Charging dock and charging dock assembly

Abstract

The present invention discloses a charging dock and a charging dock assembly that can ensure that a temperature detection module is inserted into a predetermined mounting position. [Solution] The charging dock comprises a charging dock housing (6) having a terminal socket and an insertion slot (62) communicating with the terminal socket, a terminal assembly including power terminals and inserted into the terminal socket, and a temperature detection module (100) inserted into the insertion slot (62) from the outside of the charging dock housing (6) to detect the temperature of the power terminals. When the temperature detection module (100) is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism (68) allows the connector (8) to be mated into the connector interface (120), and when the temperature detection module (100) is not inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism (68) prevents the connector (8) from being mated into the connector interface (120).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411998257.0, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on December 31, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a charging dock and a charging dock assembly including the charging dock.

Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, in order to charge the battery pack of a new - energy electric vehicle, it is necessary to install a charging dock suitable for fitting with the charging gun of the new - energy electric vehicle. In order to improve the charging speed, it is necessary to increase the charging current. Currently, the charging current is as high as 600A, and in the future, it may further increase to 1000A. When a large current flows through the power terminals in the charging dock, a large amount of heat is generated, and the temperature of the power terminals in the charging dock may rise rapidly. If the temperature rise cannot be controlled in a timely manner, there is a risk of safety accidents such as burning of the charging dock or other electrical equipment.

