WO2023192024A1

WO2023192024A1 - Shutter device, assembly and method for electrical charge port

Info

Publication number: WO2023192024A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/015229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sebastian Richter; Markus Bihrer; Bernd Hagmann
Original assignee: Itt Cannon Gmbh; Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Llc
Priority date: 2022-04-01
Filing date: 2023-03-14
Publication date: 2023-10-05

Abstract

Technologies are generally described for a device that includes shutters that are positioned to block access to an electrical socket of an EV to protect it from damage. When an electrical plug is inserted into an aperture of the shutter device, contact is made with a set of bosses that initiate release of a lock mechanism. Once the lock mechanism is released, a slider member that is in contact with the electrical plug is urged downward against a spring, which results in a rotationally synchronized translated motion of shutter arms that retract behind the cover and expose the electrical socket for access to receive the plug. Upon withdrawal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket, the spring urges the slider mechanism upwards, which results in a rotationally synchronized translated motion of the shutter arms to automatically return the shutters to the closed position once the electrical plug is removed.

Description

SHUTTER DEVICE, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

FOR ELECTRICAL CHARGE PORT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/326,575 filed on April 1, 2022. The disclosures of the above application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted as prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] An electric road vehicle (EV) can be charged by passing a current from an external power source through a connector that is attached to the EV body. EVs can be charged by various means including portable power connections, as well as dedicated charging stations. The main four ways (or modes) to charge an EV are defined in the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) Standard 61851-1.

[0004] Under the IEC Standard, Mode 1 is typically used for charging smaller vehicles such as electric bikes and scooters, while Modes 2-4 are used for larger EVs such as electric cars. In Mode 1, which has a limit of 250V/480V (l-phase/3 -phase) and 16A, a conventional power socket is used to deliver AC power to the EV battery without any specific safety system. In Mode 2, which has a limit of 250V/480V (l-phase/3 -phase) and 32A, AC power from the power socket is delivered to the EV through an inline control box that includes a safety system. In Mode 3, which has a limit of 250V/480V (l-phase/3 -phase) and 32A, AC power from the power socket is delivered to the EV from a charging station that includes the control box and the safety system. In Mode 4, which has a limit of 400V and 200 A, DC power is delivered from the charging station to the EV.

[0005] The power charger connection to the EV is a temporary one. Thus, the power receiving connector is designed to be both connected and disconnected many times. The external power source often includes a long power cable with a connector plug that is inserted into a mating connector of the EV. Since large currents are often delivered to the EV from the external power source, a firm and consistent connection is preferred at the coupling connectors between the external power source and the EV. When a loose or intermittent connection is observed at the coupling connectors, EV charging is inefficient, and the large currents may lead to damage to one or more of the coupling connectors or the cables.

[0006] The disclosure made herein is presented with respect to these and other technical challenges.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure generally describes devices and assemblies that include shutters that are positioned to block access to an electrical socket of an EV to protect it from damage. When an electrical plug is inserted into an aperture of the shutter device, contact is made with a set of bosses to initiate release of a lock mechanism. Once the lock mechanism is released, a slider member that is in contact with the electrical plug is urged downward against a spring, which results in a rotationally synchronized translated motion of shutter arms that retract behind the cover and expose the electrical socket for access to receive the plug. Upon withdrawal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket, the spring urges the slider mechanism upwards, which results in a rotationally synchronized translated motion of the shutter arms to automatically return the shutters to the closed position once the electrical plug is removed.

