Charging gate device for vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging door device for a vehicle, the charging door device comprising: a charging port door portion configured to shield a charging portion and rotatably coupled to a housing in which the charging portion is provided; and an actuator coupled to a rotating shaft portion provided in the charging port door portion and configured to rotatably move the charging port door portion to an open position or a closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a charging gate device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, electric vehicles (EVs) are being actively researched because they are seen as the most likely alternative to solving future automotive pollution and energy problems. Meanwhile, in the United States and Europe, the widespread adoption of EVs will become mandatory with the enactment of air protection laws.

[0003] Therefore, as part of its low-carbon green growth policy, South Korea is also actively pursuing interest in and research on green vehicles.

[0004] These EVs are vehicles that obtain power primarily by using battery power to drive an AC or DC motor, and are mainly divided into battery-only EVs and hybrid EVs. Battery-only EVs use battery power to drive the motor and recharge the battery when the power is depleted, while hybrid EVs run an engine to generate electricity to charge the battery, and can move by using this electricity to drive the electric motor.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to expand the adoption of electric vehicles, it is necessary to establish charging infrastructure for EVs. For charging, an inlet (charging port) is installed in the EV body, and a connector for the EV charging device is installed at the charging station. This connector selectively connects to the inlet to transfer electrical energy to the EV.

[0006] Typically, electric vehicles have a cover at the entrance that protects the inside of the entrance from environmental factors such as rain or snow, and the entrance of electric vehicles has a charging port door that covers the entire charging section of the vehicle body.

[0007] As a conventional technology, there exists a structure in which an integrated inlet cover (combining the charging port door and the inlet cover) is used to protect the charging unit, or in which separate charging port doors and inlet covers are used to perform opening and closing operations using their respective actuators.

[0008] However, when using integrated inlet covers, there is a problem: the charging port door, made of plastic material, can deform due to moisture, heat, and other factors, making it impossible to install the inlet cover on the inlet and resulting in excessive claims.

[0009] Furthermore, when separate actuators are used to perform the opening and closing operations of the separate charging port door and inlet cover, and in cases where the charging port door protrudes significantly, interference with the charging gun may damage the charging port door. Additionally, if the hinge is long, it becomes difficult to adjust for changes during switch operation, and there is an issue of excessively increased costs.

[0010] The above background information is only intended to help understand the background of the present invention and does not mean that the present invention falls within the scope of the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention relates to a charging door device for a vehicle. A specific embodiment relates to a charging door device for a vehicle configured such that one side of the charging door has a structure that inserts into the interior of a housing when the charging door is opened, thereby preventing damage to the charging door due to collision with the charging gun.

[0012] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention take into account the problems existing in the relevant prior art, and embodiments of the present invention provide a charging door device for a vehicle. In this case, when the charging door is opened by the operation of the actuator, the upper end of the charging door, which matches the rear surface of the exterior trim, can be inserted into the inner side of the housing by rotation, and only the lower end of the charging door, which matches the front surface of the interior trim, is allowed to protrude to the outer side of the housing, thereby reducing the area of ​​the charging door protruding to the outside. Therefore, damage to the charging door due to interference with the charging gun during charging can be prevented.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a charging door device for a vehicle is provided, the charging door device comprising: a charging port door portion configured to shield a charging portion and rotatably coupled to a housing in which the charging portion is provided; and an actuator coupled to a rotating shaft portion disposed in the charging port door portion and configured to rotatably move the charging port door portion to an open position or a closed position.

[0014] Here, the housing may include: a body having a charging section therein and an actuator therein; and a decorative element that is integrated with the front surface edge of the body.

[0015] The trim may include: an inner trim piece that integrates with the front surface edge of the body; and an outer trim piece that integrates with the front surface of the inner trim piece.

[0016] In addition, the exterior trim can be formed in the same shape as the interior trim and combined to create a step between the upper sides of the exterior trim and the interior trim.

[0017] In addition, the exterior trim has multiple clips at the position facing the interior trim, and the interior trim has locking protrusions configured to lock the multiple clips together with it, thereby enabling the exterior trim to be separably coupled to the front surface of the interior trim.

[0018] In addition, the charging port door includes: a door having a shape corresponding to the interior shape of the exterior trim and engaging with the rotation axis on the rear surface of the door; and an engaging guide formed protruding along the upper edge of the door to be positioned above the engaging position relative to the rotation axis.

