Charging port assembly with motorized aperture door

Abstract

A charging port assembly includes a port; an aperture gate movable to expose the port; and a motorized actuation assembly configured to move the aperture gate between a closed position, wherein the port is concealed, and an open position, wherein the port is exposed. The aperture gate can be automatically opened to the open position in response to a pre-defined prompt from an authorized user or when a charging cable approaches the charging port assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electric vehicle charging port assembly, the electric vehicle charging port assembly including a motorized aperture gate for allowing and restricting access to the charging port. Background Technology

[0002] The need to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions is well-known. Therefore, vehicles that reduce reliance on internal combustion engines are being developed. Electric vehicles are one type of vehicle developed for this purpose. Generally speaking, electric vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles because they are selectively driven by one or more battery-powered electric motors. In contrast, conventional motor vehicles rely entirely on internal combustion engines to propel the vehicle.

[0003] Charging systems can be used to connect some electric vehicles to external power sources, such as wall sockets or charging stations, to charge the electric vehicle's battery pack. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles typically include, for example, a charging port assembly that provides a port for inserting a charging cable. The door of the charging port assembly is manually opened and closed to access the port. Existing charging port designs are susceptible to natural forces (e.g., rain and snow) during charging and do not prevent unauthorized users from disconnecting the charging cable from the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An exemplary aspect of this disclosure provides a charging port assembly for an electric vehicle that includes, in particular, a port; an aperture door movable to expose the port; and a motorized actuation assembly configured to move the aperture door between a closed position, in which the port is hidden, and an open position, in which the port is exposed.

[0005] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned charging port assembly, the aperture gate includes multiple overlapping blades.

[0006] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, a plurality of overlapping blades are radially inwardly positioned in a closed position and radially outwardly positioned in an open position.

[0007] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, a plurality of overlapping blades are at least partially retracted behind the radial outer disk of the housing of the charging port assembly in the open position.

[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, the motorized actuation assembly is configured to move the aperture gate from an open position to an intermediate position after the charging cable is inserted into the port.

[0009] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, the motorized actuation assembly includes a motor, a gear, and a gear ring.

[0010] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, the motor is configured to drive a gear, which in turn drives a gear ring.

[0011] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, a link is connected between a gear ring and a plurality of overlapping blades of the aperture gate. Movement of the gear ring causes the link to pivot, and in response, moves the plurality of overlapping blades.

[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, the motorized actuation assembly includes a sensor system and a control module that cooperate to control the movement of the aperture gate.

[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, the control module is configured to command the aperture gate to the open position in response to receiving a plug approach signal from the sensor system.

[0014] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port components, the control module is configured to place the aperture gate command in an intermediate position between the closed and open positions in response to receiving a plug connection signal from the sensor system.

[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the aforementioned charging port assemblies, the motorized actuation assembly includes a control module configured to command the aperture door to the open position in response to a predefined prompt from an authorized user.

[0016] One method according to another exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes, in particular, automatically opening the aperture door of the charging port assembly of the electric vehicle to an open position in response to a pre-defined prompt from an authorized user of the electric vehicle or when the charging cable is approaching the charging port assembly.

[0017] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the pre-defined prompt includes actuating a button on an authorized user's key fob or personal electronic device.

[0018] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the pre-defined prompt includes actuating a button located in the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle.

[0019] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes: inserting a charging cable into a port of a charging port assembly; and moving the aperture gate from an open position to a position where the aperture gate is tightly surrounding the plug of the charging cable.

[0020] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes: detecting an authorized user near the electric vehicle; and moving the aperture door from a neutral position back to an open position in response to detecting an authorized user.

[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes: unplugging the charging cable from the port; and moving the aperture door from an open position to a closed position where the port is hidden behind the aperture door.

[0022] Embodiments, examples, and alternatives comprising any of their aspects or individual features in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings may be used individually or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment may be applied to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

[0023] Various features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings, which accompany the detailed embodiments, provide a brief description as follows. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The powertrain system of an electric vehicle is shown schematically.

[0025] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Charging port components for electric vehicles.

[0026] Figure 3 The closed position of the aperture door of the charging port assembly is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 The aperture door of the charging port assembly is shown in its open position.

