Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure generally relates to a field of charging connectors and more particularly to a charging connector configured to be snap fitted to a mating part, that is a charging port.

BACKGROUND

[002] Generally, a charging connector and a charging port are two essential components of electronic devices, particularly the electronic devices that require recharging through external power sources like batteries or electrical outlets. The charging connector serves as a physical link or an interface between an electronic device and a power source. Alternatively, the charging connector may be a standalone device, generally known as adapters which includes a connector, that can connects multiple electronic devices or electronic devices having different types of charging ports to a charging source. The charging port is an interface where the charging connector is plugged in for charging the electronic devices.

[003] Nowadays, electric vehicles are equipped with one or more charging ports to accommodate various accessories such as but not limited to smartphones, smart helmets, and wearable devices. Typically, an adapter is utilized to charge such devices, featuring a charging connector that plugs into the electric vehicle's charging port for charging the one or more electronics devices. The charging connector includes protruding pins or prongs that align with the corresponding slots or holes of the charging port to establish an electrical connection. Often, the protruding pins or the prongs, and the slots or the holes are designed to interlock, sometimes with the aid of locking mechanisms. However, with the conventional charging connectors and ports, the vibrations and jerks introduced by the electric vehicle poses several challenges. For example, the vibrations and jerks may cause the charging connector to become dislodged from the charging port, resulting in intermittent connections or complete disconnections, leading to charging interruptions and delays. Further, the vibrations and jerks can pose safety hazards, including electrical shorts, overheating, or the risk of fire. Moreover, prolonged exposure to vibrations and jerks can result in deformation of the connectors and mating surfaces. This deformation inhibits proper mating of the connectors, resulting in poor electrical contact or difficulty in establishing a connection.

[004] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a mechanism that eliminates one or more of the above-mentioned problems associated with the existing art.

SUMMARY

[005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simple manner that is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter nor is it intended for determining the scope of the disclosure.

[006] To overcome or mitigate at least one of the problems mentioned above, a charging connector is disclosed. The charging connector includes a base and an inverted U-shaped profile formed on the base. The inverted U-shaped profile is configured to be snap fitted to a charging port. The inverted U-shaped profile includes two sidewalls protruding from the base and a top wall extending between the two sidewalls. The top wall includes two longitudinal wall portions and a lateral wall portion extending between the two longitudinal wall portions. The inverted U-shaped profile further includes an inclined wall extending between the lateral wall portion and the base, defining two guide paths on either side of the inclined wall respectively, and a recess defined by the base, the two sidewalls, the top wall, and the inclined wall. The recess includes the two guide paths. Furthermore, the inverted U-shaped profile includes a first pair of protruding guide members and a second pair of protruding guide members formed in the recess, a plurality of electrical contacts disposed between the first pair of protruding guide members and a protruding locking member formed between the second pair of protruding guide members. The U-shaped profile and the plurality of components within the U-shaped profile are configured to restrict motions of the charging connector along X, Y and Z axis when the charging connector is snap fitted to the charging port.

[007] To further clarify advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[008] The disclosed method and system will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[009] Figure 1A illustrates a front view of an exemplary charging connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 1B illustrates a three-dimensional view of the charging connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2A and 2B illustrate a front view and a sideview of an exemplary charging port, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of an inverted U-shaped profile of the charging connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the charging connector showing bevel portions of longitudinal walls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the charging connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figures 6A to 6F illustrate the process of engaging the charging connector onto the charging port, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 7 shows a front view of the charging connector, depicting direction indicators, in accordance with the embodiments outlined in the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 8 illustrates a rear view of the mutually engaged charging connector and the charging port, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 9 illustrates the charging connector having a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 10 illustrates a charging connector having a plurality of grooves around a plurality of electrical contacts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Further, persons skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the joining ring and one or more components of the bearing assembly may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0022] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0023] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”

[0024] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

[0025] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternative embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

[0026] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

[0027] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Disclosed is a charging connector comprising an inverted U-shaped profile wherein the inverted U-shaped profile is configured to be snap fitted to a charging port. In the present disclosure, a spring-loaded charging connector (hereinafter referred to as charging connector) for charging electronics devices such as smartphones, headphones, wearable devices, etc., and electric vehicle accessories such as smart helmets. In one embodiment, the charging connector is configured to be snap fitted to a mating part, a charging port, and further configured to attain compression contact with the charging port while maintaining its state in engaged state in vehicle vibration scenarios.