[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top down view of a first example shutter device in both a closed position and an open position;

FIG. 2A illustrates a first set of views of a plug device engaged and disengaged from an electrical socket with a second example shutter device;

FIG. 2B illustrates a second set of views of a plug device engaged and disengaged from an electrical socket with the second example shutter device;

FIG. 3A illustrates an assembly view of a third example shutter device from a front view perspective;

FIG. 3B illustrates an assembly view of the third example shutter device from a rear view perspective;

FIG. 3C illustrates an assembly view of a fourth example shutter device from a front view perspective;

FIG 4 illustrates a set of top down views of the shutter assembly in both closed and open positions, with different views of the slider and gear mechanisms without the front cover;

FIG 5 illustrates front, back and side views of a front cover to an example shutter assembly; and

FIG. 6 illustrates front, back and side views of example sliders for an example shutter assembly; all arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. The aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0011] This disclosure is generally drawn, inter alia, to methods, apparatus, systems and/or devices associated with shutter mechanisms for a charger socket of an Electric Vehicle (EV).

[0012] Briefly stated, technologies are generally described for a device that includes shutters that are positioned to block access to an electrical socket of an EV to protect it from damage. When an electrical plug is inserted into an aperture of the shutter device, contact is made with a set of bosses that initiate release of a lock mechanism. Once the lock mechanism is released, a slider member that is in contact with the electrical plug is urged downward against a spring, which results in a rotationally synchronized translated motion of shutter arms that retract behind the cover and expose the electrical socket for access to receive the plug. Upon withdrawal of the electrical plug from the electrical socket, the spring urges the slider mechanism upwards, which results in a rotationally synchronized translated motion of the shutter arms to automatically return the shutters to the closed position once the electrical plug is removed.

[0013] A charge port of an EV is typically mounted to the side of a vehicle for ease of access. The charge port includes an electric socket with a set of electrical connection terminals that are operated under high voltage and current conditions. It is important to protect the electrical connection terminals from contamination by environmental conditions such as water, snow, ice, dirt, dust and other environmentally derived foreign objects that may be encountered by the EV. Additionally, the electrical socket in the charge port should be protected from inadvertent contact by people or tampering from fingers, tools, wires, metal, and other items. It is thus desirable to block and cover the electrical connection terminals of the electrical socket in the charge port to protect the electrical connection terminals from damage.

[0014] The presently disclosed techniques propose novel shutter mechanisms and devices to protect the electrical socket in the EV from external damage. The described shutter mechanisms and devices may be mounted to a conventional IEC compliant socket in the EV to provide an economical protection solution.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates top down views of a first example shutter device 100 arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. Two views are illustrated, one view of the shutter device 100 configured in a closed position 101, and one view of the shutter device 100 configured in an open position 102. The shutter device 100 includes a front cover 110, a slider with an end 121, a first shutter arm with a first boss 131 and a first shutter portion 132, a second shutter arm with a second boss 141 and a second shutter portion 142, and an aperture 111. The shutter device 100 is shown as affixed to an electrical socket 190, where the shutter arms and the slider are located behind the front cover 110. The linear movement of the slider is synchronized with the rotational motion of the first and second shutter arms as will be further described herein.

[0016] In the closed position 101, the shutter device is configured such that: the end 121 of the slider is urged to a central location (e.g., a central lower portion) of the front cover 110 about the aperture, the first boss 131 engages the front cover 110 about a first location (e.g., a right upper portion) of the aperture 111, and the second boss 141 engages the front cover 110 about a second location (e.g., a left upper portion) of the aperture 111. While these first and second bosses 131, 141 are engaged with front cover 110, the first shutter portion 132 and the second shutter portion 142 are positioned to block and protect at least a portion of the electrical terminals of the electrical socket 190.

[0017] In the open position 102, the slider is linearly retracted behind the cover, the first boss 131 is disengaged from the front cover 110 and the first shutter arm with the first shutter portion 132 are rotationally retracted behind the cover (not shown) by synchronized motion of the slider, and the second boss 141 is disengaged from the front cover 110 and the second arm with the second shutter portion 132 is rotationally retracted behind the cover (not shown) by synchronized motion of the slider. With the first shutter portion 132 and the second shutter portion 142 retracted behind the front cover 110, the electrical connection terminals of the electrical socket are exposed for access. The synchronized operation of the slider and the shutters will be explained in detail further below.

