension module wherein the lever is configured to allow the unlocking tension rope to be connected to the lever, and when the lever is actuated, the lever rotates around the pivot axis to pull the unlocking tension rope, thereby unlocking the electronic lock.

2. The tension module is A mounting box (110) defines a housing space (101) and includes the base, wherein the lever is rotatably positioned in the housing space via the pivot axis and has a first end and a second end located on both sides of the pivot axis in a first direction (Y), the first end being configured to allow the lock release tension rope to be connected to the first end, and A pressing member (140) is mounted in the mounting box and is fitted to contact the lever at a position adjacent to the second end, wherein the pressing member is pressed when the electronic lock is unlocked, pushing the lever so that it rotates around the pivot axis, causing the first end of the lever to pull the unlocking tension rope and move in a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction, thereby unlocking the electronic lock. The tension module according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The mounting box is adapted to be mounted on the panel (1) of the vehicle equipped with the electronic lock. The aforementioned mounting box further includes a cover (112), The base is adapted to be mounted on the panel and has an opening in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the first and second directions, The tension module according to claim 2, wherein the cover is configured to cover the opening of the base and define the housing space between the base and the cover.

4. The base includes a first side wall (113) and a second side wall (115) arranged opposite to each other in the second direction, and a bottom wall (117) connecting the first side wall to the second side wall, the pivot axis being mounted on the bottom wall, A first through-hole (114) is formed in the first side wall, and the rod-shaped body (141) of the pressing member is inserted into the first through-hole, so that the body can move in the second direction within the first through-hole. The tension module according to claim 3, wherein a second through-hole (116) is formed in the second side wall, and the second through-hole is sized so that the unlocking tension rope can pass through the second through-hole and be connected to the first end.

5. The tension module according to claim 4, wherein the second through-hole is formed and positioned to extend in the second direction, and so when the unlocking tension rope is pulled by the lever, the unlocking tension rope can move in the second direction along the inner wall of the second through-hole.

6. A first guide groove (118) is formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall of the base, extends in the second direction, and communicates with the first through hole. The tension module according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the body of the pressing member is configured to be positioned in the first guide groove when the pressing member moves in the second direction, and so the body moves in the second direction guided by at least the first guide groove.

7. The base further includes a second guide groove (119) defined by a projection that protrudes away from the opening in the third direction, the second guide groove communicating with the first through hole and extending in the second direction, The pressing member includes a button portion (142) positioned at one end of the main body which is adapted to be pressed by an operator and located outside the mounting box, and the other end (143) on the opposite side of the main body is adapted to contact the lever. The tension module according to claim 6, wherein the pressing member further includes a guide block (144) connected to the main body at the other end, the guide block being positioned in the second guide groove so as the pressing member moves in the second direction, the guide block sliding along the second guide groove.

8. The lever includes a first arm and a second arm, respectively, located on both sides of the pivot axis in the first direction, the first arm having a first end, and the second arm having a second end. The tension module according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first arm and the second arm form an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, and therefore the lever has a curved outer shape with a bend to which the lever is rotatably mounted on the pivot axis.

9. When the lever is in the initial position, the first end connected to the unlocking tension rope is located closer to the second side wall than the second end in the second direction, and therefore the unlocking tension rope is not pulled away from the electronic lock. The tension module according to claim 8, wherein when the lever is in the unlocked position, the first end connected to the unlocking tension rope is located further from the second side wall in the second direction than the second end, and the electronic lock is unlocked by pulling a portion of the unlocking tension rope located outside the mounting box into the housing space, thereby moving the unlocking tension rope in the second direction.

10. The tension module according to claim 9, wherein the body of the pressing member is configured to slide relative to the lever when the lever rotates around the pivot axis between the initial position and the unlocked position.

11. A cable routing groove is formed at the first end of the first arm. The cable routing groove penetrates the first end in the second direction, allowing the unlocking tension rope to pass through the cable routing groove, and therefore, the end of the unlocking tension rope is connected to the first end via an anchor on the side of the first end that faces away from the second side wall. The tension module according to claim 9, wherein when the lever is in at least one of the initial position and the unlocked position, a portion of the cable routing groove is aligned with the second through hole in the second direction.