[0019] The charging door device also includes a seal that is integrated with the charging port door and forms a watertight structure for the housing. The seal includes: a first sealing portion integrated with a connecting guide and disposed on the upper edge of the door, the first sealing portion mating with the rear surface of the outer trim at the closed position of the door; and a second sealing portion integrally connected to the first sealing portion and disposed on the lower edge of the door, the second sealing portion mating with the front surface of a protruding member at the closed position of the door, the protruding member being formed protruding inward along the lower edge of the inner trim.

[0020] In addition, the rotating shaft portion includes: a first coupling portion arranged around a plate hinge portion fixed by fastening on a first side of the housing and rotatably coupled to the plate hinge portion; and a second coupling portion connected to an actuator on a second side of the housing and configured to transmit the rotational force generated when the actuator is driven to the first coupling portion.

[0021] Furthermore, when the charging port door is rotatably moved to the open position, its upper end is inserted into the inside of the housing, while its lower end protrudes to the outside of the housing.

[0022] When the charging door is opened by the operation of the actuator, the upper end of the charging door, which matches the rear surface of the outer trim, is inserted into the inside of the housing by rotation, while only the lower end of the charging door, which matches the front surface of the inner trim, is allowed to protrude out of the housing. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention have the effect of reducing the area of ​​the charging door protruding outward.

[0023] Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention, when the charging door is opened for charging, the protruding area can be reduced, thereby preventing damage caused by collision with the charging gun. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic view of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 A view showing the structure of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3A view of the charging port door portion of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 4 A view showing the interior and exterior trim pieces of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention in a separated state;

[0029] Figure 5 A view showing the combined state of the rotating shaft and actuator of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0030] Figures 6 to 9 This is a view illustrating the operation of the charging port door portion of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following sections, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The advantages and features of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as the methods for implementing the advantages and features of the embodiments of the present invention, will become more apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, together with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. In this regard, these embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the relevant field. Therefore, the invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0034] Furthermore, in describing embodiments of the invention, detailed descriptions of well-known prior art will be omitted when it is determined that such prior art may obscure the subject matter of the invention.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic view of a charging gate device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A view showing the structure of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 A view of the charging port door portion of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] in addition, Figure 4 This view shows the interior and exterior trim pieces of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention in a separated state. Figure 5 A view showing the combined state of the rotating shaft and actuator of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 6 to 9 This is a view illustrating the operation of the charging port door portion of a charging door device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, according to this embodiment, the charging door device for a vehicle includes a charging port door 100, a seal 200, and an actuator 300.

[0038] The charging port door component 100 is configured as a charging part for charging and is rotatably coupled to the housing 10 where the charging part is located.

[0039] The charging port door 100 includes a door 110 and a connecting guide 120, such as Figure 3 As shown.

[0040] The door 110 is formed to correspond to the shape of the front part of the housing 10, specifically the shape of the interior trim 14 or the interior shape of the open exterior trim 16, and the door 110 has a rotating shaft portion 20 joined at its rear surface.

[0041] Door 110 may include at least one curved surface to correspond to the shape of the vehicle's outer frame when it is in the closed position.

[0042] Furthermore, although the door 110 is shown to have a square shape to correspond to the shape of the housing 10, this is only an example and is not fixed. That is to say, the door 110 may also have other shapes depending on the shape of the housing 10, such as circular, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, as the rotating shaft portion 20, which is coupled to the inside of the housing 10, rotates, the door 110 can be rotated to an open position or a closed position based on the rotating shaft portion 20.

[0044] The guide 120 is formed on the door 110, which is pre-set to the upper or lower side, with the engagement position of the rotating shaft portion 20 as a reference, and protrudes along the upper edge corresponding to the upper side of the door 110.

[0045] The guide 120 is formed to have a predetermined width and length to correspond to the thickness of the seal 200 and is mounted to protrude from the upper edge of the door 110.

[0046] That is, the construction of the guide 120 is added to the upper edge of the door 110, thereby allowing the seal 200 to be securely mounted on the door 110. This is so that the seal 200 can be locked in the closed position of the door 110 by the rear surface of the outer trim 16, thereby obtaining a watertight structure for the upper side of the housing 10 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0047] The housing 10 includes a main body 12, which is provided with a charging unit, while the inner decorative element 14 and the outer decorative element 16 are provided on the main body 12 so that they can be locked in the closed position of the door 110.

[0048] Here, the interior trim 14 is disposed on the edge of the front surface of the body 12 and can be fixed to the housing 10 by means of a plurality of fastening members 14a passing through it and engaging with the front surface of the body 12.