[0030] For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

[0031] Figure 1A illustrates a front view of an exemplary charging connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B illustrates a three-dimensional view of the charging connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A and 2B illustrate a front view and a sideview of an exemplary charging port, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the charging connector 100 is a spring-loaded charging connector which is configured to be snap fitted to the charging port 200, and further configured to attain compression contact with the charging port 200 while maintaining its state in engaged state in vehicle vibration scenarios. In one exemplary scenario, the charging port 200 is installed within a storage compartment of a two-wheeler vehicle. The charging connector 100 may be snap fitted to the charging port 200 for charging devices such as smartphones, smart helmets, etc. It is to be noted that the charging connector 100 and the charging port 200 may be made from high-strength plastics or polymers or materials having similar properties.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the charging connector includes a base 102 and an inverted U-shaped profile 104 formed on the base 102. When viewed from the front end as shown, the base 102 is a substantially flat surface on which the inverted U-shaped profile 104 formed, wherein the inverted U-shaped profile 104 is configured to be snap fitted onto the charging port 200. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 includes two sidewalls 106a and 106b protruding from the base 102 and a top wall 108 extending between the two sidewalls 106a and 106b. The two side walls 106a and 106b protruding from the base 102 are substantially perpendicular to the base 102.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the top wall 108 includes two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b, and a lateral wall portion 112, wherein the lateral wall portion 112 extends between the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b. Figure 3 illustrates a front view of an inverted U-shaped profile of the charging connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the top wall 108 includes the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b which span horizontally forming gaps between the longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b and the base 102. Further, the lateral wall portion 112 spans between the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b forming a gap between the lateral wall portion 112 and the base 102 as shown. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b includes bevel portions. Figure 4 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the charging connector showing bevel portions of longitudinal walls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 2, as shown, the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b includes bevel portions 402a and 402b respectively configured to guide along corresponding guiding members 204a and 204b of the charging port 200 to snap fit the charging connector 100 to the charging port 200. The bevel portions 502a and 502b help a user in aligning the charging connector 100 with the charging port 200 while snap fitting the charging connector 100 to the charging port 200. Further, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the two sidewalls 106a and 106b include bevel portions 404a and 404b respectively configured to guide along corresponding guiding members 202a and 202b of the charging port 200 to snap fit the charging connector 100 to the charging port 200.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 further includes an inclined wall 114 extending between the lateral wall portion 112 and the base 102. In one embodiment, the inclined wall 114 defines two guide paths 116a and 116b on either side of the inclined wall 114 respectively. Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the charging connector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the inclined wall 114 extending between the lateral wall portion 112 and the base 102 and forms the two guide paths 116a and 116b. In other words, the inclined wall 114, the lateral wall portion 112 and the base 102 form the two guide paths 116a and 116b. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the two guide paths 116a and 116b are configured to respectively receive the guiding members 202a and 202b of the charging port 200 when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1A and Figure 1B, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 further includes a recess 118 defined by the base 102, the two sidewalls 106a and 106b, the top wall 108, and the inclined wall 114, and the recess 118 includes the two guide paths 116a and 116b. The recess 118 is also shown by dotted lines in Figure 3. As shown, the recess 118 delineated by the base 102, flanked by the two sidewalls 106a and 106b, partially capped by the top wall 108, and bounded by the inclined wall 114. Within the recess 118, two guide paths 116a and 116b are incorporated, serving as channels to direct the movement of the guide members 202a and 202b along predetermined trajectories and to receive the guiding members 202a and 202b of the charging port 200 when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200.

[0036] Further, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 includes a first pair of protruding guide members 120a and 120b and a second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b, formed in the recess 118. The protruding guide members as described herein refer to structural components that extend outward from the base 102 of the charging connector 100 and provide guidance or alignment for the corresponding mating components of the charging port 200. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the protruding guide members includes a bevel portion configured to guide the charging connector 100 along the charging port 200. Referring to Figure 4, the first pair of protruding guide members 120a and 120b include bevel portions 406a and 406b respectively configured to guide the charging connector 100 along the charging port 200. Further, the second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b include bevel portions 408a and 408b respectively configured to guide the charging connector 100 along the charging port 200.

[0037] Further, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 124 disposed between the first pair of protruding guide members 120a and 120b, as shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical contacts 124 are spring loaded electrical contacts configured to establish and maintain electrical connections between the charging connector 100 and the charging port 200. The electrical contacts 124 are equipped with a spring mechanism that allows the contacts to retract or extend based on the insertion or removal of the charging connector 100. When the charging connector 100 is inserted into the charging port 200, the contacts compress against the port's surface due to the force exerted by the springs. It is to be noted that the one or more contacts among the plurality of electrical contacts 124 may be configured for transferring data between the charging connector 100 and the charging port 200.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 comprises a protruding locking member 126 formed between the second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b. The protruding locking member 126 extends outward from the base and configured to configured to guide the charging connector 100 along the charging port 200 and locks the charging connector 100 when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200. Referring to Figure 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protruding locking member 126 has a substantially triangular cross section and configured to provide mechanical feedback to a user when the charging connector 100 engages with the charging port 200. When the charging connector 100 snap fits to the charging port 200, the engaging of the protruding locking member 126 and the charging port 200 provides a tactile and sound feedback to the user.

