Charging port structure

Abstract

The charging port structure includes: a horizontally opening cover that can open and close the opening of the vehicle's charging port; a rib that is formed on the hinge arm of the cover and protrudes along the extension direction of the hinge arm; and a rib supporting portion that is arranged on the inner side of the opening and formed opposite to the hinge arm. When the relative position of the cover relative to the opening is lowered when the cover is opened, the rib supporting portion cooperates with the rib by abutting against the rib during the process of closing the cover and lifts the cover upward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging port structure of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventional charging port structures are known that feature a flat-plate guide member positioned around the charging port of a vehicle. The guide member is designed to deform to cover the charging port when subjected to an external impact. This prevents, for example, accidental charging after a vehicle collision and prevents charging-related malfunctions (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2012 / 153413

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] On the other hand, even when not subjected to external forces or impact loads, the charging port cover can deform. For example, when charging externally under strong sunlight, the resin portion of the cover can soften, causing the cover to deform due to thermal creep. In this case, the cover cannot be closed properly, and if the cover is forced closed, there is a concern that the cover and the surrounding charging port structures may be damaged. In particular, when the hinge arm or hinge of the cover is made of resin, there is a technical problem that failures caused by such thermal creep are easily apparent. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One of the objectives of this application is to provide a charging port structure that can adjust the position of the cover with a simple structure, invented in response to the above-mentioned technical problems. Furthermore, this invention is not limited to this objective, and other objectives of the invention may include effects derived from the various structures described in the "Specific Embodiments" below, which are not achievable with the prior art.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] The charging port structure of the present invention is a charging port structure having a horizontally opening cover that can open and close the opening of the vehicle's charging port, which includes: a rib formed on the hinge arm of the cover and protruding along the extension direction of the hinge arm; and a rib supporting portion, which is arranged on the inner side of the opening and formed opposite to the hinge arm, and when the relative position of the cover relative to the opening is lowered when the cover is opened, the rib supporting portion cooperates with the rib by abutting against the rib during the process of closing the cover and lifts the cover upward.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the charging port structure of the present invention, the position of the cover can be corrected with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle to which the charging port structure according to the embodiment is applied.

[0014] Figure 2 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the charging port structure of the vehicle shown.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the cover is shown.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the bracket is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Bottom view of the cover shown.

[0018] Figure 6 (A) is a cross-sectional view of the rib and the rib bearing portion. Figure 6 (B) to (D) are side views of the rib and the rib receiving portion.

[0019] Figure 7 (A) to (C) are side views of the guide and the guide receiving portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] [1.Structure]

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle 10 to which a charging port structure as an embodiment is applied. The vehicle 10 is provided with a charging port 11 having a built-in connection terminal 20 (charging connector) for external charging. Figure 1 As shown, the charging port 11 is located behind the side of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the charging port 11 may be located on the front side (fender), rear (tailgate), or front (hood) of the vehicle 10. Connecting a charging gun or charging cable to the connection terminals 20 of the charging port 11 charges the vehicle's onboard battery. The onboard battery is a secondary battery that stores power for the vehicle's motor and various auxiliary equipment.

[0022] Figure 2This is a perspective view showing the structure of the charging port 11 in an exploded manner. The charging port 11 includes: an opening 13 formed in the outer panel 12; a bracket 14 forming a housing for accommodating the connection terminal 20 inside the opening 13; and a horizontally opening cover 15 that can be opened and closed to close the opening 13. The bracket 14 is a resin component that extends from the edge of the opening 13 inward in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the outer panel 12. The bracket 14 is arranged upright in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the connection terminal 20 from the outer panel 12 toward the inside of the vehicle 10, thereby forming a housing. The end portion of the bracket 14 on the outside in the vehicle width direction is formed as an insertion hole with a shape corresponding to the opening 13 (for example, a rounded square). On the other hand, the cross-sectional shape of the end portion 19 on the inside in the vehicle width direction is formed in a shape that surrounds the connection terminal 20 (for example, a gourd shape).