[0004] In the prior art, in order to control the temperature rise of the power terminals, usually, a lead frame is mounted on the charging dock, and a temperature detection module is incorporated in the lead frame. The temperature detection module includes a temperature sensor and a heat pad wound around the outside of the temperature sensor. The heat pad is thermally in contact with the power terminals, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the lead frame. However, in the prior art, the lead frame is large in volume and needs to be pre - mounted on the charging - dock housing, which is very inconvenient to use. In addition, in conventional technology, the charging dock housing must adopt a split design to facilitate the attachment of the lead frame, which complicates the structure of the charging dock housing. Furthermore, existing lead frames must be rotatable between a locked position that locks the power terminals and an unlocked position that unlocks the power terminals, which makes the lead frame and charging dock housing more complex, more difficult to assemble, and more expensive. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] This invention was made to overcome or mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, a charging dock is provided. The charging dock comprises a charging dock housing having terminal sockets and insertion slots communicating with the terminal sockets; a terminal assembly including power terminals and inserted into the terminal sockets; and a temperature sensing module inserted into the insertion slots from outside the charging dock housing to detect the temperature of the power terminals. The temperature sensing module includes a connector interface located outside the charging dock housing for mating with a connector, and a limiting mechanism is formed in the charging dock housing. When the temperature sensing module is inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism is positioned so as not to interfere with the connector housing, allowing the connector to mate with the connector interface. When the temperature sensing module is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism is positioned so as to interfere with the connector housing, preventing the connector from mate with the connector interface.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the limiting mechanism is configured to engage with the mating mechanism of the connector housing, and when the temperature sensing module is inserted into a predetermined mounting position and the connector is mated to the connector interface, the limiting mechanism of the charging dock housing engages with the mating mechanism of the connector housing, and therefore the connector housing engages with the charging dock housing.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the limiting mechanism of the charging dock housing is shaped like a protruding tongue or column and is suitable for engaging with a slot in the connector housing.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature sensing module is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism is aligned with the mating mechanism of the connector housing to allow the connector to mate with the connector interface, and when the temperature sensing module is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism is in a position that is not aligned with the mating mechanism of the connector housing to prevent the connector from mate with the connector interface.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensing module includes an insulator, a thermal pad mounted on the insulator to thermally contact power terminals, a temperature sensor provided on the thermal pad to detect the temperature of the power terminals, and a conductive lead provided on the insulator and electrically connected to the temperature sensor. When the temperature sensing module is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the thermal pad thermally contacts the power terminals to transfer the heat from the power terminals to the temperature sensor.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulator is an injection-molded part directly injected onto the conductive lead, and therefore the conductive lead and the insulator are integral parts.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive lead has a connecting end that is electrically connected to a temperature sensor and an external pin for electrically connecting to the connector's terminals. The insulator includes a bracket portion suitable for insertion into an insertion slot of a charging dock housing and a mating portion configured to be positioned outside the charging dock housing. The thermal pad and temperature sensor are mounted on the bracket portion, the mating portion has an insertion cavity into which the connector's terminals can be inserted, the external pin of the conductive lead extends into the insertion cavity, and the mating portion and the external pin constitute a connector interface.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a seal ring mounting groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bracket portion, and the temperature sensing module further includes a seal ring mounted in the seal ring mounting groove, the seal ring being compressed between the bracket portion and the inner wall surface of the insertion slot of the charging dock housing to achieve a seal between the bracket portion and the inner wall surface of the insertion slot of the charging dock housing.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bracket portion has a cover plate portion for covering the entrance of the insertion slot of the charging dock housing, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion, the protrusions are spaced apart and distributed around the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion, and a plurality of buckles are formed on the outside of the peripheral wall of the insertion slot of the charging dock housing, the plurality of buckles are spaced apart and distributed around the insertion slot, each engaging with the plurality of protrusions to lock the temperature sensing module to the charging dock housing.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the bracket portion has a cover plate portion for covering the entrance of the insertion slot of the charging dock housing, a plurality of connecting ears formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion, the connecting ears are spaced apart and distributed around the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion, connecting holes are formed in the connecting ears, screw holes are formed in the charging dock housing, and the temperature sensing module further includes a threaded connector, the threaded connector passes through the connecting holes in the connecting ears and is screwed into the screw holes in the charging dock housing to fasten the temperature sensing module to the charging dock housing.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive leads include a positive lead and a negative lead that are electrically connected to the positive and negative pins of a temperature sensor, respectively, the external pins of the positive and negative leads extending into the insertion cavity of the mating portion to be electrically connected to the connection terminals of the inserted connector.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging dock housing has a plurality of terminal sockets, the charging dock includes a plurality of terminal assemblies which are each inserted into the plurality of terminal sockets, the insertion slots communicate with the plurality of terminal sockets, and the temperature sensing module includes a plurality of thermal pads which are in thermal contact with the power terminals of the plurality of terminal assemblies, and a plurality of temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of each of the plurality of power terminals.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive lead comprises a plurality of positive leads and a single negative lead, wherein the connecting ends of the plurality of positive leads are electrically connected to the positive pins of a plurality of temperature sensors, and the single negative lead has a plurality of connecting ends that are electrically connected to the negative pins of a plurality of temperature sensors, respectively.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heating pad is block-shaped, with a recessed receiving portion formed in the insulator, the heating pad is positioned and mounted in the receiving portion, a socket is formed in the insulator to lock the heating pad onto the insulator, and an elastic buckle is formed on the heating pad that engages with the socket.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mounting slot is formed in the heat pad, the body of the temperature sensor is inserted into the mounting slot of the heat pad, and the positive and negative pins of the temperature sensor extend from the heat pad.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heat pad is in a block shape and has an arcuate contact surface suitable for attachment to the outer peripheral surface of the power terminal in order to increase the thermal contact area between the heat pad and the power terminal.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the axial direction of the insertion slot is perpendicular to the axial direction of the terminal socket, and the temperature detection module is inserted into the insertion slot along the radial direction of the terminal socket.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power terminal includes a cylindrical portion used for fitting with a mating power terminal and a connection portion connected to the rear end portion of the cylindrical portion for electrically connecting to a cable. The edge portion of the insulator of the temperature detection module is axially pressed against the rear end surface of the cylindrical portion of the power terminal to lock the power terminal to the terminal socket.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal assembly further includes a cable electrically connected to the connection portion of the power terminal and a seal plug attached to the cable and inserted into the rear port of the terminal socket. The terminal assembly is inserted through the rear port of the terminal socket, and the seal plug is used to seal the rear port of the terminal socket.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the temperature detection module is inserted into the insertion slot of the charging dock housing, the edge portion of the insulator is pressed against the power terminal in the charging dock housing to lock the power terminal to the charging dock housing.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the charging dock housing is an integrally injection-molded part.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a charging dock assembly is provided. The charging dock assembly includes the charging dock described above and a connector that fits into the connector interface of the temperature detection module of the charging dock.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes a connector housing and connection terminals provided on the connector housing. In order to engage with the limiting mechanism of the charging dock housing, a fitting mechanism is formed on the connector housing, and the connection terminals are electrically connected to the external pins of the temperature detection module.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes a signal cable that is electrically connected to the connection terminals and led out from the connector housing.

[0030] In the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, only when the temperature detection module is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism of the charging dock housing does not prevent the fitting between the connector and the connector interface of the temperature detection module. Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the temperature detection module is inserted into a predetermined mounting position.

