A vehicle and a charging port assembly thereof

Abstract

The application provides a vehicle and a charging port assembly thereof. The charging port assembly comprises: a charging port box, a bottom wall of which is used for arranging a charging seat, and a top wall of which forms an opening opposite to the charging seat; a charging port cover, which is slidably arranged at the opening and is configured to have a first state of closing the opening and a second state of sliding to a position opposite to an inner wall of the charging port box, and a side wall opposite to the charging port cover in the second state is a sliding opposite wall; a transmission assembly, which is arranged in the charging port box, is connected with the charging port cover, and is configured to drive the charging port cover to move between the first state and the second state; and two side walls of the charging port box, which are connected with the sliding opposite wall, are respectively provided with sliding grooves, and an end of the charging port cover close to the sliding opposite wall is provided with a sliding rod, two ends of the sliding rod are slidably arranged in the sliding grooves, and the sliding track of the charging port cover is limited by the sliding grooves. The application has the advantages of improving the experience of users and reducing the shape limitation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and in particular to a vehicle and its charging port assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, new energy vehicles will become a competitive focus for major automakers in the future, and the charging port cover that works with them has gradually become one of the highlights of attention.

[0003] In the existing technology, there are many improved solutions for the charging port cover, and the common opening methods mainly include the following:

[0004] (1) Ordinary top-opening type: This type of opening structure is simple, the technology is mature, the size of the opening box is small, and the cost is low, but it lacks a sense of technology and fashion.

[0005] (2) Ordinary horizontal opening type, similar to ordinary top opening type, although the opening structure is simple, the technology is mature, the charging port box is small in size and low in cost, but it lacks a sense of technology and fashion.

[0006] (3) The four-bar outward opening type has a more fashionable opening method, mature technology and slightly lower cost, but the opening size is larger, which greatly restricts the shape.

[0007] (4) The sliding type has a high-tech opening method, less restrictions on the shape, and can make the external size smaller, but the internal structure is complex and requires more internal space.

[0008] (5) Rotary outward opening type: The opening method is novel and the required appearance size is small, but the rigidity and stability are poor. Especially for the fast and slow charging integrated charging base structure, the outer plate is larger and the rigidity is worse, so it cannot be used.

[0009] Since each of the above-mentioned opening methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, there is an urgent need in the market to develop an opening method that can improve the user experience and reduce design limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One objective of the first aspect of this invention is to provide a charging port assembly for a vehicle that improves the user experience and reduces design limitations.

[0011] A further objective of the first aspect of the present invention is to restrict the free movement of the charging port cover when it is in the closed state.

[0012] The second aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle.

[0013] Specifically, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a charging port assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

[0014] The charging port box has a bottom wall for arranging the charging base and a top wall forming an opening opposite the charging base.

[0015] The charging port cover is slidably disposed at the opening and configured to have a first state of closing the opening and a second state of sliding to a position opposite to the inner wall of the charging port box. In the second state, the side wall opposite to the charging port cover is a sliding opposite wall.

[0016] A transmission component, located inside the charging port box, connected to the charging port cover, and configured to move the charging port cover between a first state and a second state; and

[0017] The charging port box has sliding grooves on its two side walls that connect with the sliding opposite wall. The end of the charging port cover near the sliding opposite wall is provided with a sliding rod. The two ends of the sliding rod are slidably set in the sliding groove, thereby using the sliding groove to limit the sliding trajectory of the charging port cover.

[0018] Optionally, the transmission assembly includes:

[0019] The rotating shaft has its two ends rotatably connected to the side walls where the two sliding grooves are located;

[0020] Two active arms are positioned opposite each other on both sides inside the charging port box and are fixedly connected to the rotating shaft; and

[0021] Two driven arms are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the charging port cover. One end of each driven arm is fixedly connected to the bottom of the charging port cover, and the other end extends into the charging port box and is hinged to the active arm.

[0022] Optionally, the transmission assembly also includes:

[0023] The connecting plate is fixed to the bottom of the charging port cover, and the slide rod is fixed to the end of the connecting plate near the sliding opposite wall to be fixedly connected with the charging port cover.

[0024] The side of the charging port box away from the sliding opposite wall is recessed inward to form a protrusion lower than the opening on the side of the charging port box away from the sliding opposite wall, and when the charging port cover is in the first state, the side of the connecting plate cover away from the sliding opposite wall abuts against the protrusion.