[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates a first set of views of a plug device engaged and disengaged from an electrical socket with a second example shutter device 200, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. As illustrated, plug device 210 includes an electrical cable 220 and an end 211 that is configured to be engaged with an electrical socket 190, which includes the second example shutter device 200.

[0019] In one example view, the end 211 of the plug device 210 is disengaged from the electrical socket 190 and the shutter device 200 is configured in a disengaged or closed position 201. In the disengaged position 201, the end of the slider is urged upwards towards the aperture and the shutters are rotationally biased into the closed position by the synchronized motion of the slider, where the shutters block and protect at least a portion of the electrical connection terminals of the electrical socket 190 (e.g., see FIG. 1).

[0020] In another example view, the end 211 of the plug device 210 is engaged with the electrical socket 190 and the shutter device 200 is configured in an engaged or open position

202. In the engaged position 202, the end of the slider is urged downwards behind the front cover and the shutters are rotationally retracted inside the cover by the synchronized motion of the slider, where the electrical connection terminals of the electrical socket 190 are exposed for access (e.g., see FIG. 1), and power can be delivered through the cable 220 to the electrical socket 190.

[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates a second set of views of a plug device engaged and disengaged from an electrical socket with a second example shutter device 200, in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. FIG. 2B is substantially similar to FIG. 2A, with like components labeled identically. However, in FIG. 2B, the cover of the shutter device 200 is removed from the drawing to expose the positions of the internal components. The details of the internal components of the shutter devices will be further explained below.

[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates an assembly view of a third example shutter device 300 from a front view perspective, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. As illustrated, example shutter device 300 includes a front cover 110, a slider 120, a first shutter arm 130, a second shutter arm 140, a first spring 150, a second spring 160, a back cover 170, and a set of fasteners 180.

[0023] Front cover 110 and the back cover 170 both include an aperture 111, 171 with a dimension and shape to match the electrical socket 190. The back cover 170 may be affixed to the electrical socket 190 by fasteners 180 (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), which couple the back cover 170 to the front cover 110 (e.g., via through holes). The slider 120, first shutter arm 130, second shutter arm 140, first spring 150, and second spring 160 are located in a housing formed by the coupling of the front cover 110 and the back cover 170.

[0024] In some examples, the back cover 170 may be integrated together with the electrical socket 190. The back cover 170 may also include a set of bosses 172 to engage, align, and interface with other components (e g., front cover 110, slider 120, shutter arms 130-140, springs 150-160, etc.) when the assembly is completed. The design of the individual bosses 172 may be varied in shapes and sizes (e.g., round, pin shaped, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, cross-shaped, star-shaped, curved, arced, etc.). In one example, triangular shaped bosses may be employed to secure the position of the springs 1 0-160 along the edge of the shutter device 100, and also to act as an end stop for the shutter arms 130-140 when moved to the open position. In another example, arc or curve shaped bosses may be positioned around the aperture 171 of the back cover 170 to define slot regions 173 to accept and guide portions of the shutter arms and to act as an end stop when the shutter arms are moved to the closed position. The shapes of the bosses 172 on the back cover 170 will become more apparent from the description found further below.

[0025] Slider 120 is located in located in the housing below the aperture. The slider 120 has a bottom portion 124 that extends along a first direction (e.g., x) between ends 122, and a guide portion 123 extends along a second direction (e g., y) from the bottom portion to another end 121. The guide portion 123 and the bottom portion 124 are orthogonal with respect to one another, with the guide portion 123 being centrally located about the body of the slider 120. The guide portion of the slider 120 is shaped to slidably fit within a slot on the backside of the front cover 110 (not shown) so that motion of the slider is restricted to the second direction, with an end stop (not shown) to limit the motion of the slider within the shutter device 100. Each end 122 of the slider 120 includes a respective boss that is shaped (e.g., round, pin shaped, oval, rectangular, etc.) to engage with a portion of one of the shutter arms 130-140, as will become apparent further below.