[0028] Figure 5 The middle position of the aperture gate of the charging port assembly is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 It shows the charging cable tightly wrapped around it. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the aperture gate.

[0030] Figure 7 The motorized actuation component of the charging port assembly is schematically shown.

[0031] Figure 8A method for controlling the aperture gate of the charging port assembly is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure describes a charging port assembly for an electric vehicle. An exemplary charging port assembly includes a port, an aperture door, and a motorized actuation component. The motorized actuation component is configured to move the aperture door between a closed position, in which the port is concealed, and an open position, in which the port is exposed for receiving a charging cable. The aperture door can automatically move to expose the port in response to a pre-defined prompt from a user (e.g., actuating a button on a key fob or in the vehicle's passenger compartment) or in response to sensing that a charging cable is approaching the port. These and other features of this disclosure are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.

[0033] Figure 1 A powertrain 10 for an electric vehicle 12 is schematically illustrated. In this embodiment, the electric vehicle 12 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). However, other electric vehicles may also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure, including but not limited to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

[0034] In this embodiment, the powertrain 10 is a power distribution powertrain system employing a first drive system and a second drive system. The first drive system may include a combination of an engine 14 and a generator 18 (i.e., a first motor). The second drive system includes at least a motor 22 (i.e., a second motor) and a battery pack 24. In this example, the second drive system is considered as the electric drive system of the powertrain 10. The first and second drive systems generate torque to drive one or more sets of vehicle drive wheels 28 of the electric vehicle 12.

[0035] In this embodiment, the engine 14, which is an internal combustion engine, and the generator 18 can be connected via a power transmission unit 30, such as a planetary gear set. Of course, other types of power transmission units, including other gear sets and transmission devices, can be used to connect the engine 14 to the generator 18. In a non-limiting embodiment, the power transmission unit 30 is a planetary gear set, which includes a ring gear 32, a center gear 34, and a gear carrier assembly 36.

[0036] The generator 18 can be driven by the engine 14 via the power transmission unit 30 to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. Alternatively, the generator 18 can be used as a motor to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy, thereby outputting torque to the shaft 38 connected to the power transmission unit 30. Since the generator 18 is operatively connected to the engine 14, the speed of the engine 14 can be controlled by the generator 18.

[0037] The ring gear 32 of the power transmission unit 30 can be connected to a shaft 40, which is connected to the vehicle drive wheels 28 via a second power transmission unit 44. The second power transmission unit 44 may include a gear set having a plurality of gears 46. Other power transmission units may also be suitable. The gears 46 transmit torque from the engine 14 to a differential 48 to ultimately provide traction to the vehicle drive wheels 28. The differential 48 may include a plurality of gears that enable torque to be transmitted to the vehicle drive wheels 28. In one embodiment, the second power transmission unit 44 is mechanically coupled to a shaft 50 via a differential 48 to distribute torque to the vehicle drive wheels 28. In one embodiment, power transmission units 30, 44 are part of the transmission drive axle 20 of the electric vehicle 12.

[0038] Motor 22 can also be used to drive vehicle drive wheels 28 by outputting torque to shaft 55, which is also connected to a second power transmission unit 44. In one embodiment, motor 22 is part of a regenerative braking system. For example, motor 22 can each output electricity to battery pack 24.

[0039] Battery pack 24 is an exemplary electric vehicle battery. Battery pack 24 may be a high-voltage traction battery pack comprising a plurality of battery components 25 (i.e., battery arrays or battery cell groups) capable of outputting power to operate motor 22, generator 18, and / or other electrical loads of electric vehicle 12. Other types of energy storage devices and / or output devices may also be used to power electric vehicle 12.

[0040] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electric vehicle 12 has two basic operating modes. The electric vehicle 12 can operate in electric vehicle (EV) mode, where the motor 22 (typically without engine 14 assistance) is used for vehicle propulsion, thereby depleting the state of charge of the battery pack 24 until its maximum permissible discharge rate is reached in certain driving modes / cycles. EV mode is an example of a depletion-of-charge operating mode for the electric vehicle 12. During EV mode, the state of charge of the battery pack 24 may increase in some cases, such as due to a period of regenerative braking. Engine 14 is typically off in the default EV mode, but can be operated as needed based on vehicle system status or with driver permission.