[0025] Optionally, the driven arm has an internal hollow structure with an opening at its lower end, and at least a portion of the upper end of the driving arm is inserted into the driven arm through the opening;

[0026] A pin is installed inside the driven arm, with both ends of the pin fixed to the driven arm. The driving arm is hinged to the driven arm through the pin.

[0027] Optionally, a first torsion spring is sleeved on the pin shaft. One end of the first torsion spring is fixedly connected to the driven arm, and the other end is fixedly connected to the driving arm. It is configured to release torque when the charging port cover is in the first state, so that the side of the connecting plate away from the sliding opposite wall is pressed against the boss.

[0028] Optionally, the charging port assembly also includes:

[0029] The drive unit is a motor, which is installed outside the charging port box, and its output shaft is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft.

[0030] Optionally, a touch switch is provided at the charging port. The touch switch is configured to unlock when the charging port cover needs to be opened, so that the motor drives the charging port cover to open; and to lock when the charging port cover needs to be closed, so that the motor drives the charging port cover to close.

[0031] Optionally, the charging port assembly also includes:

[0032] The driving device is a second torsion spring, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft. One end of the second torsion spring is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the other end is fixedly connected to the charging port box. It is configured to provide driving force for opening the charging port cover.

[0033] Optionally, an actuator is provided at the charging port. The actuator has an adsorption end, which is located at the charging port to lock and unlock the charging port cover.

[0034] Optionally, a damper is provided on the side wall of the charging port box, a first gear is connected to the spindle of the damper, and a second gear is connected to the shaft, with the first gear meshing with the second gear.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a vehicle including a body shell, the body shell having a charging port, and the charging port being provided with any of the above-described charging port assemblies.

[0036] The vehicle and its charging port assembly of this invention feature a novel and stylish opening mechanism where the charging port cover slides into the charging port box and aligns with the inner wall of the box when opened. This design also minimizes the size requirements of the opening, reducing constraints on its shape and sealing. When the charging port cover is opened, only a small portion is exposed outside the charging port box, preventing damage. A transmission assembly is installed inside the charging port box, enabling the cover to slide stably between a first and second state. Sliding grooves are formed on both side walls of the charging port box, and a sliding rod is connected to the cover. The two ends of the sliding rod are slidably positioned within the grooves. These grooves not only limit the sliding trajectory of the cover but also provide support for the sliding rod, allowing the cover to move smoothly and stably.

[0037] Furthermore, in the vehicle and its charging port assembly of the present invention, a first torsion spring is sleeved on the pin shaft. One end of the first torsion spring is fixedly connected to the driven arm, and the other end is fixedly connected to the driving arm. It is configured to release torque when the charging port cover is in the first state, causing the side of the connecting plate away from the sliding opposite wall to press against the boss, preventing the charging port cover from shaking. During the process of driving the charging port cover to open, the first torsion spring pulls the side of the charging port cover away from the sliding opposite wall upwards through the driven arm, thereby guiding the charging port cover to move along the trajectory of the slide groove, making the movement of the charging port cover smoother and more natural.

[0038] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of a charging port assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a charging port assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the charging port box, the rotating shaft and the active arm according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of a charging port cover, a connecting plate, a slide bar, and two driven arms according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the hinge structure of the driving arm and the driven arm according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the charging port assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of part A in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0048] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a charging port assembly 200 for a vehicle and a vehicle including the charging port assembly 200.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 The vehicle can be a pure electric vehicle or a rechargeable hybrid vehicle, and it includes at least a body shell 100 with a charging port, and a charging port assembly 200 disposed within the charging port. Of course, without departing from the principles of the invention, those skilled in the art can apply the charging port assembly 200 of the present invention to other scenarios, for example, it can also be used for a vehicle's fuel filler cap.

[0050] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The charging port assembly 200 may include a charging port box 210, a charging port cover 220, and a transmission assembly. The bottom wall of the charging port box 210 is used to accommodate a charging base, and the top wall of the charging port box forms an opening opposite to the charging base. The charging port cover 220 is slidably disposed at the opening and configured to have a first state with the opening closed, and a second state where it slides into the charging port box 210 and is positioned opposite the inner wall of the charging port box 210. In the second state, the side wall opposite to the charging port cover 220 can be defined as a sliding opposing wall 211. The transmission assembly is disposed within the charging port box 210, connected to the charging port cover 220, and configured to drive the charging port cover 220 to move between the first and second states. The charging port box 210 has two side walls that connect with the sliding opposite wall 211, and a sliding rod 221 is provided at the end of the charging port cover 220 near the sliding opposite wall 211. The two ends of the sliding rod 221 are slidably disposed in the sliding groove 212, thereby using the sliding groove 212 to limit the sliding trajectory of the charging port cover 220.