[0026] The first shutter arm 130 is located on a first side in the housing. The first shutter arm 130 includes a first curved or arced portion that follows along the aperture 111 on the first side (e.g., a right side with respect to the first direction) of the housing. The first shutter arm 130 also includes a first boss 131 located at a first end of the first curved portion (e.g., a top end with respect to the second direction), and a first shutter portion 132 at a central location of the first curved portion, and a first guide hole 133 located at a second end of the first curved portion (e.g., a bottom end with respect to the second direction). The first shutter arm 130 also includes a second boss 134 located by a lower surface about the first guide hole 133, and first gear teeth 135 teeth located in a central region of the housing below the aperture and oriented along the second direction about the lower surface. The first shutter arm 130 also includes a third boss 136 located about an end of the first shutter portion 132, which serves as an end stop for movement of the first shutter portion 132 into the closed position. A first fastener 180 is guided through the first guide hole 133 and thus is configured to align and secure the first shutter arm 130, and to serve as a first pivot point on the second side of the housing (opposite the first side) for rotational movement of the first shutter arm 134 about the guide hole 133 in the assembly.

[0027] The second shutter arm 140 is located on a second side in the housing. The second shutter arm 130 includes a second curved or arced portion that follows along the aperture 111 on the second side (e.g., a left side with respect to the first direction). The second shutter arm 140 includes a second boss 141 located at a first end of the second curved portion (e.g., a top end with respect to the second direction), a second shutter portion 142 at a central location of the second curved portion, and a second guide hole 143 located at a second end of the second curved portion (e.g., a bottom end with respect to the second direction). The second shutter arm 140 also includes a second boss 144 located by a lower surface about the second guide hole 143, and second gear teeth 145 oriented along the second direction about the lower surface. The second shutter arm 140 also includes a third boss 146 located about an end of the shutter portion 142, which serves as an end stop for movement of the shutter portion 142 into the closed position. A second fastener 180 is guided through the mounting hole 143 and thus is configured to align and secure the second shutter arm 140, and to serve as a pivot point on the first side of the housing for rotational movement of the second shutter arm 140 about the guide hole 143 in the assembly.

[0028] The first boss 131 is configured to interface a first portion of the front cover 110 and/or the back cover 170 about their apertures 111, 171 when the first shutter arm 130 is in the closed position. Similarly, the second boss 141 is configured to interface a second portion of the front cover 110 and/or the back cover 170 about their apertures 111, 171 when the second shutter arm 130 is in the closed position. By this configuration, the first boss 131 of the first shutter arm 130 is frictionally engaged to deter inadvertent movement of the first shutter arm 130 in the closed position, while the first boss 141 of the second shutter arm 140 is frictionally engaged to deter inadvertent movement of the second shutter arm 140 in the closed position. However, both shutter arms 130 and 140 can be urged out of frictional engagement to the open position by insertion of a plug device, and thus the frictional engagement by bosses 131 and 141 serves as releasable lock mechanism for the shutter device 100. In some examples, the frictional engagement may be facilitated by a ridge or flanged portion to engage an edge of one of the apertures 111, 171.

[0029] The second boss 134 of the first shutter arm 130 and the second boss 144 of the second shutter arm 140 are configured to engage with a respective one of the bosses at the ends 122 of the slider 120. The gear teeth 135, 145 of the first and second shutter arms 130, 140 are in a meshed arrangement to ensure synchronized rotational movement of the shutter arms 130, 140 about their respective pivot points during opening and closing operations. Movement of the slider 120 downwards along the second direction (e.g., y) results in an applied force to the first and second shutter arms 130, 140 as a result of contact between the bosses 134, 144 and the corresponding bosses at the ends 122 of the slider 120. The springs 150, 160 are configured to apply a force to bias the slider 120 in the second direction (e.g., upwards along y) so that the shuttle arms 130, 140 are urged to the closed position when a plug is either retracted or absent from engagement with the shutter device 100.