[0031] In addition, in the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, the limiting mechanism of the charging dock housing can also engage with the connector housing. Therefore, the connector and the connector interface can withstand a large external force and will not be damaged by the external force.

[0032] In addition, in the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, the temperature detection module is not only small in size but can also be directly inserted into the insertion slot of the charging dock housing from the outside, making its installation and use very convenient.

[0033] The other features of the present invention will become clearer by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a one-sided explanatory perspective view of a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view illustrating a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view illustrating a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as seen from another side. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory perspective view of a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from another side. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory assembly diagram of a thermal pad and temperature sensor for a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an exploded view illustrating the thermal pad and temperature sensor of a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an exploded view illustrating the insulator and conductive leads of a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the electrical connection between a conductive lead and a temperature sensor in a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a descriptive perspective view of a temperature detection module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a descriptive perspective view of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is an exploded view illustrating a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is an axial cross-sectional view of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]This is a descriptive perspective view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is an exploded view illustrating a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the connector has not yet mated into the connector interface. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a connector is mated to a connector interface. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the temperature sensing module is not inserted into a predetermined mounting position and a limiting mechanism prevents the connector from mating to the connector interface. [Figure 19] This is a descriptive perspective view of a charging dock assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is an exploded view illustrating a charging dock assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and so as to fully convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0036] 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 apparatus are shown schematically for the sake of simplifying the drawings.

[0037] According to the general concept of the present invention, a charging dock is provided. The charging dock comprises a charging dock housing having terminal sockets and insertion slots communicating with the terminal sockets; a terminal assembly including power terminals and inserted into the terminal sockets; and a temperature sensing module inserted into the insertion slots from outside the charging dock housing to detect the temperature of the power terminals. The temperature sensing module includes a connector interface located outside the charging dock housing for mating with a connector, and a limiting mechanism is formed in the charging dock housing. When the temperature sensing module is inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism is positioned so as not to interfere with the connector housing, allowing the connector to mate with the connector interface. When the temperature sensing module is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism is positioned so as to interfere with the connector housing, preventing the connector from mate with the connector interface.

[0038] According to another general concept of the present invention, a charging dock assembly is provided. The charging dock assembly comprises the charging dock described above and a connector that mates with the connector interface of the temperature sensing module of the charging dock.

[0039] Figure 10 is an explanatory perspective view of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is an explanatory exploded view of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an axial cross-sectional view of a charging dock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is an explanatory perspective view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is an explanatory exploded view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where connector 8 is not yet mated to connector interface 120. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where connector 8 is mated to connector interface 120. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a charging dock assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the temperature sensing module 100 is not inserted into a predetermined mounting position and the limiting mechanism 68 prevents the connector 8 from mating with the connector interface 120.

[0040] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a charging dock. The charging dock comprises a charging dock housing 6, a terminal assembly 5, and a temperature sensing module 100. The charging dock housing 6 is formed with a terminal socket 61 and an insertion slot 62 communicating with the terminal socket 61. The terminal assembly 5 includes power terminals 50 and is inserted into the terminal socket 61. The temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 62 from the outside of the charging dock housing 6 to detect the temperature of the power terminals 50. The temperature sensing module 100 includes a connector interface 120 located on the outside of the charging dock housing 6 for mating with a connector 8.

[0041] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the limiting mechanism 68 is formed on the outside of the charging dock housing 6. When the temperature detection module 100 is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism 68 is positioned so as not to interfere with the connector housing 80, allowing the connector 8 to be mated with the connector interface 120. When the temperature detection module 100 is not inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism 68 is positioned so as to interfere with the connector housing 80 (as shown in Figure 18), preventing the connector 8 from being mated with the connector interface 120. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the limiting mechanism 68 of the charging dock housing 6 does not prevent mating between the connector 8 and the connector interface 120 of the temperature detection module 100 only when the temperature detection module 100 is inserted into a predetermined mounting position. Thus, the present invention can ensure that the temperature detection module 100 is inserted into a predetermined mounting position.

[0042] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the limiting mechanism 68 is configured to engage with the mating mechanism 88 of the connector housing 80. When the temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into a predetermined mounting position and the connector 8 is mated with the connector interface 120, the limiting mechanism 68 of the charging dock housing 6 engages with the mating mechanism 88 of the connector housing 80, and thus the connector housing 80 engages with the charging dock housing 6, enabling the connector 8 and connector interface 120 to withstand large external forces and not be damaged by those forces.