[0041] The electric vehicle 12 can also operate in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode, in which both the engine 14 and the motor 22 are used for vehicle propulsion. HEV mode is an example of a charge-maintenance operating mode for the electric vehicle 12. During HEV mode, the electric vehicle 12 can reduce the propulsion use of the motor 22 in order to maintain the state of charge of the battery pack 24 at a constant or near-constant level by increasing the propulsion of the engine 14. The electric vehicle 12 can operate in other operating modes besides EV and HEV modes within the scope of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 1 The powertrain 10 shown is highly illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Within the scope of this disclosure, the powertrain 10 may alternatively or additionally employ various other components. Furthermore, the teachings of this disclosure can be incorporated into any type of electric vehicle.

[0043] For reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electric vehicle 12 includes a charging system 16 for charging the energy storage devices (e.g., battery cells) of the battery pack 24. The charging system 16 can be connected to an external power source 26 (e.g., public / grid power from a transmission network) to receive and distribute power throughout the electric vehicle 12. In one embodiment, the charging system 16 includes a charging port assembly 52 located on the electric vehicle 12. The charging port assembly 52 can be supported on an outer side panel 54 of the body 56 of the electric vehicle 12. The outer side panel 54 can be a front side panel, a rear side panel, or any other outer side panel of the body 56.

[0044] The charging port assembly 52 is adapted to selectively receive power from an external power source 26 via a charging cable 58 and then supply the power to the battery pack 24 to charge the battery cells. The charging cable 58 may include a plug 60 configured to insert into a port 62 provided by the charging port assembly 52. ​​The charging cable 58 may be a component of a vehicle charging station or a separate electric vehicle power supply (EVSE) provided and stored via the electric vehicle 12.

[0045] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figures 3 to 5 An exemplary charging port assembly 52 for an electric vehicle 12 is shown. For example, the charging port assembly 52 may be part of the charging system 16 of the electric vehicle 12.

[0046] In one embodiment, the charging port assembly 52 includes a housing 64, a port 62, and an aperture gate 66 for selectively allowing and restricting access to the port 62. The size and shape of the housing 64 are not intended to limit this disclosure. The port 62 is supported within an opening 68 in the housing 64. The port 62 can be configured to connect to any type of charging cable (e.g., Class 1, Class 2, DC, etc.).

[0047] The aperture gate 66 is controllable to close and open the opening 68 of the housing 64 to access the port 62. The aperture gate 66 in... Figure 3 It is shown in the closed position P1 and in Figure 4 Port 62 is shown in the open position P2. In the closed position P1, port 62 is hidden behind aperture door 66. Aperture door 66 thus prevents snow, rain, dust, or other possible contaminants from entering port 62. In the open position P2, port 62 is not hidden by aperture door 66 and is therefore exposed for connecting charging cable 58.

[0048] The aperture gate 66 can operate similarly to the aperture of a camera to open and restrict the opening 68. In an embodiment, the aperture gate 66 includes a plurality of overlapping blades 70 movable to open and close the opening 68. The aperture gate 66 may include any number of overlapping blades 70. The total number of blades constituting the aperture gate 66 is not intended to limit this disclosure. In the open position P2 of the aperture gate 66, the overlapping blades 70 are at least partially retracted behind the radially outer disk 72 of the housing 64 to expose the port 62. In the closed position P1 of the aperture gate 66, the overlapping blades 70 extend radially inward from the radially outer disk 72 to conceal the port 62.

[0049] After the aperture door 66 moves to the open position P2, the charging cable 58 can be inserted into the port 62 to charge the electric vehicle 12. After the plug 60 of the charging cable 58 is inserted into the port 62, the aperture door 66 can move from the open position P2 to the intermediate position P3 (see...). Figure 5 At the intermediate position P3, the overlapping blade 70 moves radially inward until it tightly surrounds the plug 60 downward. The intermediate position P3 is therefore radially between the closed position P1 and the open position P2.

