Electronic lock and charging dock

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electronic lock and a charging dock. The electronic lock comprises: a box body (11); a movable block (2) installed in a movable manner on the box body (11); a locking pin (14) fixed to the movable block (2) and extending from the box body (11), and capable of moving between a locked position and an unlocked position together with the movable block (2); a driving device (5) installed on the box body (11) to drive the movable block (2) and the locking pin (14) to move between a locked position and an unlocked position; a pair of detection terminals (4) fixed to the inner side of the box body (11); and a conductive member (3) installed on the movable block (2) so as to be able to move together with the movable block (2). When the movable block (2) is moved to a locked position, the conductive member (3) is moved to a bridging position in which it makes electrical contact with the pair of detection terminals (4), thereby electrically connecting the pair of detection terminals (4). The present invention simplifies the position detection mechanism and cost of the electronic lock.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese patent application number CN202510138331.X filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on February 7, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electronic lock and a charging dock including an electronic lock. Background Technology

[0003] In the prior art, when a charging gun is inserted into a charging dock, an electronic lock needs to be installed on the charging dock to prevent the charging gun from being accidentally detached from the charging dock. Generally, the electronic lock has a locking pin that can be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the electronic lock is moved to the locked position, the locking pin engages with the pin hole of the charging gun to lock the charging gun to the charging dock. When the electronic lock is moved to the unlocked position, the locking pin separates from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be removed from the charging dock. In the prior art, the electronic lock is equipped with microswitches to detect the position of the locking pin. However, the cost of microswitches is relatively high, and a circuit board is also required to install them. Furthermore, microswitches have a large volume and a short lifespan, which seriously affects the performance of the entire electronic lock.

