Electrical Connector Fitting Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for vehicles cannot reliably detect a complete fitting state between the power receiving connector and the connector fitting portion, leading to potential battery charging in a half-fitting state, which compromises safety.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a fitting detecting mechanism that includes a lock mechanism and a fitting detecting mechanism, utilizing a lock release unit with a latch portion and a lock release unit, to ensure complete fitting before allowing battery charging, preventing charging in a half-fitting state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slide portion is provided between the connector fitting portion and the handle portion to allow sliding movement, then the connector can accommodate expansion/contraction during assembly, but the power feeding terminal may move to a fitting side even when not completely fitted, leading to unsafe charging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the locking function into two independent segments: a lock mechanism that prevents separation and a fitting detecting mechanism that verifies complete fitting. The lock mechanism includes a lock arm with a lock claw, while the fitting detecting mechanism includes a latch arm with a latch claw positioned nearer to the power receiving connector. This segmentation allows the system to independently handle the contradiction by having the lock mechanism provide operational ease while the fitting detecting mechanism ensures reliability through separate verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a fitting detecting mechanism as an intermediary between the lock mechanism and the charging enablement system. This intermediary component (latch arm with latch claw) specifically detects whether the connector fitting portion is completely fitted to the power receiving connector, and only when this detection is positive does it allow the charging system to become active. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by adding a verification layer without compromising the ease of operation provided by the lock mechanism.
2Reliability
If the latch claw is positioned to detect fitting state, then complete fitting can be verified, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fitting detecting mechanism with the existing lock mechanism structure. Both the lock arm and latch arm share common components such as the connector case, pivot points, and biasing springs. The latch arm is integrated alongside the lock arm, and both arms interact with the same power receiving connector housing. This merging approach allows the system to achieve reliable fitting state detection while minimizing the increase in structural complexity by reusing existing structural elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lock mechanism prevents separation, then connection stability is improved, but the operating portion cannot be released until fitting is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by requiring the connector to be completely fitted and detected by the latch claw before the operating portion becomes operatable. The fitting detecting mechanism performs its verification function in advance, and only after successful detection does the system transition to a state where the lock release operation can be performed. This preliminary verification ensures connection stability while maintaining operational clarity, as the user knows the connector must be fully inserted before release is possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic interlocking between the lock mechanism and fitting detecting mechanism. The operating portion is mechanically linked to both the lock arm and latch arm through the common pivot structure. As the connector is inserted, the latch claw engages with a detection protrusion on the power receiving connector, which dynamically changes the state of the operating portion from locked to releasable. This dynamic coupling ensures that the operating portion becomes operatable only when complete fitting is achieved, balancing stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A latching of a latch piece (133) to a latch portion (143B)of a lock release unit (140) is released with a latch claw (132) being retracted in a connector fitting portion (111) by swing of a latch arm (131). A latching of an auxiliary latch piece (127) to the latch portion (143B) is released with a lock claw (122) being retracted in the connector fitting portion (111) by swing of a lock arm (121) and an auxiliary arm (126).