[0051] The charging port assembly 200 of this invention features a novel and stylish opening mechanism. When the charging port cover 220 is opened, it slides into the charging port box 210 and is positioned opposite the inner wall of the charging port box 210. This design also minimizes the size requirements of the opening, reducing limitations on its shape and sealing. Furthermore, only a small portion of the charging port cover 220 is exposed outside the charging port box 210 after opening, preventing damage to the cover. The charging port box 210 is equipped with a transmission component, which can drive the charging port cover 220 to slide stably between the first state and the second state. The two side walls of the charging port box 210 are respectively provided with sliding grooves 212. A sliding rod 221 is connected to the charging port cover 220. The two ends of the sliding rod 221 are slidably disposed in the sliding grooves 212. The sliding grooves 212 can not only limit the sliding trajectory of the charging port cover 220, but also provide a certain support for the sliding rod 221, so that the charging port cover 220 can move relatively smoothly and stably.

[0052] Specifically, the transmission assembly may include a rotating shaft 231, two active arms 232, and two driven arms 233. The rotating shaft 231 is arranged laterally along the charging port box 210, with its two ends rotatably connected to the side walls where the two sliding grooves 212 are located. The two active arms 232 are arranged opposite each other on both sides inside the charging port box 210 and are fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 231. The two driven arms 233 are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the charging port cover 220, with one end of each driven arm 233 fixedly connected to the bottom of the charging port cover 220, and the other end extending into the charging port box 210 and hinged to the active arm 232. The rotation of the rotating shaft 231 drives the transmission assembly to move the charging port cover 220, opening or closing the charging port cover 220 by rotation. This opening method is novel and stylish, and the structure of the transmission assembly is relatively simple, significantly saving internal space in the charging port box 210.

[0053] Furthermore, the transmission assembly may also include a connecting plate 234, which is fixed to the bottom of the charging port cover 220. A slide rod 221 is fixed to the end of the connecting plate 234 adjacent to the sliding opposite wall 211 for fixed connection with the charging port cover 220. The side of the charging port box 210 away from the sliding opposite wall 211 is recessed inwards to form a protrusion 213 lower than the charging port on the side of the charging port away from the sliding opposite wall 211. When the charging port cover 220 is in the first state, the side of the connecting plate 234 away from the sliding opposite wall 211 abuts against the protrusion 213. By providing the connecting plate 234 at the bottom of the charging port cover 220, the slide rod 221 can be indirectly fixed to the charging port cover 220 via the connecting plate 234. The thickness of the connecting plate 234 can be designed according to the actual situation so that when the side of the connecting plate 234 away from the sliding opposite wall 211 abuts against the boss 213, the upper surface of the charging port cover 220 is flush with the surface of the body shell 100, so as to ensure the aesthetic appearance of the body.

[0054] Reference Figure 5 In one optional embodiment, the driven arm 233 has an internally hollow structure with an opening at its lower end. At least a portion of the upper end of the driven arm 232 is inserted into the driven arm 233 through the opening. A pin 235 is provided inside the driven arm 233, with both ends of the pin 235 fixed to the driven arm 233. The driven arm 232 is hinged to the driven arm 233 via the pin 235. The insertion of the driven arm 232 into the driven arm 233 and its hinged connection to the driven arm 233 improves the hinge stability between the driven arm 232 and the driven arm 233 and reduces the overall height of the driven arm 232 and the driven arm 233, thereby reducing the space occupied inside the charging port box 210.

[0055] Preferably, the overall height of the charging port box 210 can be designed to be relatively low to save on manufacturing costs. An clearance opening is provided on the bottom wall of the charging port box 210 in the area below the active arm 232. This clearance opening is mainly used to allow at least a portion of the active arm 232 to extend out of the charging port box 210 during rotation, so as to prevent the bottom wall of the charging port box 210 from obstructing the rotation of the active arm 232.

[0056] The top wall of the charging port box 210 is an arc-shaped wall. After the opening is made on this top wall, the side adjacent to the sliding opposite wall 211 is higher than the side away from the sliding opposite wall 211. Since the active arm 232 and the driven arm 233 are directly hinged, the active arm 232 and the driven arm 233 can rotate freely relative to each other. Thus, during the driving of the vehicle, the charging port cover 220 will sway back and forth relative to the inside and outside of the vehicle body.