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electronic locking device is provided. The electronic locking device comprises: a box body; a movable block installed in a movable manner on the box body; a locking pin fixed to the movable block and extending from the box body, and capable of moving together with the movable block between a locking position and an unlocking position; a driving device installed on the box body to drive the movable block and the locking pin to move between a locking position and an unlocking position; a pair of detection terminals fixed to an inner side of the box body; and a conductive member installed on the movable block to move together with the movable block. When the movable block is moved to a locking position, the conductive member is moved to a bridging position in which it makes electrical contact with the pair of detection terminals, thereby electrically connecting the pair of detection terminals.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the locking pin is moved to a locking position, the locking pin is configured to engage with a pin hole of the charging gun to lock the charging gun to the charging dock; and when the locking pin is moved to an unlocking position, the locking pin is disengaged from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be withdrawn from the charging dock.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the moving block is moved to a locking position, the conductive member is moved to a bridging position; and when the moving block is not moved to a locking position, the conductive member does not come into contact with at least one of a pair of detection terminals, so that the pair of detection terminals are electrically separated.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mounting hole is formed in a movable block, and a conductive member is a lower ball that is rollably installed in the mounting hole, and a portion of the lower ball is exposed from the lower opening of the mounting hole for electrical contact with a pair of detection terminals.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic lock comprises: an upper ball rotatably installed in a mounting hole of a movable block; and an elastic member located in the mounting hole and compressed between the upper ball and the lower ball, for applying contact pressure to the lower ball. The upper ball and the lower ball rotate on their own in the mounting hole while moving together with the movable block.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the moving block is moved to a locking position, the lower ball is moved to a bridging position; and when the moving block is not moved to a locking position, the lower ball does not come into contact with at least one of a pair of detection terminals, so that the pair of detection terminals are electrically separated.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the box body has a bottom wall and a top opening facing the bottom wall, a pair of detection terminals are fixed to the inner side of the bottom wall of the box body, and a track groove extending along the longitudinal direction of the box body is formed on the inner side of the bottom wall of the box body; and when the moving block moves between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lower ball rolls along the track groove.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a detection terminal has a contact end for electrical contact with a lower ball, and the contact ends of a pair of detection terminals are each located on both sides of a track groove; and when the lower ball is moved to a bridging position, the lower ball simultaneously makes electrical contact with the contact ends of the pair of detection terminals.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the contact ends of a pair of detection terminals is smaller than the diameter of the lower ball so that the lower ball can make electrical contact with the contact ends of the pair of detection terminals simultaneously; the detection terminal also has an extension portion connected to the contact end, and the distance between the extension portions of the pair of detection terminals is larger than the diameter of the lower ball so that the lower ball cannot make electrical contact with the extension portions of the pair of detection terminals simultaneously.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic lock further comprises a top cover installed at the top opening of a box body, a rib plate extending along the longitudinal direction of the box body is formed on the inner side of the top cover, a groove cooperating with the rib plate is formed on the upper surface of a movable block, the groove penetrates the upper opening of a mounting hole, an upper ball is positioned at least partially in the upper opening of the mounting hole, and the rib plate is seated on the upper ball.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sliding groove is formed on the lower surface of a moving block, and a sliding rail extending along the longitudinal direction of a box body is formed on the inner side of the lowest wall of the box body, and the sliding rail cooperates with the sliding groove to guide the moving block to move between a locked position and an unlocked position along the longitudinal direction of the box body.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a box body is injection molded onto a pair of detection terminals so that the box body and the pair of detection terminals become an integral piece.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the driving device comprises: a motor; and a power transmission mechanism connected between the output shaft of the motor and a moving block. The power transmission mechanism is used to convert the rotational motion of the output shaft of the motor into the linear motion of the moving block along the longitudinal direction of the box body.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power transmission mechanism is a gear power transmission mechanism.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power transmission mechanism comprises: a first helical gear installed on the output shaft of a motor; a second helical gear meshing with the first helical gear; a first spur gear coaxially connected to the second helical gear; a second spur gear meshing with the first spur gear; a third spur gear coaxially connected to the second spur gear; a fourth spur gear meshing with the third spur gear; a fifth spur gear coaxially connected to the fourth spur gear; and a rack meshing with the fifth spur gear. The rack is formed directly on a moving block or is fixed to a moving block.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power transmission mechanism further comprises: a first mounting shaft — said first mounting shaft extends along the height direction of the box body and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover of the box body, respectively —; a second mounting shaft — said second mounting shaft extends along the height direction of the box body and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover of the box body, respectively —; and a third mounting shaft — said third mounting shaft extends along the height direction of the box body and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover of the box body, respectively —. The second helical gear and the first spur gear are fixedly mounted on the first mounting shaft, the second spur gear and the third spur gear are fixedly mounted on the second mounting shaft, the fourth spur gear and the fifth spur gear are fixedly mounted on the third mounting shaft, and the output shaft of the motor extends along the longitudinal direction of the box body so that the output shaft of the motor is perpendicular to the first mounting shaft.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a moving block comprises: a longitudinal portion extending along the longitudinal direction of a box body; and a transverse portion extending along the transverse direction of a box body and connected perpendicularly to the front end of the longitudinal portion. A rack is formed or fixed to the longitudinal portion of the moving block, and a mounting hole is formed in the transverse portion of the moving block.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electronic lock is fixed to the inner side of the lowest wall of the box body and electrically connected to a motor, and further includes a pair of connection terminals for connecting the motor to a power source.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a box body is injection molded onto a pair of detection terminals and a pair of connection terminals so that the box body, the pair of detection terminals, and the pair of connection terminals become an integral piece.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the box body has opposing front and rear side walls in its longitudinal direction, and a matching portion is formed on the outer side of the rear side wall of the box body, and the matching portion has an insertion cavity suitable for matching with a connector; the detection terminal has a first pin for electrical connection to a detection circuit, and the connection terminal has a second pin for electrical connection to a power source, and the first pin and the second pin extend into the insertion cavity of the matching portion for electrical connection with a connector inserted into the insertion cavity.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the box body has opposing front and rear side walls in its longitudinal direction, the locking pin penetrates the front side wall of the box body, and the mounting recess is formed on the outer side of the front side wall of the box body; the electronic lock further comprises a sealing ring received in the mounting recess, the sealing ring is fitted onto the locking pin and compressed radially between the inner wall surface of the mounting recess and the locking pin to achieve a seal between the locking pin and the box body.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a horizontal hole is formed on the front end surface of a movable block, and a vertical hole connected to the horizontal hole is formed on the upper surface of the movable block; an insertion hole corresponding to the vertical hole is formed on the rear end of a locking pin, and the rear end of the locking pin is inserted into the horizontal hole; and the electronic lock further comprises a pin inserted into the vertical hole and the insertion hole to secure the locking pin to the movable block.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connecting ear is formed in the box body and / or the top cover, and a connecting hole is formed in the connecting ear to allow a screw-type fastener to pass through, so that the electronic lock can be secured to the charging dock through the screw-type fastener.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, a charging dock is provided. The charging dock comprises: a housing; a charging terminal set in the housing to mate with a matching terminal of a charging gun inserted into the housing; and an electronic lock fixed to the housing. When the locking pin is moved to a locking position, the locking pin is configured to engage with a pin hole of the charging gun to lock the charging gun to the charging dock; and when the locking pin is moved to an unlocking position, the locking pin is separated from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be removed from the charging dock.