[0049] The interior trim 14 may be provided with a protruding member 15 that projects inwardly along its lower edge, thereby guiding the door 110 to its closed position. In this case, the seal 200 can be matched with the protruding member 15. That is, when the door 110 moves from the open position to the closed position, the lower part of the door 110, together with the seal 200, can be locked together with the protruding member 15, thereby achieving a watertight structure for the housing 10 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0050] In addition, the exterior trim 16 is formed to correspond to the size and shape of the interior trim 14 and is integrated with the front surface of the interior trim 14.

[0051] The exterior trim 16 is provided with a plurality of clips 16a protruding in the direction facing the interior trim 14, and these clips 16a are locked together with the locking protrusions 14b of the interior trim 14.

[0052] The locking protrusions 14b are configured to correspond to the position and number of clips 16a. Therefore, the outer trim 16 can be allowed to insert multiple clips 16a into the locking protrusions 14b in a forced insertion manner, thereby enabling it to be detachably attached to the inner trim 14.

[0053] Therefore, when the exterior trim 16 is combined with the interior trim 14, it can be separated from the fixed interior trim 14 simply by pulling it outward, without the need for additional equipment.

[0054] In the case of interior trim 14, such as Figure 4 As shown, the interior trim 14 is attached to and secured to the housing 10 by fastening member 14a. This is so that the exterior trim 16 can be attached in the manner described above, thus providing a sealing function and preventing the fastening member 14a from being exposed to the outside.

[0055] Furthermore, after the exterior trim 16 is easily removed, the interior trim 14 and the housing 10 can be separated sequentially by removing the fastening member 14a, thereby enabling effective maintenance.

[0056] Meanwhile, in the combination of the outer trim 16 and the inner trim 14, the outer trim 16 has an upper width L1 that is larger than the upper width L2 of the inner trim 14, thereby forming a step on its inner surface (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0057] That is, as referenced Figure 2As can be seen, since the width L1 of the upper part of the outer trim 16 is formed to be larger than the width L2 of the upper part of the inner trim 14, when the door 110 moves from the open position to the closed position, the upper part of the door 110, together with the seal 200, is locked and positioned on the step surface A. Therefore, a watertight structure can be formed for the housing 10.

[0058] Therefore, when the door 110 moves from the open position to the closed position, the door 110 moves such that the upper part is locked and positioned against the stepped surface A inside the housing 10, and the lower part is locked and positioned against the protruding member 15 from the outside of the housing 10. Thus, the door 110, when moved to the closed position, can be physically fixed in its position.

[0059] At the same time, the seal 200 is combined with the charging port door 100 to form a watertight structure for the housing 10.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the seal 200 includes a first sealing part 210 and a second sealing part 220.

[0061] The first sealing portion 210 engages with the engagement guide 120 and is disposed at the upper edge of the door 110, and matches the rear surface of the outer trim 16, more specifically at the stepped surface A of the closed position of the door 110 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0062] The first sealing part 210 may be made of an elastic member (such as rubber) capable of absorbing impact, and its shape may be the same as that of the coupling guide 120.

[0063] In addition, the second sealing part 220 is integrally connected to the first sealing part 210 and is provided on the lower edge of the door 110, and matches the front surface of the interior trim 14, more specifically the protruding member 15 located in the closed position of the door 110.

[0064] The second sealing portion 220 may be formed by an elastic member in the same manner as the first sealing portion 210, and may have a shape corresponding to the lower edge of the door 110.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the actuator 300, while engaging with the rotating shaft portion 20 provided in the charging port door portion 100, causes the charging port door portion 100 to rotate and move to an open or closed position within the housing 10.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown in the enlarged view, the rotating shaft portion 20, which is coupled with the actuator 300, is provided with a first coupling portion 22 and a second coupling portion 24.

[0067] The first joint 22 is arranged around the plate hinge 30 fastened by the fastening member 30 on one side of the housing 10, and is rotatably engaged with the plate hinge 30.

[0068] That is, the first joint 22 is configured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the plate hinge portion 30, which is fixedly disposed inside the housing 10, so that it can rotate together with the plate hinge portion 30 as a reference when the actuator is driven.

[0069] Additionally, the second connection 24 is connected to the actuator 300 on the opposite side of the housing 10.

[0070] Here, since the second joint 24 is connected to the actuator 300 by a hinge at a short distance, not only can rotational force be easily transmitted, but also the introduction of variation to the rotating shaft 20 can be reduced.

[0071] In addition, the second joint 24 transmits the rotational force generated as the actuator 300 is driven to the first joint 22.