[0043] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiments, the limiting mechanism 68 of the charging dock housing 6 is a protruding tongue shape and is suitable for engaging with the slot of the connector housing 80 (i.e., the mating mechanism 88 described above). However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the limiting mechanism 68 of the charging dock housing 6 may have a protruding cylindrical shape and be configured to engage with the slot of the connector housing 80.

[0044] As shown in Figures 10 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, when the temperature detection module 100 is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism 68 aligns with the mating mechanism 88 of the connector housing 80, allowing the connector 8 to mate with the connector interface 120. When the temperature detection module 100 is not inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism 68 does not align with the mating mechanism 88 of the connector housing 80, preventing the connector 8 from mating with the connector interface 120. As shown in Figure 18, when the temperature detection module 100 is not inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism 68 presses against the front end surface of the connector housing 80, preventing the connector 8 from mating with the connector interface 120.

[0045] Figure 1 is an explanatory perspective view of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side. Figure 2 is an explanatory exploded view of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side. Figure 3 is an explanatory exploded view of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the other side. Figure 4 is an explanatory perspective view of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the other side. Figure 5 is an explanatory assembly diagram of the heat pad 2 and temperature sensor 3 of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an explanatory exploded view of the heat pad 2 and temperature sensor 3 of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an explanatory exploded view of the insulator 1 and conductive lead 4 of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the electrical connection between the conductive lead 4 and the temperature sensor 3 of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an explanatory perspective view of the temperature detection module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature detection module 100 includes an insulator 1, a thermal pad 2, a temperature sensor 3, and a conductive lead 4. The thermal pad 2 is mounted on the insulator 1 to make thermal contact with the power terminals 50 of the charging dock (see Figure 13). The temperature sensor 3 is provided on the thermal pad 2 to detect the temperature of the power terminals 50. The conductive lead 4 is installed on the insulator 1 and electrically connected to the temperature sensor 3.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature detection module 100 is configured to be inserted into the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6 from the outside of the charging dock housing 6. When the temperature detection module 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 62, the heat pad 2 makes thermal contact with the power terminals 50 and transfers the heat from the power terminals 50 to the temperature sensor 3.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 18, in the illustrated embodiment, when the temperature detection module 100 is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the heat pad 2 can not make reliable thermal contact with the power terminal 50. In order to ensure reliable thermal contact between the heat pad 2 and the power terminal 50, the temperature detection module 100 must be inserted into the predetermined mounting position as described above.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulator 1 is an injection-molded part directly injected onto the conductive lead 4, and therefore the conductive lead 4 and the insulator 1 are a single integrated part. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a slot is formed in the insulator 1, and the conductive lead 4 is held and fixed in the slot of the insulator 1.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive lead 4 has a connecting end 4a for electrically connecting to the temperature sensor 3 and an external pin 4b for electrically connecting to a connector 8 located on the outside of the charging dock housing 6.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulator 1 includes a bracket portion 11 and a mating portion 12. The bracket portion 11 is suitable for insertion into the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6. The mating portion 12 is configured to be positioned outside the charging dock housing 6 and to mate with a connector 8 located outside the charging dock housing 6. The thermal pad 2 and temperature sensor 3 are mounted on the bracket portion 11, and the mating portion 12 has an insertion cavity 14 into which the connector 8 can be inserted. The external pins 4b of the conductive lead 4 extend into the insertion cavity 14 to electrically connect to the inserted connector 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating portion 12 of the insulator 1 and the external pins 4b of the conductive lead 4 together form a connector interface 120 for mating with the connector 8.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a seal ring mounting groove 15 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bracket portion 11. The temperature detection module 100 also includes a seal ring 17 that is mounted in the seal ring mounting groove 15, and the seal ring 17 is compressed between the bracket portion 11 and the inner wall surface of the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6 to achieve a seal between the bracket portion 11 and the inner wall surface of the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the bracket portion 11 has a cover plate portion 13 for covering the entrance to the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6. Multiple protrusions 16 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion 13, and the protrusions are distributed around the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion 13 and are used to engage with multiple buckles 66 of the charging dock housing 6 to lock the temperature detection module 100 into the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive lead 4 includes a positive lead 41 and a negative lead 42 that are electrically connected to the positive pin 31 and negative pin 32 of the temperature sensor 3, respectively. The external pins 4b of the positive lead 41 and the negative lead 42 extend into the insertion cavity 14 of the mating portion 12 to be electrically connected to the inserted connector 8.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiments, the connection end 4a of the positive lead 41 is suitable for plug-in electrical connection with the positive pin 31 of the temperature sensor 3. The connection end 4a of the negative lead 42 is suitable for plug-in electrical connection with the negative pin 32 of the temperature sensor 3. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the connection end 4a of the positive lead 41 may be welded, crimped, or riveted to the positive pin 31 of the temperature sensor 3. The connection end 4a of the negative lead 42 may be welded, crimped, or riveted to the negative pin 32 of the temperature sensor 3.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connection end 4a of the positive lead 41 is in the shape of an elastic clip suitable for clamping the positive pin 31 of the temperature sensor 3. The connection end 4a of the negative lead 42 is in the shape of an elastic clip suitable for clamping the negative pin 32 of the temperature sensor 3.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the temperature detection module 100 includes a plurality of thermal pads 2 and a plurality of temperature sensors 3, each positioned on the plurality of thermal pads 2. The plurality of thermal pads 2 are used to make thermal contact with a plurality of power terminals 50, and the plurality of temperature sensors 3 are used to detect the temperature of the plurality of power terminals 50, each.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the conductive lead 4 includes a plurality of positive leads 41 and a single negative lead 42. The connection ends 4a of the plurality of positive leads 41 are electrically connected to the positive pins 31 of the plurality of temperature sensors 3, respectively, and the single negative lead 42 has a plurality of connection ends 4a that are electrically connected to the negative pins 32 of the plurality of temperature sensors 3, respectively. The external pins 4b of the plurality of positive leads 41 and the external pins 4b of the single negative lead 42 extend into the insertion cavity 14 of the mating portion 12 to be electrically connected to the inserted connector 8.