[0029] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the use of a conductive member installed on a moving block instead of traditional micro switches simplifies the position detection mechanism of the electronic lock and reduces costs.

[0030] In addition, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, a ball installed in the moving block is used instead of traditional micro switches. Due to the small volume and wear resistance of the ball, the present invention can reduce the volume of the electronic lock and extend its lifespan. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover removed; FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable block is in a locked position as viewed from one side; FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable block is in a locked position as viewed from the other side; FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable block is in a locked position as viewed from below; FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a movable block is in a locked position; FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a moving block is in a locked position; FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a box body of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a lower ball is in a bridging position electrically connected to a pair of detection terminals; FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a movable block is in a locked position; FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a moving block and a locking pin of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a movable block is in an unlocked position; FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a movable block is in an unlocked position; FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a box body of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a lower ball is positioned so as not to be electrically connected to a pair of detection terminals; and FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments presented herein; rather, such embodiments are provided to ensure that the present disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0033] In the following detailed description, many specific details are presented for the purposes of explanation and to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are depicted schematically to simplify the drawings.

[0034] According to the general concept of the present invention, an electronic lock is provided. The electronic lock comprises: a box body; a movable block installed in a movable manner on the box body; a locking pin fixed to the movable block and extending from the box body, and capable of moving together with the movable block between a locking position and an unlocking position; a driving device installed on the box body to drive the movable block and the locking pin to move between a locking position and an unlocking position; a pair of detection terminals fixed to an inner side of the box body; and a conductive member installed on the movable block to move together with the movable block. When the movable block is moved to a locking position, the conductive member is moved to a bridging position in which it makes electrical contact with the pair of detection terminals, thereby electrically connecting the pair of detection terminals.

[0035] According to another general concept of the present invention, a charging dock is provided. The charging dock comprises: a housing; a charging terminal set in the housing to mate with a mate terminal of a charging gun inserted into the housing; and an electronic lock fixed to the housing. When the locking pin is moved to a locking position, the locking pin is configured to engage with a pin hole of the charging gun to lock the charging gun to the charging dock; and when the locking pin is moved to an unlocking position, the locking pin is separated from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be removed from the charging dock.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the top cover (12) removed; FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the movable block (2) in a locked position as viewed from one side; FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the movable block (2) in a locked position as viewed from the other side; FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the movable block (2) in a locked position as viewed from below; FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the movable block (2) in a locked position; FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable block (2) is in a locked position; FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a box body (11) of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a lower ball (32) is in a bridging position electrically connected to a pair of detection terminals (4); FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable block (2) is in a locked position; FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a movable block (2) and a lock pin (14) of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable block (2) is in an unlocked position; FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a movable block (2) is in an unlocked position;FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a box body (11) of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a lower ball (32) is positioned so as not to be electrically connected to a pair of detection terminals (4); FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an electronic lock according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15, an electronic lock is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The electronic lock comprises: a box body (11), a movable block (2), a lock pin (14), a driving device (5), a pair of detection terminals (4), and a conductive member (3). The movable block (2) is installed in a movable manner on the box body (11). The lock pin (14) is fixed to the movable block (2) and extends from the box body (11), and can move together with the movable block (2) between a locked position and an unlocked position. The driving device (5) is installed on the box body (11) and is used to drive the movable block (2) and the lock pin (14) to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. A pair of detection terminals (4) are fixed inside the box body (11). The conductive member (3) is installed on the movable block (2) so as to be movable together with the movable block (2). When the moving block (2) is moved to the locking position, the conductive member (3) is moved to the bridging position to make electrical contact with a pair of detection terminals (4) simultaneously, thereby electrically connecting the pair of detection terminals (4).