[0039] As described, the charging connector 100 has the base 102 and the inverted U-shaped profile 104 formed on the base 102. The inverted U-shaped profile 104 is configured to be snap fitted onto a charging port 200. Further, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 is defined by the two sidewalls 106a and 106b protruding from the base 102 and the top wall 108 extending between the two sidewalls 106a and 106b. Furthermore, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 has the inclined wall 114, the recess 118, the first pair of protruding guide members 120a and 120b, the second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b, and the protruding locking member 126. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 of the charging connector 100 facilitates the sliding fitting of the charging connector 100 into the charging port 200.

[0040] Figures 6A to 6F illustrate the process of engaging the charging connector onto the charging port, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Initially, the charging connector 100 is aligned with the charging port 200 by holding the charging connector 100 in upright position as shown in Figure 6A. Then the charging connector 100 is moved along -Y axis direction as shown in Figure 6B. During this movement, the bevel portions 402a and 402b, on the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b, guide along corresponding guiding members 204a and 204b of the charging port 200 as shown in Figure 6C. When the user further moves the charging connector 100 along -Y axis direction, the bevel portions 404a and 404b of the two sidewalls 106a and 106b guide along corresponding guiding members 202a and 202b of the charging port 200 to snap fit the charging connector 100 to the charging port 200 as shown in Figures 6D to 6F. Further, the bevel portions 408a and 408b of the second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b guide the charging connector 100 to snap fit the charging connector 100 to the charging port 200. When the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200, the two guide paths 116a and 116b respectively receive guiding members 202a and 202b of the charging port 200.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inverted U-shaped profile 104 securely holds the charging connector 100 within the charging port 200 when snap fitted, thereby limiting the movement of the charging connector 100 along X, Y and Z axis. The various features of the charging connector 100 and the way in which such features function to constrain the movement of the charging connector 100 along X, Y and Z axis is described below in further detail.

[0042] Figure 7 shows a front view of the charging connector, depicting direction indicators, in accordance with the embodiments outlined in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the bevel portions 402a and 402b restrict movements of the charging connector 100 along -X axis and +X axis respectively when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted on to the charging port 200. The sidewall 106a restricts the movement of the charging connector 100 along -X axis and the sidewall 106b restricts the movement of the charging connector 100 along +X axis.

[0043] Further, as described, the two sidewalls 106a and 106b include bevel portions 404a and 404b respectively configured to guide along corresponding guiding members 202a and 202b of the charging port 200 to snap fit the charging connector 100 to the charging port 200. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each bevel portion 404a and 404b include a stopper configured to restrict the movement of the charging connector 100. Referring to Figure 7, the bevel portion 404a of the side wall 106a includes a guide 705a and the bevel portion 404b of the side wall 106b includes a guide 705b. The guides 705a and 705b guide the movement of the charging connector 100 and limits movements along -Y and +Y axis when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the protruding locking member 126 restricts the movement of the charging connector 100 along +Y axis when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200. Figure 8 illustrates a rear view of the mutually engaged charging connector and the charging port, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200, The guides 705a and 705b along with the protruding locking member 126 restricts an upward movement of the charging connector 100, that is, restrict the movement along +Y axis, this movement may also be restricted by the protruding locking member 126 alone. Further, in the engaged state, the first pair of protruding guide members 120a and 120b (not depicted in Figure 7) along with the second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b serve as the contact surfaces between the charging connector 100 and the charging port 200. The longitudinal wall portion 110a interacts with extensions 805a to restrict +Z and -Z axis movements and ensures tight fist with respect to the longitudinal side wall portion 110a. Similarly, extensions 805b (only one extension is depicted in Figure 8) restrict +Z and -Z axis movements and ensures tight fist with respect to the longitudinal side wall portion 110b.

[0045] Furthermore, as described, the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b include bevel portions 402a and 402b respectively configured to guide along corresponding guiding members 204a and 204b of the charging port 200 to snap fit the charging connector 100 to the charging port 200. Referring to Figure 7, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bevel portion 402a comprises a stopper 710a and the bevel portion 402b includes a stopper 710b. The stoppers 710a and 710b are configured to restrict a movement of the charging connector 100 along -Y axis when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200.