[0030] FIG. 3B illustrates an assembly view of the third example shutter device 300 from a rear view perspective, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. FIG. 3B is substantially similar to FIG. 3 A, where like components are labeled identically. FIG. 3B does include a rear perspective view of the front cover 110, which further includes fastener engagement portions 112, an alignment slot 113, and bosses 114. Additionally, FIG. 3B illustrates shoulder portions 125 on the slider 120.

[0031] The fastener engagement portions 112 of the front cover 110 are located near corners of the cover 110, and aligned for engagement with the guide holes 133, 143, the back cover 170 and the fasteners 180. The one or more bosses 114 of the front cover 110 are curved to extend along portions of the aperture 111, with a break between the bosses 114 about the alignment slot 113. The shoulder portions 125 of the slider 120 are located on adjacent sides of the centrally located guide portion 123.

[0032] Movement of the slider 120 is restricted to the vertical direction (e.g., a y-axis) by engagement of the guide portion 123 in the alignment slot 113 of the front cover 110. The bosses 114 act as an upper end stop to restrict movement of the slider 120 when contact is made between the shoulder portions 125 and the bosses 114. The bottom of the front cover 110 may also serve as a lower end stop to restrict movement of the slider 120 when contact is made between the bottom portion 124 and the lower portion of the front cover 110. [0033] FIG. 3C illustrates an assembly view of a fourth example shutter device 301 from a front view perspective, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. Shutter device 301 is substantially similar to shutter device 300 with a two slight differences. First, shutter device 301 includes a thin front cover 110 and a recessed cavity back cover 170, which is the opposite arrangement of shutter device 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-B. Second, the slider 120 in has a different design, which will be discussed with respect to FIG. 6.

[0034] FIG 4 illustrates a set of top down views of the shutter assembly 400 in both closed and open positions, with different views of the slider and gear mechanisms without the front cover, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. Like components from FIGS. 3A- 3C are labelled identically.

[0035] View 401 illustrates a closed position of shutter device 400 with the slider visible, while view 402 illustrates a closed position of shutter device 400 with the gear mechanisms visible. In this closed position, no electrical plug end is inserted into the shutter device 400. The springs 150 and 160 are held in position about guide holes 133 and 143 by bosses 172, 134, 144 and the fasteners (not shown) that extend through the guide holes. The spring bias on bosses 134 and 144 urge the ends 122 of the slider 120 upwards towards the aperture 171 so that the end of the slider 120 is located at an interior portion of the aperture 171. The motion of the slider is coupled to the synchronized rotational motion of the shutter arms 130, 140 via the messed gear teeth 135 and 145. The shutter arms 130 and 140 are thus circumferentially positioned about the aperture 171 of the back cover 170, and the shutter portions 132 and 142 are positioned to cover and protect at least a portion of the electrical terminals of the electrical socket 190. Also, the shoulders of the slider 120 and the bosses 136, 146 operate as end stops at the edge of aperture 171. Bosses 131 and 141 are frictionally engaged at the edge of the aperture 171 acting as a releasable lock mechanism for the shutter device 100.

[0036] View 403 illustrates an open position of shutter device 400 with the slider visible, while view 404 illustrates an open position of shutter device 400 with the gear mechanisms visible. In this open position, an electrical plug end (not shown) is inserted into the shutter device 400 to engage in electrical contact with the electrical socket 190. During insertion of the electrical plug (not shown) the frictionally engaged bosses 131 and 141 are released from their lock position and the end of the slider 120 is urged downwards. As the slider 120 is urged downwards by the electrical plug (not shown) to a lower position 120’ clear from the electrical socket 190, the motion of the slider is coupled to the synchronized rotational motion of the shutter arms 130, 140 via the messed gear teeth 135 and 145. The shutter arms 130 and 140 and the shutter portions 132 and 142 are thus synchronously urged into retracted positions 130’, 132’,140’and 142’ to expose the electrical terminals of the electrical socket 190 for engagement with the electrical plug (not shown).