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15, in the illustrated embodiment, when the lock pin (14) is moved to the lock position, the lock pin (14) is configured to engage with the pin hole of the charging gun (not shown) to lock the charging gun (not shown) to the charging dock (not shown). When the lock pin (14) is moved to the unlock position, the lock pin (14) is separated from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be removed from the charging dock.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, when the moving block (2) is moved to the locking position, the conductive member (3) is moved to the bridging position. When the moving block (2) is not moved to the locking position, the conductive member (3) does not come into contact with at least one of the pair of detection terminals (4) (e.g., the conductive member (3) comes into contact with only one of the pair of detection terminals (4) or does not come into contact with either of the pair of detection terminals (4), thereby causing the pair of detection terminals (4) to be electrically separated.

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, a mounting hole (20) is formed in the movable block (2), and a conductive member (3) is a lower ball (32) that can be rolledly installed in the mounting hole (20). A portion of the lower ball (32) is exposed from the lower opening of the mounting hole (20) for electrical contact with a pair of detection terminals (4).

[0041] However, please note that the conductive member (3) of the present invention is not limited to the lower ball (32) shown in the drawing and may be a non-rolling component having a smooth arc-shaped contact lower surface to reduce sliding friction.

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the electronic lock further comprises an upper ball (31) and an elastic member (33). The upper ball (31) is slidably installed in the mounting hole (20) of the movable block (2). The elastic member (33) is located in the mounting hole (20) and is compressed between the upper ball (31) and the lower ball (32), and is used to apply contact pressure to the lower ball (32). The upper ball (31) and the lower ball (32) rotate on their own in the mounting hole (20) while moving together with the movable block (2). In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic member (33) may be a coil spring.

[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, when the moving block (2) is moved to the locking position, the lower ball (32) is moved to the bridging position. When the moving block (2) is not moved to the locking position, the lower ball (32) does not come into contact with at least one of the pair of detection terminals (4), so that the pair of detection terminals (4) are electrically separated.

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the box body (11) has a bottom wall and a top opening facing the bottom wall, and a pair of detection terminals (4) are fixed to the inner side of the bottom wall of the box body (11). However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and, for example, a pair of detection terminals (4) may be fixed to the side wall of the box body (11).

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, a track groove (101) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11) is formed on the inner side of the lowest wall of the box body (11). When the moving block (2) moves between the locked position and the unlocked position, the lower ball (32) rolls along the track groove (101).

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the detection terminal (4) has a contact end (41) for electrical contact with the lower ball (32), and the contact ends (41) of a pair of detection terminals (4) are each located on both sides of the track groove (101). When the lower ball (32) is moved to a bridging position, the lower ball (32) simultaneously makes electrical contact with the contact ends (41) of the pair of detection terminals (4).

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the distance between the contact ends (41) of a pair of detection terminals (4) is smaller than the diameter of the lower ball (32), so that the lower ball (32) can make electrical contact with the contact ends (41) of the pair of detection terminals (4) simultaneously. The detection terminal (4) also has an extension (42) connected to the contact ends (41). The distance between the extensions (42) of the pair of detection terminals (4) is larger than the diameter of the lower ball (32), so that the lower ball (32) cannot make electrical contact with the extensions (42) of the pair of detection terminals (4) simultaneously.

[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the electronic lock further includes a top cover (12). The top cover (12) is installed in the top opening of the box body (11). A rib plate (121) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11) is formed on the inner side of the top cover (12). A groove (23) is formed on the upper surface of the movable block (2) to cooperate with the rib plate (121). The groove (23) penetrates the top opening of the mounting hole (20), the upper ball (31) is located at least partially in the top opening of the mounting hole (20), and the rib plate (121) is seated on the upper ball (31).

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, a sliding groove (211) is formed on the lower surface of the moving block (2), and a sliding rail (111) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11) is formed on the inner side of the lowest wall of the box body (11). The sliding rail (111) works in cooperation with the sliding groove (211) to guide the moving block (2) to move along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11) between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the box body (11) is injection molded onto a pair of detection terminals (4) to form the box body (11) and the pair of detection terminals (4) into a single piece.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the driving device (5) includes a motor (50) and a power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism is connected between the output shaft (51) of the motor (50) and the moving block (2). The power transmission mechanism is used to convert the rotational motion of the output shaft (51) of the motor (50) into the linear motion of the moving block (2) along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11).