[0050] In one embodiment, the overlapping blade 70 is received in the recess 47 of the plug 60 of the charging cable 58 at the intermediate position P3 (see example). Figure 6In this way, the aperture door 66 acts as a security feature to lock the charging cable 58 in place during charging. This protects the charging cable 58 and port 62 from water and dirt during charging, and also reduces the risk of unauthorized users unplugging and stealing the charging cable 58, because the overlapping blade 70, when received within the recess 74, will not allow the charging cable 58 to be easily removed from port 62.

[0051] Figure 7 An exemplary motorized actuation assembly 76 is shown for automatically moving an aperture gate 66 between various positions P1, P2, and P3. In an embodiment, the motorized actuation assembly 76 includes a motor 78, a gear 80, a gear ring 82, a chain link 84, and overlapping blades 70.

[0052] Motor 78 can be an electric motor or any other motorized device. Motor 78 can be operatively coupled to gear 80 and can be actuated to rotate gear 80 clockwise or counterclockwise. Gear 80 engages meshingly with gear ring 82, and therefore gear ring 82 also rotates in response to the rotation of gear 80. In one embodiment, motor 78 can be controlled to drive gear 80 in a first direction so that gear ring 82 moves to move overlapping blade 70 to closed position P1. In another embodiment, motor 78 can be controlled to drive gear 80 in a second direction so that gear ring 82 moves to open overlapping blade 70 to open position P2. In yet another embodiment, motor 78 can be controlled to drive gear 80 in a first direction so that gear ring 82 moves overlapping blade 70 toward intermediate position P3.

[0053] Each link 84 is connected between the gear ring 82 and one of the plurality of overlapping blades 70. As the gear ring 82 moves, the link 84 can pivot relative to the gear ring 82 to move the overlapping blades 70 radially inward or radially outward.

[0054] The motorized actuation assembly 76 may additionally include a sensor system 86 and a control module 88, which cooperate to determine when and how to position the aperture gate 66 of the charging port assembly 52. ​​The sensor system 86 is adapted to sense the connection status of the charging cable 58, or to sense whether the charging cable 58 is approaching the charging port assembly 52 to connect to the port 62, or to sense whether an authorized user is near the charging port assembly 52 (i.e., within a predefined range of the charging port assembly). The sensor system 86 may include various sensors for making these determinations. For example, a connection sensor 90 may be positioned within the port 62 to detect whether the charging cable 58 is inserted into the port 62, and one or more proximity sensors 92 may be positioned to detect whether the charging cable 58 is approaching the charging port assembly 52. ​​The proximity sensors 92 may be mounted directly to the housing 64, near the housing 64, or to the port 62 of the charging port assembly 52. ​​In another embodiment, the proximity sensor 92 is configured to detect whether an authorized user's key fob or other personal electronic device (e.g., a telephone) is near the electric vehicle 12. The proximity sensor 92 can be a capacitive, ultrasonic, magnetic, weight, lidar, infrared, inductive, radar, or any other type of sensor or combination of sensors.

[0055] The control module 88 is adapted to control various functions of the charging port assembly 52. ​​In an embodiment, the control module 88 includes a processing unit and a non-temporary memory for executing various control strategies for the charging port assembly 52.

[0056] The control module 88 can receive and process various inputs to control the charging port assembly 52, and more specifically, to control the positioning of the aperture door 66. A first input to the control module 88 may include a user request signal 94 received in response to a predefined prompt from an authorized user of the electric vehicle 12 (e.g., actuating a key fob, actuating a button located in the vehicle's passenger compartment, or actuating a personal electronic device). The user request signal 94 indicates that the user wishes to open the aperture door 66 to connect the charging cable 58 to the port 62, or indicates that the user wishes to close the aperture door 66 after removing the charging cable 58 from the port 62. In response to receiving the user request signal 94, the control module 88 can automatically command the aperture door 66 to either the open position P2 or the closed position P1, depending on the position the aperture door 66 was in shortly before receiving the user request signal 94.

[0057] The second input to the control module 88 may include a plug proximity signal 96 from the sensor system 86. The plug proximity signal 96 indicates that the sensor system 86 has detected the presence of the charging cable 58 approaching the charging port assembly 52. ​​In response to receiving the plug proximity signal 96, the control module 88 may automatically command the aperture gate 66 to the open position P2.