[0037] FIG 5 illustrates front, back and side views of a front cover 500 to an example shutter assembly, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0038] The front view 501 of the front cover 500 includes an aperture 111 with a dimension and shape to match an electrical socket 190. For the example of FIG. 5, the upper portion of the aperture is substantially flat shaped, while the remainder of the aperture is substantially oval, round, arced or curved in shape to match an IEC compliant socket that may be employed in an EV. The side view 502 shows a depth or thickness to the front cover 500 as may be required to accommodate the thickness of various components of the assembly (e g., slider 120, shutter arms 130-140, etc.).

[0039] The back view 503 of the front cover 500 again includes an aperture 111, but also illustrates various features such as: fastener engagement portions 112, alignment slot 113, and bosses 114, 115, and 116. The fastener engagement portions 112 are located near the corners of the front cover 110, and are aligned for engagement with the guide holes 133, 143, the back cover 170 and the fasteners 180 as illustrated in other figures. The bosses 114 of the front cover 110 are substantially curved to extend along the lower portions of the aperture 111, with a break between the bosses 114 about the alignment slot 113. The alignment slot 113 is defined by a pair of parallel bosses 116 that extend along a substantially vertical direction (e.g., y axis) as shown. The distance between the parallel bosses 116 is determined based on the design of the guide portion 123 of the slider 120 discussed in other drawings. The bosses 115 are oriented about the upper left and right corner regions of the aperture 111, where the flat portion of the aperture 111 meets the oval or curved portions of the aperture 111. One boss 115 of the front cover 110 is configured to frictionally engage the first boss 131 of the first shutter arm 130, while another boss 115 of the front cover is configured to engage the first boss 141 of the second shutter arm 140.

[0040] Although the example of FIG. 5 illustrates a thick (or deep) front cover 110 to encapsulate the shutter device, this is not required. The front cover may alternatively be substantially thin or planar in design, with a thick back cover to encapsulate the shutter device (e.g., see FIG. 3C). Additionally, in various embodiments, the back cover may be integrated with the electrical socket.

[00411 FIG. 6 illustrates front, back and side views of example sliders 120 for an example shutter assembly, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein.

[0042] A first slider 120 is illustrated in view 601. As shown by the front and back views, the first slider 120 includes a bottom portion 124 that extends along a first direction (e.g., x) between ends 122, and a guide portion 123 that extends along a second direction (e.g., y) from the bottom portion 124 to an end 121. The guide portion 123 and the bottom portion 124 are orthogonal with respect to one another, with the guide portion 123 being centrally located about the body of the slider 120. The guide portion 123 is shown as substantially rectangular in shape, although other shapes may also be used as long as the guide portion 123 is shaped to slidably fit within a slot on the backside of the front cover 110 (not shown). The end 121 of the guide portion 123 is curved to match the overall shape of the aperture 111 of the front cover 110. The right and left portions of the slider 120 are illustrated as having a generally triangular shape that slopes upwards from the end 122 to the shoulder 125, which contacts the guide portion 123; but other shapes are also contemplated. As shown by the side view, the end 121 of the guide portion 123 may have a chamfered or angled shape along a z-axis direction, which may reduce friction and ease initial engagement of the plug device as the slider 120 is set in motion. Also shown by the side view, each of the ends 122 has a boss that extends outward from the bottom portion 124 of the slider 120 along the z-axis, which aids in alignment and contact with the bosses 131, 141 of the shutter arms 130, 140.

[0043] A second slider 120 is illustrated in view 602. As shown by the front, back, and side views, the second slider 120 is substantially similar in design to the first slider 120 and thus those design features need not be reviewed again. However, the second slider does include a distinct difference in the guide portion 123 that will now be described. Guide portion 123 in the second slider 120 includes a central boss 126 that is biased towards the z-axis as shown by the side view of 602. The central boss 126 acts as another releasable lock mechanism that engages the edge of the aperture 111 of the front cover 110. Thus, when slider 120 is in the closed position, the central boss portion 126 is biased into frictionally engagement with the front cover 110 in a similar manner as the shutter arms 130 and 140. The central boss portion 126 is pressed inward towards the aperture 111 along the z axis by insertion of the plug device, which results in release of the frictional engagement and movement of the slider 120 into the open position.