[0072] In other words, since the second coupling 24 is directly coupled to the rod 310 extending from the actuator 300, when the rod 310 is driven to rotate with the actuator 300, the second coupling 24 is rotated first. Therefore, the rotational force is transmitted to the first coupling 22 through the rotating shaft 20, so that the rotation of the first coupling 22 can be carried out together.

[0073] Therefore, in the structure of the rotating shaft portion 20 according to this embodiment, since the first connecting portion 22 is rotatably connected to the fixed plate hinge portion 30, the fluctuation of the rotating shaft portion 20 having a predetermined length in the left, right or up and down directions can be adjusted.

[0074] Furthermore, when the actuator 300 is driven, the second coupling portion 24 rotates. At this time, the first coupling portion 22 can also rotate by receiving the rotational force of the second coupling portion 24, without the need for an additional separate drive device. Therefore, the structure is simplified due to the reduction in the number of parts, while the charging port door 100 can be opened and closed.

[0075] On the other hand, based on the above structure, according to this embodiment, the rotational movement of the charging port door 100 to the closed position or the open position is described as follows.

[0076] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when the charging port door 100 is in the closed position, the upper edge of the door 110 (pre-set as the upper side based on the engagement position of the rotating shaft 20), more specifically, the first sealing part 210 that engages with the engagement guide 120, matches the stepped surface A on the rear surface of the outer trim 16.

[0077] In addition, the lower edge of the door 110 (corresponding to the lower side based on the engagement position of the rotating shaft portion 20) matches the front surface of the protruding member 15 of the interior trim 14 when the second sealing portion 220 is engaged with it.

[0078] Therefore, the charging port door 100 is locked onto the inner trim 14 and the outer trim 16, thereby allowing the front of the housing 10 to be fixed in a closed state.

[0079] In order to open the door 110 to allow the charging gun to be inserted into the charging section, the actuator 300 can be driven first.

[0080] In this manner, when the actuator 300 is driven, the rod 310 rotates, and the second engagement portion 24, which is engaged with the rod 310, rotates together in one direction. Therefore, rotational force is transmitted to the first engagement portion 22, which is connected via the rotating shaft portion 20 within the housing 10, causing the door 110 to move to the open position, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown.

[0081] In this configuration, the upper edge of the door 110 is inserted into the inside of the housing 10, and the lower edge of the door 110 protrudes to the outside of the housing 10 to correspond to it.

[0082] In summary, the rotating shaft 20 is positioned horizontally to avoid covering the charging section inside the housing 10. The rotating shaft 20 divides the door 110 into an upper or lower section, and the door 110 is structured such that when rotatably moved to the open position, only its lower edge is allowed to protrude beyond the outer side of the housing. Therefore, the area of ​​the door 110 protruding beyond the housing can be minimized, thus preventing damage from collisions with the charging gun used for charging.

[0083] When the charging door is opened by the operation of the actuator, the upper part of the charging door (which matches the rear surface of the outer trim) is inserted into the inside of the housing by rotation, and only the lower part of the charging door (which matches the front surface of the inner trim) is allowed to protrude out of the housing. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention have the effect of reducing the area of ​​the charging door protruding outward.

[0084] Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention, when the charging door is opened for charging, the protruding area can be reduced, thus preventing damage caused by collision with the charging gun in advance.

[0085] The invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but these embodiments are merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art can make various modifications, and it should be understood that various modifications can be configured by optionally combining all or some of the embodiments. Furthermore, in the context of this invention, it has been described that the invention applies only to electric vehicles with charging ports, but the invention can also be applied to vehicles other than electric vehicles. Therefore, the actual scope of protection of this invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A charging gate device for a vehicle, the charging gate device comprising: The charging port door is configured to shield the charging part and is rotatably coupled into the housing in which the charging part is provided; as well as An actuator, combined with a rotating shaft disposed in the charging port door, is configured to rotatably move the charging port door to an open or closed position. The rotating shaft portion includes: The first joint is rotatably connected to the hinged part of the plate; and The second coupling is configured to transmit the rotational force generated when the actuator is driven to the first coupling. The housing includes: A main body having the charging section located therein and the actuator coupled thereto; and Decorative elements are integrated with the front surface edge of the main body. The decorative element includes: Interior trim pieces, integrated with the front surface edge of the body; and The exterior trim piece integrates with the front surface of the interior trim piece, and The outer decorative element is formed to have an upper width that is greater than that of the inner decorative element.

2. The charging door device according to claim 1, wherein, The outer trim piece is formed in the same shape as the inner trim piece and is joined together to form a step between the upper sides of the outer trim piece and the inner trim piece.