[0058] A third input to the control module 88 may include a plug connection signal 98 from the sensor system 86. The plug connection signal 98 indicates that the charging cable 58 has been inserted into the port 62. In response to receiving the plug connection signal 98, the control module 88 can control the amount of charge supplied to the electric vehicle from the charging cable 58 during a charging event. For example, the control module 88 can control the amount of voltage and current supplied during a charging event, the charging duration, and various other parameters. Furthermore, in response to receiving the plug connection signal 98, the control module 88 can automatically command the aperture gate 66 to the intermediate position P3.

[0059] The fourth input to the control module 88 may include a user proximity signal 99 from the sensor system 86. The user proximity signal 99 indicates that the sensor system 86 has detected an authorized user near the electric vehicle 12. In response to receiving the user proximity signal 99, the control module 88 may automatically command the aperture door 66 to the open position P2 to unlock the charging cable 58 (i.e., release the overlapping blade 70 from the recess 74).

[0060] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 7 , Figure 8 A method 100 for controlling the aperture gate 66 of the charging port assembly 52 is schematically illustrated. In an embodiment, the control module 88 is programmed with one or more algorithms suitable for performing the exemplary method 100.

[0061] Exemplary method 100 begins at block 102. At block 104, control module 88 monitors whether a pre-defined prompt indicating an impending charging event has been received. For example, control module 88 may periodically monitor whether a user request signal 94 has been received to determine whether the user wishes to charge the electric vehicle. If not, control module 88 checks at block 94 whether the plug 60 of charging cable 58 has been detected approaching charging port assembly 52. ​​If either block 104 or 106 returns a flag, aperture gate 66 is commanded to open position P2 at block 107.

[0062] Next, at box 108, control module 88 monitors whether the plug 60 of charging cable 58 is connected to port 62. If so, indicating that a plug connection signal 98 has been received from sensor system 86, control module 88 commands aperture gate 66 to the intermediate position P3 at box 110. When aperture gate 66 is positioned at intermediate position P3, overlapping blade 70 is received within the recess 74 of plug 60 to temporarily lock charging cable 58 in place. This prevents unauthorized removal of charging cable 58 during charging.

[0063] The control module 88 can then monitor at block 112 whether the user wishes to unplug the charging cable 58 from port 62. For example, the control module 88 can monitor whether a user request signal 94 or a user proximity signal 99 has been received to make this determination. If so, the aperture gate 66 is automatically returned to the open position P2 at block 114. At block 116, the charging cable 58 is unplugged from port 62, and at block 118, the aperture gate 66 can be commanded to the closed position P1. Then, method 100 can end at block 120.

[0064] The charging port assembly disclosed herein is configured to selectively restrict and permit access to the charging port of the assembly. The proposed design is aesthetically pleasing and provides protection and safety during both charging and non-charging events.

[0065] Although different non-limiting embodiments are shown with specific components or steps, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those specific combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any non-limiting embodiment in combination with features or components from any other non-limiting embodiment.

[0066] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote corresponding or similar elements in several figures. It should also be understood that although specific component arrangements are disclosed and shown in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0067] The above description should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that certain modifications may fall within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

[0068] According to the present invention, a charging port assembly for an electric vehicle is provided, the charging port assembly having a port; an aperture gate movable to expose the port; and a motorized actuation assembly configured to move the aperture gate between: a closed position, wherein the port is hidden; and an open position, wherein the port is exposed.

[0069] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the aperture gate includes multiple overlapping blades.

[0070] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that: a plurality of overlapping blades are radially inwardly positioned in a closed position and radially outwardly positioned in an open position.

[0071] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that: the plurality of overlapping blades, in the open position, are at least partially retracted behind the radial outer disk of the housing of the charging port assembly.

[0072] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the motorized actuation component is configured to move the aperture gate from the open position to the intermediate position after the charging cable is inserted into the port.

[0073] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the motorized actuation component includes a motor, a gear, and a gear ring.

[0074] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the motor is configured to drive a gear, which in turn drives a gear ring in response.