12. The cable routing groove includes a first cable routing groove and a second cable routing groove, When the lever is in the initial position, the first cable groove is aligned with the second through hole in the second direction, and the lock release tension rope passes through the first cable groove. When the lever is in the unlocked position, the second cable groove is aligned with the second through hole in the second direction, and the unlocking tension rope passes at least partially through the second cable groove. The tension module according to claim 11, wherein the first cable routing groove and the second cable routing groove are in communication with each other, and therefore, when the lever rotates from the initial position to the unlocked position about the pivot axis, the unlocking tension rope transitions from a state in which the unlocking tension rope is positioned in the first cable routing groove to a state in which the unlocking tension rope is at least partially positioned in the second cable routing groove.

13. The tension module according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the length of the second arm is longer than the length of the first arm.

14. The pivot shaft is mounted on the bottom wall, extends in the third direction, and is at least partially inserted into the hole (125) formed in the curved portion of the lever. The tension module according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the mounting position in which the pivot axis is mounted on the bottom wall is adjacent to the second side wall, and when the lever is in the initial position, the first arm of the lever abuts against the second side wall, and when the lever is in the unlocked position, the second arm of the lever abuts against the second side wall.

15. The aforementioned pivot axis is mounted on the base, The lever includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion, respectively, located on both sides of the pivot axis in a first direction (Y), and is rotatably mounted on the pivot axis at a position between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The tension module according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking tension rope is adapted to be connected to the first arm portion, and when the first arm portion is pulled away from the electronic lock, the lever is rotated around the pivot axis, causing the lever to pull the unlocking tension rope and unlock the electronic lock.

16. A cable routing groove is formed in the first arm portion, and the lever is penetrated in a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction, allowing the unlocking tension rope to pass through the cable routing groove, so that the end of the unlocking tension rope is connected to the lever via an anchor on the side of the lever facing away from the base, the tension module according to claim 15.

17. The tension module according to claim 16, wherein the cable routing groove is configured such that when the lever rotates, the unlocking tension rope is held in the cable routing groove and always extends and moves in the second direction (X).

18. The lever is located on the side of the base that faces away from the electronic lock. A through-hole is formed in the base, and the through-hole is of a size that allows the lock release tension rope to pass through the through-hole and connect to the lever. The tension module according to claim 17, wherein a portion of the cable routing groove is aligned with the through hole in the second direction when the lever is in at least one of the initial position and the unlocked position.

19. The tension module according to claim 18, wherein the through-hole is formed and positioned to extend in the second direction, and so when the unlocking tension rope is pulled by the lever, the unlocking tension rope can move along the inner wall of the through-hole in the second direction.

20. The cable routing groove includes a first cable routing groove and a second cable routing groove, When the lever is in the initial position, the first cable routing groove is aligned with the through hole in the second direction, and the lock release tension rope passes through the first cable routing groove. When the lever is in the unlocked position, the second cable groove is aligned with the through hole in the second direction, and the unlocking tension rope passes at least partially through the second cable groove. The tension module according to claim 19, wherein the first cable routing groove and the second cable routing groove are in communication with each other, and therefore, when the lever rotates from the initial position to the unlocked position about the pivot axis, the unlocking tension rope can transition from a state in which the unlocking tension rope is positioned in the first cable routing groove to a state in which the unlocking tension rope is at least partially positioned in the second cable routing groove.

21. When the lever is in the initial position, the first arm portion is in at least partial contact with the base. The tension module according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein when the lever is in the unlocked position, the second arm portion at least partially contacts the base.

22. An electronic lock assembly comprising an electronic lock (10) for a charging socket, The electronic lock assembly further comprises the tension module according to any one of claims 1 to 21, An electronic lock assembly wherein the tension module is connected to the electronic lock via the unlocking tension rope, and when the tension module is activated, it pulls the unlocking tension rope to unlock the electronic lock.

23. The unlocking tension rope, connected between the tension module and the electronic lock, extends in the second direction when not being pulled. The electronic lock assembly according to claim 22, wherein the direction in which the tension module pulls the unlocking tension rope is the same as the second direction.

Images