3. The charging door device according to claim 1, wherein, The exterior trim has a plurality of clips at a position facing the interior trim, the interior trim has locking protrusions configured to lock the plurality of clips together therewith, and the front surfaces of the exterior trim and the interior trim are separably coupled.

4. The charging door device according to claim 1, wherein, The charging port door includes: A door having a shape corresponding to the interior shape of the outer decorative element, and engaging with the rotating shaft portion on the rear surface of the door; and The guide is formed protrudingly along the upper edge of the door and positioned above the engagement position relative to the rotating shaft.

5. The charging door device according to claim 4 further includes a sealing element, said sealing element being combined with the charging port door portion and configured to form a watertight structure with the housing.

6. The charging door device according to claim 5, wherein, The sealing element includes: A first sealing portion, which engages with the connecting guide and is disposed on the upper edge of the door, mates with the rear surface of the outer trim piece in the closed position of the door; and A second sealing part is integrally connected to the first sealing part and disposed on the lower edge of the door. The second sealing part matches the front surface of the protruding member in the closed position of the door. The protruding member is formed to protrude inward along the lower edge of the interior trim.

7. The charging door device according to claim 1, wherein, The first joint is arranged on the first side of the housing around the plate hinge portion that is fixed by fastening, and The second joint is connected to the actuator on the second side of the housing.

8. The charging door device according to claim 1, wherein, When the charging port door is rotatably moved to the open position, its upper end is inserted into the inside of the housing, while its lower end protrudes to the outside of the housing.

9. A vehicle comprising: Vehicle body; The charging unit is located inside the housing; as well as A charging door device is integrated into the vehicle body, the charging door device comprising: The charging port door is rotatably attached to the housing and configured to shield the charging section; A sealing element, combined with the charging port door and configured to form a watertight structure with the housing; and An actuator, combined with a rotating shaft disposed in the charging port door, is configured to rotatably move the charging port door to an open or closed position. The rotating shaft portion includes: The first joint is rotatably connected to the hinged part of the plate; and The second coupling is configured to transmit the rotational force generated when the actuator is driven to the first coupling. The housing includes: A main body having the charging section located therein and the actuator coupled thereto; and Decorative elements are integrated with the front surface edge of the main body. The decorative element includes: Interior trim pieces, integrated with the front surface edge of the body; and The exterior trim piece integrates with the front surface of the interior trim piece, and The outer decorative element is formed to have an upper width that is greater than that of the inner decorative element.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, The outer trim piece is formed in the same shape as the inner trim piece and is joined together to form a step between the upper sides of the outer trim piece and the inner trim piece.

11. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, The exterior trim has a plurality of clips at a position facing the interior trim, the interior trim has locking protrusions configured to lock the plurality of clips together therewith, and the front surfaces of the exterior trim and the interior trim are separably coupled.

12. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, The charging port door includes: A door having a shape corresponding to the interior shape of the outer decorative element, and engaging with the rotating shaft portion on the rear surface of the door; and The guide is formed protrudingly along the upper edge of the door and positioned above the engagement position relative to the rotating shaft.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The sealing element includes: A first sealing portion, which engages with the connecting guide and is disposed on the upper edge of the door, mates with the rear surface of the outer trim piece in the closed position of the door; and A second sealing part is integrally connected to the first sealing part and disposed on the lower edge of the door. The second sealing part matches the front surface of the protruding member in the closed position of the door. The protruding member is formed to protrude inward along the lower edge of the interior trim.

14. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein, The first joint is arranged on the first side of the housing around the plate hinge portion that is fixed by fastening, and The second joint is connected to the actuator on the second side of the housing.

15. A method of operating a charging gate device for a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: The charging port door is rotatably attached to the housing containing the charging part to cover the charging part; An actuator, combined with a rotating shaft located in the charging port door, is used to rotatably move the charging port door to an open or closed position. A first joint portion arranged on the first side of the housing around a plate hinge portion that is fixed by fastening is rotatably engaged with the plate hinge portion. as well as A second coupling connected to the actuator on the second side of the housing transmits the rotational force generated when the actuator is driven to the first coupling. The housing includes: A main body having the charging section located therein and the actuator coupled thereto; and Decorative elements are integrated with the front surface edge of the main body. The decorative element includes: Interior trim pieces, integrated with the front surface edge of the body; and The exterior trim piece integrates with the front surface of the interior trim piece, and The outer decorative element is formed to have an upper width that is greater than that of the inner decorative element.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The step of rotatably moving the charging port door to the open position includes: Insert the upper end of the charging port door into the inside of the housing; and The lower end of the charging port protrudes to the outside of the housing.

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