[0075] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that a chain link is connected between a gear ring and a plurality of overlapping blades of an aperture gate, wherein movement of the gear ring causes the chain link to pivot, and in response, the plurality of overlapping blades move.

[0076] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the motorized actuation component includes a sensor system and a control module, the sensor system and the control module cooperating to control the movement of the aperture gate.

[0077] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the control module is configured to command the aperture gate to the open position in response to receiving a plug approach signal from the sensor system.

[0078] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the control module is configured to place the aperture gate command in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position in response to receiving a plug connection signal from the sensor system.

[0079] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the motorized actuation component includes a control module configured to command the aperture door to the open position in response to a predefined prompt from an authorized user.

[0080] According to the present invention, a method is provided, the method comprising: automatically opening the aperture door of the charging port assembly of the electric vehicle to an open position in response to a pre-defined prompt from an authorized user of the electric vehicle or when the charging cable is approaching the charging port assembly.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the pre-defined prompt includes actuating a button on an authorized user's key fob or personal electronic device.

[0082] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that the pre-defined prompt includes actuating a button located in the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle.

[0083] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that: the charging cable is inserted into the port of the charging port assembly; and the aperture gate is moved from the open position to the middle position where the aperture gate tightly surrounds the plug of the charging cable.

[0084] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is that: an authorized user is detected near the electric vehicle; and the aperture door is moved from the intermediate position back to the open position in response to the detection of the authorized user.

[0085] According to an embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is: unplugging the charging cable from the port; and moving the aperture door from the open position to the closed position where the port is hidden behind the aperture door.

Claims

1. A charging port assembly for an electric vehicle, the charging port assembly comprising: port; An aperture gate, which is movable to expose the port; as well as A motorized actuation assembly configured to move the aperture gate between: a closed position, wherein the port is hidden; and an open position, wherein the port is exposed; The motorized actuation component is configured to move the aperture door from the open position to the intermediate position after the charging cable is inserted into the port, thereby locking the charging cable in place.

2. The charging port assembly of claim 1, wherein the aperture gate comprises a plurality of overlapping blades.

3. The charging port assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of overlapping blades are radially inwardly positioned in the closed position and radially outwardly positioned in the open position.

4. The charging port assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of overlapping blades are at least partially retracted behind the radial outer disk of the housing of the charging port assembly in the open position.

5. The charging port assembly of claim 1, wherein the motorized actuation component includes a motor, a gear, and a gear ring, and wherein the motor is configured to drive the gear, and in response, the gear drives the gear ring.

6. The charging port assembly of claim 5, wherein the charging port assembly includes a link connected between the gear ring and a plurality of overlapping blades of the aperture gate, wherein movement of the gear ring causes the link to pivot and, in response, moves the plurality of overlapping blades.

7. The charging port assembly of claim 1, wherein the motorized actuation assembly includes a sensor system and a control module, the sensor system and the control module cooperating to control the movement of the aperture gate.

8. The charging port assembly of claim 7, wherein the control module is configured to command the aperture gate to the open position in response to receiving a plug proximity signal from the sensor system, and wherein the control module is optionally configured to command the aperture gate to an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position in response to receiving a plug connection signal from the sensor system.

9. The charging port assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the motorized actuation assembly includes a control module configured to command the aperture door to the open position in response to a predefined prompt from an authorized user.

10. A method for controlling the aperture gate of a charging port assembly, the method comprising: In response to a pre-defined prompt from an authorized user of the electric vehicle or when the charging cable is approaching the charging port assembly, the aperture door of the charging port assembly of the electric vehicle is automatically opened to the open position. The method includes: Insert the charging cable into the port of the charging port assembly; and Move the aperture door from the open position to a position where the aperture door is tightly wrapped around the middle of the charging cable plug to lock the charging cable in the proper position.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the predefined prompt comprises an actuation button on a key fob, a personal electronic device, or a button located in the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the method comprises: The authorized user was detected near the electric vehicle; as well as In response to the detection of the authorized user, the aperture door is moved from the intermediate position back to the open position.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method comprises: Disconnect the charging cable from the port; as well as The aperture door is moved from the open position to the closed position where the port is hidden behind the aperture door.

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