[0059] However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive lead 4 includes a plurality of positive leads 41 and a plurality of negative leads 42. The connection ends 4a of the plurality of positive leads 41 are electrically connected to the positive pins 31 of the plurality of temperature sensors 3, respectively, and the connection ends 4a of the plurality of negative leads 42 are electrically connected to the negative pins 32 of the plurality of temperature sensors 3, respectively. The external pins 4b of the plurality of positive leads 41 and the plurality of negative leads 42 extend into the insertion cavity 14 of the mating portion 12 to be electrically connected to the inserted connector 8.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the heating pad 2 is in the form of a block, with a concave receiving portion 101 formed in the insulator 1. The heating pad 2 is positioned and mounted in the receiving portion 101. A socket 102 is formed in the insulator 1, and an elastic buckle 22 is formed on the heating pad 2 to engage with the socket 102 and lock the heating pad 2 to the insulator 1.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a mounting slot 20 is formed in the thermal pad 2, and the body 30 of the temperature sensor 3 is inserted into the mounting slot 20 of the thermal pad 2. The positive pin 31 and negative pin 32 of the temperature sensor 3 extend from the thermal pad 2.

[0062] However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heating pad 2 may be injection molded onto the body 30 of the temperature sensor 3, so that the heating pad 2 and the temperature sensor 3 are a single integrated component.

[0063] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the heat pad 2 is block-shaped and has an arc-shaped contact surface 2a suitable for attachment to the outer surface of the power terminal 50 in order to increase the thermal contact area between the heat pad 2 and the power terminal 50.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, when the temperature detection module 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6, the edge 11a of the insulator 1 simultaneously presses against the multiple power terminals 50 inside the charging dock housing 6, locking the multiple power terminals 50 into the charging dock housing 6.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, a charging dock is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The charging dock comprises a charging dock housing 6, a terminal assembly 5, and a temperature sensing module 100. The charging dock housing 6 is formed with a terminal socket 61 and an insertion slot 62 communicating with the terminal socket 61. The terminal assembly 5 includes power terminals 50 and is inserted into the terminal socket 61. The temperature sensing module 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 62 from the outside of the charging dock housing 6. The thermal pad 2 of the temperature sensing module 100 is in thermal contact with the power terminals 50 to transfer the heat of the power terminals 50 to the temperature sensor 3.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of buckles 66 are formed on the outside of the peripheral wall of the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6, and the plurality of buckles 66 are distributed at intervals around the insertion slot 62 and each engages with a plurality of protrusions 16 of the insulator 1 of the temperature sensing module 100 to lock the temperature sensing module 100 into the insertion slot 62.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the axial direction of the insertion slot 62 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the terminal socket 61, and the temperature detection module 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 62 along the radial direction of the terminal socket 61. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the insertion slot 62 is elliptical.