[0057] In this embodiment, a first torsion spring 236 is sleeved on the pin 235. One end of the first torsion spring 236 is fixedly connected to the driven arm 233, and the other end is fixedly connected to the driving arm 232. It is configured to release torque when the charging port cover 220 is in the first state, so that the side of the connecting plate 234 away from the sliding opposite wall 211 abuts against the boss 213 to prevent the charging port cover 220 from shaking. During the process of driving the charging port cover 220 to open, the first torsion spring 236 gradually tightens, and the driven arm 233 pulls the side of the charging port cover 220 away from the sliding opposite wall 211 upward, thereby guiding the charging port cover 220 to move along the trajectory of the slide groove 212, making the movement of the charging port cover 220 smoother and more natural.

[0058] Refer to 2 and Figure 3 In one specific implementation, the charging port assembly 200 further includes a drive device, which is a motor 241, installed outside the charging port box 210, and its output shaft is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft 231. By driving the rotating shaft 231 to rotate in both directions by the motor 241, the charging port cover 220 can be moved between the first state and the second state relatively easily.

[0059] Furthermore, a touch switch 242 is provided at the opening of the charging port box 210. The touch switch 242 is configured to unlock when the charging port cover 220 needs to be opened, so that the motor 241 drives the charging port cover 220 to open. When the charging port cover 220 needs to be closed, the touch switch 242 is pressed to lock, so that the motor 241 drives the charging port cover 220 to close. Specifically, the contacts of the touch switch 242 can be provided to protrude from the boss 213. When the charging port cover 220 is in the first state, the bottom of the charging port cover 220 abuts against the contacts of the touch switch 242.

[0060] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In another specific embodiment, the charging port assembly 200 further includes a driving device, which is a second torsion spring 251. The second torsion spring 251 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 231, with one end fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 231 and the other end fixedly connected to the charging port box 210, configured to provide a driving force for opening the charging port cover 220. That is, when the charging port cover 220 is closed, the second torsion spring 251 is torn. When the charging port cover 220 is opened, the second torsion spring 251 gradually returns to its original position, releasing the torque to drive the charging port cover 220 to extend into the charging port box 210 to the side where the sliding opposite wall 211 is located.

[0061] In this embodiment, a slot is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 231, and one end of the second torsion spring 251 is fixed in the slot. A fixing block is provided on the side wall of the charging port box 210, and an insertion hole is provided on the fixing block. The other end of the second torsion spring 251 extends from the rotating shaft 231 and is inserted into the insertion hole. Of course, there are many ways to fix the second torsion spring 251, and the present invention does not impose a specific limitation on this.

[0062] Furthermore, an actuator 252 is provided at the charging port, and the actuator 252 has a suction-type end, which is located at the opening of the charging port box 210. When it is necessary to close the charging port cover 220, the charging port cover 220 can be manually rotated to the first state, and then the suction-type end is used to lock the charging port cover 220. When it is necessary to open the charging port cover 220, the suction-type end is first used to unlock the charging port cover 220, and the second torsion spring 251 releases torque to automatically drive the charging port cover 220 to rotate to the second state.

[0063] Furthermore, a damper 253 is provided on the side wall of the charging port box 210. A first gear 254 is connected to the spindle of the damper 253, and a second gear 237 is connected to the rotating shaft 231. The first gear 254 and the second gear 237 mesh. After the actuator 252 releases the lock on the charging port cover 220, the second torsion spring 251 can drive the charging port cover 220 to open more slowly due to the resistance of the damper 253, thereby improving the quality and safety of opening the charging port cover 220.

[0064] According to any one or a combination of the above optional embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0065] The vehicle and its charging port assembly 200 of this embodiment of the invention have a novel and stylish opening method. When the charging port cover 220 is opened, it slides into the charging port box 210 and is positioned opposite the inner wall of the charging port box 210. This design also minimizes the size requirements of the opening, reducing limitations on the design and sealing of the opening. Furthermore, when the charging port cover 220 is opened, only a small portion of it is exposed outside the charging port box 210, preventing damage to the charging port cover 220. The charging port box 210 is equipped with a transmission component, which can drive the charging port cover 220 to slide stably between the first state and the second state. The two side walls of the charging port box 210 are respectively provided with sliding grooves 212. A sliding rod 221 is connected to the charging port cover 220. The two ends of the sliding rod 221 are slidably disposed in the sliding grooves 212. The sliding grooves 212 can not only limit the sliding trajectory of the charging port cover 220, but also provide a certain support for the sliding rod 221, so that the charging port cover 220 can move relatively smoothly and stably.