[0046] Furthermore, referring to Figure 4, Figure 5, and Figure 7, in one embodiment, the lateral wall portion 112 and the inclined wall 114 restricts restrict the movement of the charging connector 100 along -Y axis when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted on to the charging port 200. As described, the two guide paths 116a and 116b respectively receive guiding members 202a and 202b of the charging port 200 when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200. When the charging connector 100 is snap fitted, the lateral wall portion 112 and the inclined wall 114 restricts further downward movement of the charging connector, that is along -Y axis.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b and the lateral wall portion 112 of the top wall 108 are configured to restrict a movement of the charging connector 100 along +Z axis when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200. Further, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first pair of protruding guide members 120a and 120b and the second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b are configured to restrict a movement of the charging connector 100 along -Z axis when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200. Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 7, when the charging connector 100 snap fitted to the charging port 200, the charging connector 100 contacts the first pair of protruding guide members 120a and 120b and the second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b. When the charging connector 100 is engaged to the charging port 200, the two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b and the lateral wall portion 112 of the top wall 108 restricts the movement of the charging connector 100 along +Z axis. Further, the first pair of protruding guide members 120a and 120b and the second pair of protruding guide members 122a and 122b restrict the movement of the charging connector 100 along -Z axis.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lateral wall portion 112 of the top wall 108 includes a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses formed alternately. Figure 9 illustrates the charging connector having a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of recesses, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the lateral wall portion 112 includes a plurality of protrusions 905 and a plurality recess 910 formed alternatively. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a central protrusion 905C among the plurality of protrusions 905 has a size greater than the size of each of other protrusions. As shown, the central protrusion 905C has a height greater than the height of the other protrusions on either side of the central protrusion 905C. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the charging connector 100 is snap fitted to the charging port 200, the central protrusion 905C fit to a slot 206 of the charging port 200 to restrict movements of the charging connector 100 along -X axis and +X axis. Further, the plurality of protrusions 905 and the plurality of recess 910 minimizes or prevents unwanted movement or vibration between the charging connector 100 and the charging port 200, ensuring a secure and stable connection. Such an anti-rattle feature enables controlled interference or contact between components without compromising the stability or functionality.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, recess 118 includes a plurality of grooves disposed around the plurality of electrical contacts 124. Figure 10 illustrates a charging connector having a plurality of grooves around a plurality of electrical contacts, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the recess 118 includes a plurality of grooves 1005 around the plurality of electrical contacts 124. The plurality of grooves 1005 is configured to constrain the charging connector 100 along X and Y axis. Further, the grooves 1005 generate voids which are used to fill sealants or potting material to seal the periphery. The voids are filled with sealants or potting materials, thereby achieving a robust and reliable seal, and preventing the infiltration of moisture, dust, or other contaminants into the enclosed area. It is to be noted that the slot pitch and spacing between the grooves can be varied.

[0050] As described, the charging connector 100 disclosed in the present disclosure is configured to be snap fitted to the charging port 200 and further configured to attain compression contact with the charging port 200 while maintaining its state in engaged state in vehicle vibration scenarios. The charging connector 100 having the inverted U-shaped profile 104 includes the plurality protrusions, the stoppers, and the walls, which limit lateral movement (X-axis), vertical movement (Y-axis), and depth-wise movement (Z-axis) of the charging connector 100 when the charging connector is snap fitted to the charging port 200. The restrictions in movement ensure that the charging connector 100 remains securely in place within the charging port 200 despite vibrations experienced by the vehicle. Effectively securing the charging connector 100 in all three dimensions, the risk of disconnection or loss of contact due to vibration-induced movement is minimized, thereby maintaining a reliable and uninterrupted electrical connection between the vehicle's charging system and external devices.

[0051] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0052] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