[0044] The components of the shutter assembly such as the front cover 110, the slider 120, the shutter arms 130 and 140, and the back cover 170, and may be composed of any suitable materials that provide consistent operation while adhering to safety and power requirements for charging EVs. For example, the various components may be comprised of any combination of plastic, polymer, rubber or composite based materials.

[0045] The benefits of the presently disclosed shutter assembly devices are numerous. For example, the shutter assemblies disclosed herein may enable longer life to the electrical socket by preventing damage to the electrical socket that may be otherwise experienced as a consequence of environmental or other inadvertent tampering. In some examples, the disclosed shutter devices may be adapted for use with an existing electrical socket, allowing for a low cost and simple solution to protect an existing EV charger port. Also, the disclosed shutter devices can be served and replaced without requiring replacing the entire electrical socket assembly, which may be costly. In some other examples, a portion of the disclosed shutter devices may be integrated with a new electrical socket, providing further reduced cost and simpler installation.

[0046] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, are possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0047] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. Such depicted architectures are merely examples, and in fact, many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality may be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two components so associated may also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably coupled", to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated may also be viewed as being "operably couplable", to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically connectable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

[0048] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0049] In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). [0050] Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B ”

[0051] For any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

[0052] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are possible. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A shutter assembly for an electrical socket with electrical connection terminals, the shutter assembly comprising: a front cover that is affixed to the electrical socket such that the electrical connection terminals of the electrical socket are accessed through an aperture of the front cover; a slider located behind the front cover, wherein the slider includes an end; a first shutter arm located behind the front cover, wherein the first shutter arm includes a first boss and a first shutter portion; a second shutter arm located behind the front cover, wherein the second shutter arm includes a second boss and a second shutter portion; and wherein linear movement of the slider is synchronized with rotational movement of the first and second shutter arms, such that: in a closed position, the end of the slider is urged to a central location of the front cover about the aperture, the first boss engages the front cover about a first location of the aperture, the second boss engages the front cover about a second location of the aperture, and at least a portion of the electrical terminals are blocked from access by the first and second shutter portions; and in an open position, the end of the slider is linearly retracted behind the front cover, the first boss is disengaged from the front cover and the first shutter arm with the first shutter portion are rotationally retracted behind the front cover by synchronized motion of the slider, the second boss is disengaged from the front cover and the second shutter arm with the second shutter portion are rotationally retracted behind the front cover by synchronized motion of the slider, and the electrical connection terminals are exposed for access.

2. The shutter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a back cover that is affixed to the electrical socket, wherein the back cover is coupled to the front cover to form a housing for the slider, the first shutter arm, and the second shutter arm.

3. The shutter assembly of claim 2, wherein the back cover is integrated with the electrical socket.

4. The shutter assembly of claim 1, wherein the end of the slider is urged downwards behind the front cover when a plug device is inserted into the shutter device through the aperture, thereby configuring the shutter assembly in the open position when the plug device is engaged with the electrical socket.

5. The shutter assembly of claim 4, wherein the end of the slider is urged upwards towards the aperture by one or more spring devices such that the shutter assembly is in the closed position when a plug device is disengaged from the electrical socket.

6. The shutter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second shutter arms include meshed gears to ensure synchronized rotational motion.

7. The shutter assembly of claim 1, the front cover further comprising an alignment slot that engages a guide portion of the slider to restrict motion of the slider along a single axis of motion.

8. The shutter assembly of claim 1, wherein the end of the slider further comprises a boss that is configured to engage the front cover about a lower location of the aperture when the shutter assembly is in the closed position.

9. The shutter assembly of claim 1, wherein in the closed position, the first boss is configured to frictionally engage the front cover about the first location of the aperture, and the second boss is configured to frictionally engage the front cover about the second location of the aperture.