[0068] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the power terminal 50 includes a cylindrical portion 51 and a connecting portion 52. The cylindrical portion 51 is used to mate into a mating power terminal (not shown). The connecting portion 52 is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical portion 51 for electrical connection to a cable 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 52 is flat and welded to the conductor end of the cable 53. The edge 11a of the insulator 1 of the temperature sensing module 100 is pressed axially against the rear end face of the cylindrical portion 51 of the power terminal 50 to lock the power terminal 50 into the terminal socket 61.

[0069] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal assembly 5 further includes a cable 53 and a sealing plug 54. The cable 53 is electrically connected to the connection portion 52 of the power terminal 50. The sealing plug 54 is attached to the cable 53 and inserted into the rear port of the terminal socket 61. The terminal assembly 5 is inserted through the rear port of the terminal socket 61, and the sealing plug 54 is used to seal the rear port of the terminal socket 61.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the charging dock housing 6 has a plurality of terminal sockets 61, and the charging dock has a plurality of terminal assemblies 5 which are inserted into each of the plurality of terminal sockets 61. Insertion slots 62 communicate with the plurality of terminal sockets 61, and the temperature detection module 100 includes a plurality of thermal pads 2 which make thermal contact with the power terminals 50 of the plurality of terminal assemblies 5, and a plurality of temperature sensors 3 for detecting the temperature of each of the plurality of power terminals 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge 11a of the insulator 1 of the temperature detection module 100 is simultaneously pressed axially against the rear end faces of the cylindrical portions 51 of the plurality of power terminals 50 to lock the plurality of power terminals 50 into the terminal sockets 61.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the charging dock housing 6 is an integrally injection-molded part.

[0072] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 18, the projection 16 of the temperature detection module 100 engages with the buckle 66 of the charging dock housing 6, and the temperature detection module 100 is locked to the charging dock housing 6 by the buckle. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the temperature detection module 100 may be fixed to the charging dock housing 6 by other suitable methods.

[0073] Figure 19 is an explanatory perspective view of a charging dock assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 is an explanatory exploded view of a charging dock assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The only difference between the charging dock assemblies shown in Figures 19 and 20 and those shown in Figures 1 to 18 is the method of securing the temperature sensing module 100 to the charging dock housing 6. Other technical features of the charging dock assemblies shown in Figures 19 and 20 are essentially the same as those shown in Figures 1 to 18, and can be referenced from the charging dock assemblies shown in Figures 1 to 18.

[0075] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the illustrated embodiment, the bracket portion 11 has a cover plate portion 13 for covering the entrance of the insertion slot 62 of the charging dock housing 6. Multiple connection ears 131 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion 13, and the multiple connection ears 131 are spaced apart and distributed around the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion 13. Connection holes 130 are formed in the connection ears 131, and screw holes 63 are formed in the charging dock housing 6. The temperature detection module 100 also includes a threaded connector 19, which passes through the connection holes 130 of the connection ears 131 and is screwed into the screw holes 63 of the charging dock housing 6, thereby fastening the temperature detection module 100 to the charging dock housing 6.

[0076] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments without structural or principle contradictions and can freely combine the various features described in different embodiments.

[0077] While several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined in the claims and its equivalents.

[0078] When used herein, elements described in the singular form and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plural forms of such elements or steps unless it is explicitly stated that such exclusion is to be excluded. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that likewise incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless it is expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that “compile” or “have” one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic.

Claims

1. It is a charging dock, A charging dock housing (6) having a terminal socket (61) and an insertion slot (62) communicating with the terminal socket (61), A terminal assembly (5) including a power terminal (50) and inserted into the terminal socket (61), A temperature detection module (100) is inserted into the insertion slot (62) from the outside of the charging dock housing (6) in order to detect the temperature of the power terminal (50), and Equipped with, The temperature detection module (100) includes a connector interface (120) located outside the charging dock housing (6) for mating with the connector (8), and a limiting mechanism (68) is formed in the charging dock housing (6). When the temperature detection module (100) is inserted into a predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism (68) is positioned so as not to interfere with the connector housing (80), and the connector (8) is able to be mated into the connector interface (120). A charging dock in which, when the temperature detection module (100) is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism (68) is positioned to interfere with the connector housing (80), preventing the connector (8) from mating into the connector interface (120).

