Charging Connector Locking Apparatus for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charging connector systems for vehicles lack a reliable locking mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection during charging, which can lead to sparks and fires due to unintended release of the plug connector from the inlet connector.
Innovation Solution
A charging connector locking apparatus is introduced, featuring a coupling latch supported by a resilient member, a fixing rod, and a driving source that locks the plug latch in place after coupling, preventing arbitrary removal during charging. The apparatus includes an adapter bracket for mounting to a vehicle panel and a driving source housing to enhance power transmission efficiency and waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking apparatus is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever is nested within the inlet connector housing, and the coupling latch is integrated into the plug connector. The fixing rod passes through the adapter bracket and mounting plate to engage the coupling latch. This nested arrangement allows multiple locking components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling latch acts as an intermediary component between the plug connector and inlet connector. It mediates the locking action by engaging with the fixing rod, which is actuated by the locking lever. This intermediary mechanism translates the simple locking lever operation into a secure multi-point locked state, improving reliability without requiring direct complex interaction between all components.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to prevent arbitrary release, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling latch is pre-configured in the plug connector to automatically engage with the fixing rod when the connector is inserted. The resilient member pre-loads the coupling latch into a ready-to-lock position. This preliminary action ensures that locking occurs automatically upon connection, eliminating the need for separate locking操作步骤 and maintaining ease of operation while achieving reliable anti-disconnection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through the interaction between the locking lever, fixing rod, and coupling latch. When the locking lever is actuated, it automatically moves the fixing rod to engage the coupling latch, which in turn secures the plug connector to the inlet connector. The resilient member provides automatic reset capability. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex control systems while maintaining reliable locking and easy operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents accidental disconnection of the plug connector, ensuring safe charging by maintaining the coupled state, improving operation characteristics, and allowing for common use of the inlet connector across different vehicle types while minimizing the overall size and power requirements of the locking apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling latch (20) installed in an inlet housing (11) to be supported by a resilient member (24') so as to be rotatable by a predetermined angle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a charging connector locking apparatus. The apparatus includes a coupling latch installed in an inlet housing of the inlet connector to be supported by a resilient member so as to be rotatable by a predetermined angle, and having an interlocking curved surface by which a tip end of the plug latch is guided; a fixing rod moved to be positioned at a side of the coupling latch facing the plug latch to prevent movement of the plug latch in a release direction; and a driving source for providing driving power for movement of the fixing rod.