[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiments, the power transmission mechanism may be a gear power transmission mechanism or other suitable power transmission mechanism.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the power transmission mechanism includes a first helical gear (52), a second helical gear (53), a first spur gear (54), a second spur gear (55), a third spur gear (56), a fourth spur gear (57), a fifth spur gear (58), and a rack (59). The first helical gear (52) is installed on the output shaft (51) of the motor (50). The second helical gear (53) meshes with the first helical gear (52). The first spur gear (54) is connected coaxially to the second helical gear (53). The second spur gear (55) meshes with the first spur gear (54). The third spur gear (56) is connected coaxially to the second spur gear (55). The fourth spur gear (57) meshes with the third spur gear (56). The fifth spur gear (58) is connected coaxially to the fourth spur gear (57). The rack (59) meshes with the fifth spur gear (58). The rack (59) is formed directly on the moving block (2) or is fixed to the moving block (2).

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the power transmission mechanism further comprises a first mounting shaft (510), a second mounting shaft (520), and a third mounting shaft (530). The first mounting shaft (510) extends along the height direction (Z) of the box body (11), and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover (12) of the box body (11), respectively. The second mounting shaft (520) extends along the height direction (Z) of the box body (11), and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover (12) of the box body (11), respectively. The third mounting shaft (530) extends along the height direction (Z) of the box body (11), and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover (12) of the box body (11), respectively. The second helical gear (53) and the first spur gear (54) are fixedly mounted on the first mounting shaft (510), the second spur gear (55) and the third spur gear (56) are fixedly mounted on the second mounting shaft (520), and the fourth spur gear (57) and the fifth spur gear (58) are fixedly mounted on the third mounting shaft (530). The output shaft (51) of the motor (50) extends along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11) so that the output shaft (51) of the motor (50) is perpendicular to the first mounting shaft (510).

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable block (2) comprises a longitudinal portion (21) and a transverse portion (22). The longitudinal portion (21) extends along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11). The transverse portion (22) extends along the transverse direction (X) of the box body (11) and is connected vertically to the front end of the longitudinal portion (21). A rack (59) is formed or fixed to the longitudinal portion (21) of the movable block (2), and a mounting hole (20) is formed in the transverse portion (22) of the movable block (2).

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the electronic lock also includes a pair of connection terminals (500). The pair of connection terminals (500) are fixed to the inner side of the lowest wall of the box body (11) and are electrically connected to a motor (50), and are used to electrically connect the motor (50) to a power source.

[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the box body (11) is injection molded onto a pair of detection terminals (4) and a pair of connection terminals (500) so that the box body (11), the pair of detection terminals (4), and the pair of connection terminals (500) become an integral piece.

[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the box body (11) has front and rear side walls facing each other in its longitudinal direction (Y). A matching portion (112) is formed on the outer side of the rear side wall of the box body (11), and the matching portion (112) has an insertion cavity (110) suitable for matching with a connector. The detection terminal (4) has a first pin (43) for electrical connection to a detection circuit, and the connection terminal (500) has a second pin (501) for electrical connection to a power source. The first pin (43) and the second pin (501) extend into the insertion cavity (110) of the matching portion (112) for electrical connection with a connector inserted into the insertion cavity (110).

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the box body (11) has front and rear side walls facing each other in its longitudinal direction (Y). A locking pin (14) penetrates the front side wall of the box body (11), and an installation recess (115) is formed on the outer side of the front side wall of the box body (11). The electronic locking device also includes a sealing ring (15) received in the installation recess (115), the sealing ring (15) is fitted onto the locking pin (14) and compressed radially between the inner wall surface of the installation recess (115) and the locking pin (14) to achieve a seal between the locking pin (14) and the box body (11).