[0066] Furthermore, in the vehicle and its charging port assembly 200 of the present invention, a first torsion spring 236 is sleeved on the pin 235. One end of the first torsion spring 236 is fixedly connected to the driven arm 233, and the other end is fixedly connected to the driving arm 232. It is configured to release torque when the charging port cover 220 is in the first state, so that the side of the connecting plate 234 away from the sliding opposite wall 211 abuts against the boss 213 to prevent the charging port cover 220 from shaking. During the process of driving the charging port cover 220 to open, the first torsion spring 236 pulls the side of the charging port cover 220 away from the sliding opposite wall 211 upward through the driven arm 233, thereby guiding the charging port cover 220 to move along the trajectory of the slide groove 212, making the movement of the charging port cover 220 smoother and more natural.

[0067] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A charging port assembly for a vehicle, comprising: A charging port box, the bottom wall of which is used to arrange a charging base, and the top wall of which forms an opening opposite to the charging base; A charging port cover is slidably disposed at the opening and configured to have a first state of closing the opening and a second state of sliding to a position opposite to the inner wall of the charging port box. In the second state, the side wall opposite to the charging port cover is a sliding opposite wall. A transmission component, disposed within the charging port box, connected to the charging port cover, and configured to move the charging port cover between a first state and a second state; and The charging port box has sliding grooves on its two side walls that connect with the sliding opposite wall. The charging port cover has a sliding rod at its end near the sliding opposite wall. The two ends of the sliding rod are slidably disposed in the sliding groove, thereby using the sliding groove to limit the sliding trajectory of the charging port cover. The transmission assembly includes: The rotating shaft has two ends that are rotatably connected to the side walls where the two grooves are located, respectively. Two active arms are positioned opposite each other on both sides inside the charging port box and are fixedly connected to the rotating shaft; Two driven arms are positioned opposite each other on either side of the charging port cover. One end of each driven arm is fixedly connected to the bottom of the charging port cover, and the other end extends into the charging port box and is hinged to the driving arm. A connecting plate is fixed to the bottom of the charging port cover, and a sliding rod is fixed to the end of the connecting plate adjacent to the sliding opposite wall, so as to be fixedly connected to the charging port cover; The charging port box is recessed inward on the side away from the sliding opposite wall to form a protrusion lower than the opening on the side of the charging port box away from the sliding opposite wall, and when the charging port cover is in the first state, the side of the connecting plate away from the sliding opposite wall abuts against the protrusion.

2. The charging port assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driven arm has an internal hollow structure with an opening at its lower end, and at least a portion of the upper end of the driving arm is inserted into the driven arm through the opening; A pin is provided inside the driven arm, and the two ends of the pin are respectively fixed to the driven arm. The driving arm is hinged to the driven arm through the pin.

3. The charging port assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A first torsion spring is sleeved on the pin shaft. One end of the first torsion spring is fixedly connected to the driven arm, and the other end is fixedly connected to the driving arm. It is configured to release torque when the charging port cover is in the first state so that the side of the connecting plate away from the sliding opposite wall abuts against the boss.

4. The charging port assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A drive device, which is a motor, is installed outside the charging port box, and its output shaft is coaxially connected to the rotating shaft.

5. The charging port assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The charging port box is equipped with a touch switch, which is configured to be pressed to unlock when the charging port cover needs to be opened, so that the motor drives the charging port cover to open. When it is necessary to close the charging port cover, press the touch switch to lock it, so that the motor drives the charging port cover to close.

6. The charging port assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The driving device is a second torsion spring, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft. One end of the second torsion spring is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the other end is fixedly connected to the charging port box. It is configured to provide a driving force for opening the charging port cover.

7. The charging port assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, An actuator is provided on the outside of the charging port box. The actuator has an adsorption end for locking and unlocking the charging port cover.

8. The charging port assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, A damper is provided on the side wall of the charging port box. A first gear is connected to the spindle of the damper, and a second gear is connected to the rotating shaft. The first gear and the second gear mesh with each other.

9. A vehicle comprising a body shell having a charging port, wherein a charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is disposed within the charging port.

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