Electrical Connector Latch Mechanism for Half-Fitting Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors for vehicle batteries 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 and stability.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a fitting detecting mechanism that includes a latch arm and latch claw, a lock mechanism with a lock arm and lock claw, and a lock-release unit, which allows for the detection of a complete fitting state by controlling the protrusion of an operating portion, preventing battery charging in a half-fitting state and enhancing safety and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a slide portion is provided between the connector fitting portion and handle portion to allow sliding movement, then the connector can accommodate expansion/contraction during operation, but the fitting state cannot be reliably detected and battery charging may occur in a half-fitting state
Solution Approach 1:
A latch claw is introduced as an intermediary detection element that extends from the connector fitting portion toward the power receiving connector. This latch claw serves as a mediator to detect whether complete fitting has occurred, independent of the slide portion's contraction state. The latch claw has a tip that can contact the power receiving connector, providing a reliable detection mechanism that is not affected by the slide portion's movement for accommodating expansion/contraction.
2Reliability
If the latch claw tip contacts the power receiving connector to detect fitting state, then complete fitting can be reliably detected, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch claw serves multiple functions: it acts as a detection element to determine fitting state, provides a reference for the operating portion's protrusion control, and works in conjunction with the slide portion system. By making the latch claw multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate complex detection mechanisms, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving reliable fitting state detection.
3Reliability
If the operating portion is always protruded when fitting state is complete, then detection is reliable, but continuous pressing is required maintaining poor operability
Solution Approach 1:
The operating portion's state is made dynamic rather than static. It protrudes when the latch claw tip contacts the power receiving connector (indicating complete fitting) and retracts when the latch claw tip does not contact (incomplete fitting). This dynamic behavior automatically reflects the fitting state without requiring continuous user intervention or pressing, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock release unit's operating portion automatically changes its protrusion state based on the fitting detection mechanism's status. The system serves itself by using the latch claw's position to control the operating portion's visibility and accessibility, eliminating the need for continuous user pressing or manual verification of the fitting state.
4Reliability
If the latch claw is provided on the nearer side than the lock claw in fitting direction, then the latching is released in sequence improving safety, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a lock claw for primary mechanical interlocking and a latch claw for fitting state detection and secondary latching. The latch claw is positioned on the nearer side (in the fitting direction) to create a staged release sequence. This segmentation allows independent control of detection and locking functions, achieving enhanced safety through sequential operation while maintaining clear functional separation that simplifies understanding and maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an electrical connector (100), a latch claw (132) is provided at a nearer side than a lock claw (122) in a fitting direction (FD) of a connector fitting portion (111) to a power receiving connector (10). While the latch claw (132) is retracted into the connector fitting portion (111), the latch arm (131) swings to release the latching between a latch piece (133) and a second latch groove portion (143B). The latch arm (131) includes a protrusion 131A that releases the latching between the second latch groove portion (143B) and a hold latch piece (162) of the lock-release hold portion (160) when the second latch groove portion (143B) and the latch piece (133) latch together.