List of reference numerals:
Components Reference numerals
Charging connector 100
Base of the charging connector 102
Inverted U-shaped profile 104
Two sidewalls 106a and 106b
A top wall 108
Two longitudinal wall portions 110a and 110b
A lateral wall portion 112
An inclined wall 114
Two guide paths 116a and 116b
A recess 118
A first pair protruding guide members 120a and 120b
A second pair protruding guide members 122a and 122b
A plurality of electrical contacts 124
A protruding locking member 126
Charging port 200
Guiding members 202a and 202b
Guiding members 204a and 204b
Slot 206
Bevel portions of the two longitudinal wall portions 402a and 402b
Bevel portions of the two sidewalls 404a and 404b
Bevel portions of the first pair of protruding guide members 406a and 406b
Bevel portions of the second pair of protruding guide members 408a and 40b
Guides 705a and 705b
Stoppers 710a and 710b
Extensions 805a and 805b
A plurality of grooves 1005 , Claims:1. A charging connector (100) comprising:
a base (102); and
an inverted U-shaped profile (104) formed on the base (102), wherein the inverted U-shaped profile (104) is configured to be snap fitted to a charging port (200), wherein the inverted U-shaped profile (104) comprises:
two sidewalls (106a and 106b) protruding from the base (102);
a top wall (108) extending between the two sidewalls (106a and 106b), wherein the top wall (108) comprises two longitudinal wall portions (110a and 110b) and a lateral wall portion (112) extending between the two longitudinal wall portions (110a and 110b);
an inclined wall (114) extending between the lateral wall portion (112) and the base (102), defining two guide paths (116a and 116b) on either side of the inclined wall (114) respectively;
a recess (118) defined by the base (102), the two sidewalls (106a and 108b), the top wall (108), and the inclined wall (114), wherein the recess (118) comprises the two guide paths (116a and 116b);
a first pair of protruding guide members (120a and 120b) and a second pair of protruding guide members (122a and 122b), formed in the recess (118);
a plurality of electrical contacts (124) disposed between the first pair of protruding guide members (120a and 120b); and
a protruding locking member (126) formed between the second pair of protruding guide members (122a and 122b).

2. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two sidewalls (106a and 106b) are substantially perpendicular to the base (102).

3. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two sidewalls (106a and 106b) comprise bevel portions (404a and 404b) respectively configured to guide along corresponding guiding members (202a and 202b) of the charging port (200) to snap fit the charging connector (100) to the charging port (200).

4. The charging connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bevel portions (404a and 404b) comprise guides (705a and 705b) respectively configured to restrict movements of the charging connector (100) along a -Y axis and +Y axis when the charging connector (100) is snap fitted to the charging port (200).

5. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two longitudinal wall portions (110a and 110b) comprise bevel portions (402a and 402b) respectively configured to guide along corresponding guiding members (204a and 204b) of the charging port (200) to snap fit the charging connector (100) to the charging port (200).

6. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bevel portions (402a and 402b) are configured to restrict movements of the charging connector (100) along a -X axis and a +X axis respectively when the charging connector (100) is snap fitted to the charging port (200).

7. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bevel portions (402a and 402b) comprise stoppers (710a and 710b) respectively configured to restrict a movement of the charging connector (100) along a -Y axis when the charging connector (100) is snap fitted to the charging port (200).

8. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two longitudinal wall portions (110a and 110b) and the lateral wall portion (112) of the top wall (108) are configured to restrict a movement of the charging connector (100) along a +Z axis when the charging connector (100) is snap fitted to the charging port (200).

9. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pair of protruding guide members (120a and 120b) and the second pair of protruding guide members (122a and 122b) are configured to restrict a movement of the charging connector (100) along a -Z axis when the charging connector (100) is snap fitted to the charging port (200).

10. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two guide paths (116a and 116b) are configured to respectively receive the guiding members (202a and 202b) of the charging port (200).

11. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral wall portion (112) and the inclined wall (114) are configured to restrict a movement of the charging connector (100) along a -Y axis when the charging connector (100) is snap fitted to the charging port (200).

12. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral wall portion (112) of the top wall (108) comprises a plurality of protrusions (905) and a plurality of recesses (910) formed alternately, wherein the plurality of protrusions (905) comprises a central protrusion (905C) having a size greater than a size of each of other protrusions.

13. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the central protrusion (905C) is configured to fit to a slot (206) of the charging port (200) to restrict movements of the charging connector (100) along a -X axis and a +X axis when the charging connector (100) is snap fitted to the charging port (200).

14. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pair of protruding guide members (120a and 120b) comprises bevel portions (406a and 406b) respectively configured to guide the charging connector (100) along the charging port (200).

15. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second pair of protruding guide members (122a and 122b) comprises bevel portions (408a and 408b) respectively configured to guide the charging connector (100) along the charging port (200).

16. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protruding locking member (126) has a substantially triangular cross section and configured to provide mechanical feedback to a user when the charging connector (100) engages with the charging port (200).

17. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protruding locking member (126) is configured to restrict a movement of the charging connector (100) along a +Y axis when the charging connector (100) is snap fitted to the charging port (200).

18. The charging connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recess (118) comprises a plurality of grooves (1005) disposed around the plurality of electrical contacts (124), wherein the plurality of grooves (1005) is configured to constrain the charging connector (100) in X and Y axis.