10. The shutter assembly of claim 9, wherein the frictional engagement of the first and second bosses is facilitated by a ridged or flanged portion that engages an edge of the front cover about the aperture.

11. A shutter assembly for an electrical socket with electrical connection terminals, the shutter assembly comprising: a back cover that is affixed to the electrical socket by one or more fasteners, wherein the back cover includes an aperture with a dimension and shape to match the electrical socket; a front cover that is affixed to the back cover by the one or more fasteners, wherein the front cover includes an aperture with a dimension and shape to match the electrical socket, wherein the back cover and the front cover form a housing; a slider located in the housing below the aperture, wherein the slider includes a bottom portion that extends between first and second ends, and a guide portion that extends upwards from the bottom portion to a guide end, wherein the guide portion and the bottom portion are orthogonal with respect to one another; a first shutter arm located on a first side in the housing, wherein the first shutter arm includes: a first curved portion that follows along the aperture on the first side of the housing, a first boss located at a first end of the first curved portion, a first shutter portion at a central location of the first curved portion, a first pivot point at a second end of the first curved portion on a second side of the housing, and first gear teeth located in a central region of the housing below the aperture; a second shutter arm located on the second side in the housing, wherein the second shutter arm includes: a second curved portion that follows along the aperture on the second side, a second boss located at a second end of the second curved portion, a second shutter portion at a central location of the first curved portion, a second pivot point at a second end of the second curved portion on the first side of the housing, and second gear teeth located in the central region of the housing below the aperture, wherein the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth mesh together for synchronized rotational movement of the first and second shutter arms; a first spring located on the second side of the housing and configured to bias the first end of the slider into engagement with the first shutter arm; a second spring located on the first side of the housing and configured to bias the second end of the slider into engagement with the second shutter arm; in a closed position, the guide end of the slider is urged upwards to the aperture, the first boss of the first shutter arm engages the front cover about a first location of the aperture, the second boss of the second shutter arm engages the front cover about a second location of the aperture, and at least a portion of the electrical terminals are blocked from access by the first and second shutter portions; and in an open position, the guide end of the slider is linearly retracted behind the front cover, the first boss of the first shutter arm is disengaged from the front cover and the first shutter arm with the first shutter portion are rotationally retracted behind the front cover by synchronized motion of the slider, the second boss is disengaged from the front cover and the second shutter arm with the second shutter portion are rotationally retracted behind the front cover by synchronized motion of the slider, and the electrical connection terminals are exposed for access.

12. The shutter assembly of claim 11, wherein the first pivot point and the second pivot point correspond to the one or more of the fasteners.

13. The shutter assembly of claim 11, the front cover further comprising an alignment slot that engages the guide portion of the slider to restrict motion of the slider along a single axis of motion.

14. The shutter assembly of claim 13, wherein the back cover further comprises bosses that located about the aperture to form slots for the first and second shutter portions.

15. The shutter assembly of claim 11, wherein the back cover is integrated with the electrical socket.

16. The shutter assembly of claim 11, wherein the guide end of the slider is urged downwards behind the front cover when a plug device is inserted into the shutter device through the aperture, thereby configuring the shutter assembly in the open position when the plug device is engaged with the electrical socket.

17. The shutter assembly of claim 16, wherein the guide end of the slider is urged upwards towards the aperture by the operation of the first and second springs such that the shutter assembly is in the closed position when a plug device is disengaged from the electrical socket.

18. The shutter assembly of claim 11, wherein the guide end of the slider further comprises a boss that is configured to engage the front cover about a lower location of the aperture when the shutter assembly is in the closed position.

19. The shutter assembly of claim 11, wherein in the closed position, the first boss is configured to frictionally engage the front cover about the first location of the aperture, and the second boss is configured to frictionally engage the front cover about the second location of the aperture.

20. The shutter assembly of claim 19, wherein the frictional engagement of the first and second bosses is facilitated by a ridged or flanged portion that engages an edge of the front cover about the aperture.