2. The limiting mechanism (68) is configured to engage with the mating mechanism (88) of the connector housing (80), The charging dock according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature detection module (100) is inserted into the predetermined mounting position and the connector (8) is fitted into the connector interface (120), the limiting mechanism (68) of the charging dock housing (6) engages with the fitting mechanism (88) of the connector housing (80), and therefore the connector housing (80) engages with the charging dock housing (6).

3. The charging dock according to claim 2, wherein the limiting mechanism (68) of the charging dock housing (6) is shaped like a protruding tongue or column and is suitable for engaging with a slot in the connector housing (80).

4. When the temperature detection module (100) is inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism (68) aligns with the mating mechanism (88) of the connector housing (80), enabling the connector (8) to be mated with the connector interface (120). The charging dock according to claim 2, wherein when the temperature detection module (100) is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the limiting mechanism (68) is in a position that does not align with the mating mechanism (88) of the connector housing (80), thereby preventing the connector (8) from mating with the connector interface (120).

5. The temperature detection module (100) is Insulator (1), A heat pad (2) is attached to the insulator (1) to make thermal contact with the power terminal (50), A temperature sensor (3) is provided on the heating pad (2) to detect the temperature of the power terminal (50), A conductive lead (4) is provided on the insulator (1) and electrically connected to the temperature sensor (3). Includes, The charging dock according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature detection module (100) is inserted into the predetermined mounting position, the heating pad (2) makes thermal contact with the power terminal (50) and transfers the heat from the power terminal (50) to the temperature sensor (3).

6. The charging dock according to claim 5, wherein the insulator (1) is an injection-molded part directly injected onto the conductive lead (4), and therefore the conductive lead (4) and the insulator (1) form an integrated part.

7. The conductive lead (4) has a connection end (4a) that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (3) and an external pin (4b) for electrically connecting to the connection terminal (81) of the connector (8). The insulator (1) is A bracket portion (11) suitable for insertion into the insertion slot (62) of the charging dock housing (6), A fitting portion (12) is configured to be positioned on the outside of the charging dock housing (6) and Includes, The charging dock according to claim 5, wherein the heating pad (2) and the temperature sensor (3) are mounted on the bracket portion (11), the mating portion (12) has an insertion cavity (14) into which the connection terminal (81) of the connector (8) can be inserted, the external pin (4b) of the conductive lead (4) extends into the insertion cavity (14), and the mating portion (12) and the external pin (4b) constitute the connector interface (120).

8. A sealing ring mounting groove (15) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the bracket portion (11), and the temperature detection module (100) further includes a sealing ring (17) mounted in the sealing ring mounting groove (15), wherein the sealing ring (17) is compressed between the bracket portion (11) and the inner wall surface of the insertion slot (62) of the charging dock housing (6) to achieve a seal between the bracket portion (11) and the inner wall surface of the insertion slot (62) of the charging dock housing (6), as described in claim 7.

9. The bracket portion (11) has a cover plate portion (13) for covering the entrance of the insertion slot (62) of the charging dock housing (6), and a plurality of protrusions (16) are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion (13), and the protrusions (16) are distributed at intervals around the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion (13). A charging dock according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of buckles (66) are formed on the outside of the peripheral wall of the insertion slot (62) of the charging dock housing (6), the plurality of buckles (66) are spaced apart and distributed around the insertion slot (62), and each engages with a plurality of protrusions (16) to lock the temperature sensing module (100) to the charging dock housing (6).

10. The bracket portion (11) has a cover plate portion (13) for covering the entrance of the insertion slot (62) of the charging dock housing (6), and a plurality of connecting ear portions (131) are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion (13), and the connecting ear portions (131) are distributed at intervals around the outer circumferential surface of the cover plate portion (13). A charging dock according to claim 7, wherein a connection hole (130) is formed in the connection ear portion (131), a screw hole (63) is formed in the charging dock housing (6), the temperature detection module (100) further includes a screwed connector (19), the screwed connector (19) passes through the connection hole (130) of the connection ear portion (131) and is screwed into the screw hole (63) of the charging dock housing (6) to fasten the temperature detection module (100) to the charging dock housing (6).