[0060] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, a horizontal hole (201) is formed on the front end surface of the movable block (2), and a vertical hole (202) connected to the horizontal hole (201) is formed on the upper surface of the movable block (2). An insertion hole (141) corresponding to the vertical hole (202) is formed on the rear end of the locking pin (14), and the rear end of the locking pin (14) is inserted into the horizontal hole (201). The electronic lock also includes a pin (203) that is inserted into the vertical hole (202) and the insertion hole (141) to secure the locking pin (14) to the movable block (2).

[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15, in the illustrated embodiment, a connecting ear (13) is formed in the box body (11) and / or the top cover (12), and a connecting hole is formed in the connecting ear (13) so that a screw-type fastener (not shown) can pass through, so that the electronic lock can be secured to the charging dock through the screw-type fastener.

[0062] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 15, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a charging dock (not shown) is also disclosed. The charging dock comprises a housing (not shown), a charging terminal (not shown), and an electronic lock. The charging terminal is set in the housing to align with a matching terminal (not shown) of a charging gun (not shown) inserted into the housing. The electronic lock is fixed to the housing. When the locking pin (14) is moved to a locking position, the locking pin (14) is configured to engage with a pin hole of the charging gun to lock the charging gun to the charging dock. When the locking pin (14) is moved to an unlocking position, the locking pin (14) is separated from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be removed from the charging dock.

[0063] The locking and unlocking processes of the above electronic locking device will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0064] After the charging gun is coupled with the charging dock, the driving device (5) drives the moving block (2) and the locking pin (14) to move from the unlocked position shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 to the locked position shown in FIGS. 7 to 9. At this time, the locking pin (14) is extended and engages with the pin hole of the charging gun to lock the charging gun to the charging dock;

[0065] When the detection circuit detects that the charging gun is coupled with the charging dock and the locking pin (14) has moved to the locking position, the control circuit controls the power supply to the charging gun and the charging dock to charge the rechargeable battery;

[0066] After charging is completed and the power is cut off, the driving device (5) drives the moving block (2) and the locking pin (14) to move from the locked position shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 to the unlocked position shown in FIGS. 12 to 14. At this time, the locking pin (14) retracts and separates from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be removed from the charging dock.

[0067] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not intended to be limited. For example, numerous modifications to the above embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art, and the various features described in the various embodiments may be freely combined with one another without conflict in configuration or principle.

[0068] Although several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various changes or modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0069] As used herein, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated, elements cited in the singular and preceded by the singular form should be understood not to exclude multiple forms of said elements or steps. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the cited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments that “include” or “have” elements or multiple elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have such characteristic.

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic locking device comprising: a box body (11); a movable block (2) installed in a movable manner on the box body (11); a locking pin (14) fixed to the movable block (2) and extending from the box body (11), and capable of moving between a locking position and an unlocking position together with the movable block (2); a driving device (5) installed on the box body (11) to drive the movable block (2) and the locking pin (14) to move between the locking position and the unlocking position; a pair of detection terminals (4) fixed to the inner side of the box body (11); and a conductive member (3) installed on the movable block (2) so as to be able to move together with the movable block (2), wherein when the movable block (2) is moved to the locking position, the conductive member (3) is moved to a bridging position in which it makes electrical contact with the pair of detection terminals (4) and electrically connects the pair of detection terminals (4). Claim 2 An electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein when the lock pin (14) is moved to the lock position, the lock pin (14) is configured to engage with the pin hole of the charging gun to lock the charging gun to the charging dock; and when the lock pin (14) is moved to the unlock position, the lock pin (14) is disengaged from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be removed from the charging dock. Claim 3 An electronic locking device according to claim 1, wherein when the moving block (2) is moved to the locking position, the conductive member (3) is moved to the bridging position; and when the moving block (2) is not moved to the locking position, the conductive member (3) does not come into contact with at least one of the pair of detection terminals (4), so that the pair of detection terminals (4) are electrically separated. Claim 4 An electronic lock according to claim 1, wherein a mounting hole (20) is formed in the movable block (2), and the conductive member (3) is a lower ball (32) that is rollably installed in the mounting hole (20), and a portion of the lower ball (32) is exposed from the lower opening of the mounting hole (20) for electrical contact with the pair of detection terminals (4). Claim 5 An electronic locking device according to claim 4, comprising: an upper ball (31) that is slidably installed in the mounting hole (20) of the movable block (2); and further comprising an elastic member (33) that is positioned in the mounting hole (20) and compressed between the upper ball (31) and the lower ball (32) and applies contact pressure to the lower ball (32), wherein the upper ball (31) and the lower ball (32) move together with the movable block (2) and rotate on their own in the mounting hole (20). Claim 6 An electronic locking device according to claim 5, wherein when the moving block (2) is moved to the locking position, the lower ball (32) is moved to the bridging position; and when the moving block (2) is not moved to the locking position, the lower ball (32) does not come into contact with at least one of the pair of detection terminals (4), so that the pair of detection terminals (4) are electrically separated. Claim 7 In claim 6, the box body (11) has a bottom wall and a top opening facing the bottom wall, the pair of detection terminals (4) are fixed to the inner side of the bottom wall of the box body (11), and a track groove (101) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11) is formed on the inner side of the bottom wall of the box body (11); and when the moving block (2) moves between the lock position and the unlock position, the lower ball (32) rolls along the track groove (101), an electronic locking device. Claim 8 In claim 7, the detection terminal (4) has a contact end (41) for electrical contact with the lower ball (32), and the contact ends (41) of the pair of detection terminals (4) are each located on both sides of the track groove (101); and when the lower ball (32) is moved to the bridging position, the lower ball (32) simultaneously makes electrical contact with the contact ends (41) of the pair of detection terminals (4), an electronic locking device. Claim 9 An electronic lock according to claim 8, wherein the distance between the contact ends (41) of the pair of detection terminals (4) is smaller than the diameter of the lower ball (32) so that the lower ball (32) can make electrical contact with the contact ends (41) of the pair of detection terminals (4) at the same time; and the detection terminal (4) also has an extension part (42) connected to the contact end (41), and the distance between the extension parts (42) of the pair of detection terminals (4) is larger than the diameter of the lower ball (32) so that the lower ball (32) cannot make electrical contact with the extension parts (42) of the pair of detection terminals (4) at the same time. Claim 10 An electronic locking device according to claim 7, further comprising a top cover (12) installed in the top opening of the box body (11), a rib plate (121) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11) is formed on the inner side of the top cover (12), a groove (23) cooperating with the rib plate (121) is formed on the upper surface of the movable block (2), the groove (23) penetrates the upper opening of the mounting hole (20), the upper ball (31) is at least partially located in the upper opening of the mounting hole (20), and the rib plate (121) is seated on the upper ball (31). Claim 11 An electronic locking device according to claim 7, wherein a sliding groove (211) is formed on the lower surface of the moving block (2), and a sliding rail (111) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11) is formed on the inner side of the lowest wall of the box body (11), and the sliding rail (111) cooperates with the sliding groove (211) to guide the moving block (2) to move between the locking position and the unlocking position along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11). Claim 12 An electronic locking device according to claim 1, wherein the box body (11) is injection molded onto the pair of detection terminals (4) so ​​that the box body (11) and the pair of detection terminals (4) become an integral piece. Claim 13 In claim 1, the driving device (5) is: Motor (50); and An electronic locking device comprising a power transmission mechanism connected between the output shaft (51) of the motor (50) and the movable block (2), wherein the power transmission mechanism is used to convert the rotational motion of the output shaft (51) of the motor (50) into the linear