11. The conductive lead (4) includes a positive lead (41) and a negative lead (42) that are electrically connected to the positive pin (31) and negative pin (32) of the temperature sensor (3), respectively. The charging dock according to claim 7, wherein the external pins (4b) of the positive lead (41) and the negative lead (42) extend into the insertion cavity (14) of the mating portion (12) to electrically connect to the connection terminal (81) of the inserted connector (8).

12. The charging dock according to claim 7, wherein the charging dock housing (6) has a plurality of terminal sockets (61), the charging dock includes a plurality of terminal assemblies (5) which are each inserted into the plurality of terminal sockets (61), the insertion slot (62) is in communication with the plurality of terminal sockets (61), and the temperature detection module (100) includes a plurality of thermal pads (2) which are in thermal contact with the power terminals (50) of the plurality of terminal assemblies (5), and a plurality of temperature sensors (3) for detecting the temperature of each of the plurality of power terminals (50).

13. The conductive lead (4) includes a plurality of positive lead leads (41) and a single negative lead lead (42). The charging dock according to claim 12, wherein the connection ends (4a) of the plurality of positive leads (41) are electrically connected to the positive pins (31) of the plurality of temperature sensors (3), and the single negative lead (42) has a plurality of connection ends (4a) that are electrically connected to the negative pins (32) of the plurality of temperature sensors (3).

14. The heating pad (2) is block-shaped, and a concave receiving portion (101) is formed in the insulator (1), and the heating pad (2) is positioned and mounted in the receiving portion (101). The charging dock according to claim 5, wherein a socket (102) is formed on the insulator (1) for locking the heating pad (2) onto the insulator (1), and an elastic buckle (22) that engages with the socket (102) is formed on the heating pad (2).

15. The charging dock according to claim 5, wherein a mounting slot (20) is formed in the heating pad (2), the body (30) of the temperature sensor (3) is inserted into the mounting slot (20) of the heating pad (2), and the positive electrode pin (31) and negative electrode pin (32) of the temperature sensor (3) extend from the heating pad (2).

16. The charging dock according to claim 5, wherein the heating pad (2) is block-shaped and has an arc-shaped contact surface (2a) suitable for attachment to the outer surface of the power terminal (50) in order to increase the thermal contact area between the heating pad (2) and the power terminal (50).

17. The charging dock according to claim 5, wherein the axial direction of the insertion slot (62) is perpendicular to the axial direction of the terminal socket (61), and the temperature detection module (100) is inserted into the insertion slot (62) along the radial direction of the terminal socket (61).

18. The power terminal (50) is A cylindrical portion (51) used for mating with the power terminal of the other side, A connecting portion (52) is connected to the rear end of the cylindrical portion (51) for electrical connection to the cable (53) and Includes, The charging dock according to claim 17, wherein the edge (11a) of the insulator (1) of the temperature detection module (100) is pressed axially against the rear end face of the cylindrical portion (51) of the power terminal (50) to lock the power terminal (50) into the terminal socket (61).

19. The terminal assembly (5) is A cable (53) electrically connected to the connection portion (52) of the power terminal (50), A seal plug (54) is attached to the cable (53) and inserted into the rear port of the terminal socket (61). It further includes, The charging dock according to claim 18, wherein the terminal assembly (5) is inserted through the rear port of the terminal socket (61), and the seal plug (54) is used to seal the rear port of the terminal socket (61).

20. A charging dock according to any one of claims 5 to 19, wherein when the temperature detection module (100) is inserted into the insertion slot (62) of the charging dock housing (6), the edge (11a) of the insulator (1) is pressed against the power terminal (50) inside the charging dock housing (6) to lock the power terminal (50) into the charging dock housing (6).

21. The charging dock according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the charging dock housing (6) is an integrally injection-molded part.

22. A charging dock assembly, The charging dock according to any one of claims 1 to 21, A connector (8) that fits into the connector interface (120) of the temperature detection module (100) of the charging dock and A charging dock assembly equipped with the following features.

23. The connector (8) is Connector housing (80) and The connector housing (80) has a connection terminal (81) and Includes, The charging dock assembly according to claim 22, wherein a mating mechanism (88) is formed in the connector housing (80) for engaging with the limiting mechanism (68) of the charging dock housing (6), and the connecting terminal (81) is electrically connected to the external pin (4b) of the temperature sensing module (100).

24. The charging dock assembly according to claim 23, wherein the connector (8) further includes a signal cable (82) electrically connected to the connection terminal (81) and led out from the connector housing (80).

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