motion of the movable block (2) along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the box body (11). Claim 14 In claim 13, the power transmission mechanism is an electronic locking device that is a gear power transmission mechanism. Claim 15 In Clause 14, the power transmission mechanism is: A first helical gear (52) installed on the output shaft (51) of the motor (50); A second helical gear (53) that meshes with the first helical gear (52); A first spur gear (54) connected coaxially to the second helical gear (53); A second spur gear (55) that meshes with the first spur gear (54) above; A third spur gear (56) connected coaxially to the second spur gear (55); A fourth spur gear (57) that meshes with the third spur gear (56) above; A fifth spur gear (58) connected coaxially to the fourth spur gear (57); and An electronic locking device comprising a rack (59) that meshes with the fifth spur gear (58), wherein the rack (59) is formed directly on the movable block (2) or fixed to the movable block (2). Claim 16 In claim 15, the power transmission mechanism is: First installation shaft (510) — The first installation shaft (510) extends along the height direction (Z) of the box body (11), and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover (12) of the box body (11), respectively —; A second installation shaft (520) — the second installation shaft (520) extends along the height direction (Z) of the box body (11) and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover (12) of the box body (11), respectively —; and It further includes a third installation shaft (530) — the third installation shaft (530) extends along the height direction (Z) of the box body (11) and its upper and lower ends are rotatably installed on the lowest wall and the top cover (12) of the box body (11), respectively — and the second helical gear (53) and the first spur gear (54) are fixedly mounted on the first installation shaft (510), the second spur gear (55) and the third spur gear (56) are fixedly mounted on the second installation shaft (520), the fourth spur gear (57) and the fifth spur gear (58) are fixedly mounted on the third installation shaft (530), and the output shaft (51) of the motor (50) extends along the length direction (Y) of the box body (11), so that the output shaft (51) of the motor (50) is the first installation An electronic locking device that is perpendicular to the shaft (510). Claim 17 In claim 15, the moving block (2) is: A longitudinal portion (21) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the above box body (11); and An electronic locking device comprising a transverse portion (22) that extends along the transverse direction (X) of the box body (11) and is vertically connected to the front end of the longitudinal portion (21), wherein the rack (59) is formed or fixed to the longitudinal portion (21) of the movable block (2), and the mounting hole (20) is formed in the transverse portion (22) of the movable block (2). Claim 18 In claim 13: an electronic locking device further comprising a pair of connection terminals (500) for connecting the motor (50) to a power source, which are fixed to the inner side of the lowest wall of the box body (11) and electrically connected to the motor (50). Claim 19 An electronic locking device according to claim 18, wherein the box body (11) is injection molded onto the pair of detection terminals (4) and the pair of connection terminals (500) so that the box body (11), the pair of detection terminals (4), and the pair of connection terminals (500) become an integral piece. Claim 20 In claim 18, the box body (11) has front and rear side walls facing each other in its longitudinal direction (Y), a matching portion (112) is formed on the outer side of the rear side wall of the box body (11), and the matching portion (112) has an insertion cavity (110) suitable for matching with a connector; the detection terminal (4) has a first pin (43) for electrical connection to a detection circuit, and the connection terminal (500) has a second pin (501) for electrical connection to the power source, and the first pin (43) and the second pin (501) extend into the insertion cavity (110) of the matching portion (112) for electrical connection with the connector inserted into the insertion cavity (110), an electronic locking device. Claim 21 In claim 1, the box body (11) has front and rear side walls facing each other in its longitudinal direction (Y), the locking pin (14) penetrates the front side wall of the box body (11), and an installation recess (115) is formed on the outer side of the front side wall of the box body (11); the electronic lock further comprises a sealing ring (15) received in the installation recess (115), the sealing ring (15) is fitted onto the locking pin (14) and compressed radially between the inner wall surface of the installation recess (115) and the locking pin (14) to achieve a seal between the locking pin (14) and the box body (11). Claim 22 In claim 1, a horizontal hole (201) is formed on the front end surface of the movable block (2), and a vertical hole (202) connected to the horizontal hole (201) is formed on the upper surface of the movable block (2); an insertion hole (141) corresponding to the vertical hole (202) is formed on the rear end of the locking pin (14), and the rear end of the locking pin (14) is inserted into the horizontal hole (201); the electronic lock further comprises a pin (203) inserted into the vertical hole (202) and the insertion hole (141) to fix the locking pin (14) to the movable block (2). Claim 23 An electronic lock according to claim 11, wherein a connecting ear (13) is formed in the box body (11) and / or the top cover (12), and a connecting hole is formed in the connecting ear (13) so that a threaded fastener can pass through, thereby allowing the electronic lock to be secured to the charging dock through the threaded fastener. Claim 24 A charging dock comprising: a housing; a charging terminal set in the housing to be aligned with a matching terminal of a charging gun inserted into the housing; and an electronic lock according to any one of claims 1 to 23, fixed to the housing, wherein when the locking pin (14) is moved to the locking position, the locking pin (14) is configured to engage with a pin hole of the charging gun to lock the charging gun to the charging dock; and when the locking pin (14) is moved to the unlocking position, the locking pin (14) is disengaged from the pin hole of the charging gun to allow the charging gun to be removed from the charging dock.

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