[0023] The cover 15 is a cover-shaped member that is rotatably supported on the bracket 14 and closes the opening 13 of the charging port 11. The cover 15 is composed of an outer member made of a metal plate formed into a plane sized to cover the opening 13 and an inner member made of resin that covers the back of the outer member. The inner member is provided with a hinge arm 16 that is rotatably supported on the bracket 14 via a hinge 18. The hinge arm 16 is a hinge arm that extends from one side of the back side of the cover 15 ( Figure 3 The hinge arm 16 is an arm-shaped member extending toward the inside (inside the storage unit) of the opening 13. A hinge 18 is provided at the end of the hinge arm 16 on the side away from the cover 15.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, the overall shape of hinge arm 16 is gently curved while connecting lid 15 and hinge 18. Hinge 18 is positioned further inboard of vehicle 10 than opening 13 and away from the edge of opening 13 (e.g., inaccessible from the outside of vehicle 10 when lid 15 is open). The curved shape of hinge arm 16 prevents interference between hinge arm 16 and the edge of opening 13 when lid 15 is opened or closed. To ensure the rigidity of lid 15 and hinge arm 16, reinforcement structures such as ridges and grooves may be formed on the surfaces of these components.

[0025] A rib-like rib 1 is protruding from the surface of the hinge arm 16. The position of the rib 1 is set, for example, at the lower part of the hinge arm 16. Figure 3 In the example shown, a rib 1 is formed that protrudes downward like a rib from the lower end surface 17 (lower surface portion) of the hinge arm 16 and is provided along the extending direction of the hinge arm 16. On the other hand, a rib receiving portion 2 is formed on the bracket 14 in correspondence thereto. Figure 4 In the example shown, the rib receiving portion 2 is provided in a protruding position below the hinge arm 16 supported by the hinge 18 in the bracket 14 .

[0026] The rib bearing portion 2 is a portion that cooperates with the rib 1 to lift the cover 15 upward when the relative position of the cover 15 relative to the opening portion 13 (bracket 14) is lowered, for example, due to thermal deformation of the hinge arm 16. The rib bearing portion 2 is provided on the inner side of the opening portion 13 at a position below the rib 1 during the process of closing the cover 15, and is provided opposite to the lower end surface 17 of the hinge arm 16. As a result, the rib 1 on the side of the lowered cover 15 abuts against the rib bearing portion 2. In addition, in a state where the relative position of the cover 15 relative to the bracket 14 has not been lowered, the rib bearing portion 2 is arranged at a predetermined interval relative to the rib 1. As a result, for example, in a state where the hinge arm 16 has not been thermally deformed, as Figure 6 As shown in (A), the rib 1 and the rib receiving portion 2 are not in contact with each other.

[0027] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the entire shape of the rib 1 is formed into an arc shape when the cover 15 is viewed from a direction parallel to the rotation axis C (rotation center) of the cover 15. That is, the rib 1 extends in an arc shape that is substantially coaxial with the rotation axis C of the cover 15. Figure 5 The two-dot chain line in the figure represents the arc corresponding to the extending direction of rib 1. By aligning the shape of rib 1 with the rotation center of lid 15, the position of the contact point between rib 1 and rib support 2 remains virtually unchanged when lid 15 is lowered relative to bracket 14, regardless of the rotational state of lid 15. This stabilizes the function of rib support 2 in lifting lid 15.

[0028] The shape of the rib 1 of this embodiment is set so that the amount of upward movement of the cover 15 increases as the cover 15 is closed while the rib 1 is in contact with the rib receiving portion 2. The protruding dimension of the rib 1 with respect to the lower end surface 17 of the hinge arm 16 is set to be larger on the cover 15 side than on the hinge 18 side. Figure 6 In the example shown in (B), the protrusion dimension H1 is set to be the smallest on the hinge 18 side, and the protrusion dimension H2 is set to be the largest on the lid 15 side. Furthermore, the protrusion dimension gradually increases as one moves from the hinge 18 side toward the lid 15 side. As a result, the rib lower surface 5 (the lower end surface of the rib 1) is inclined relative to the lower end surface 17 of the hinge arm 16. In other words, the rib 1 has the rib lower surface 5 as an inclined portion, which is formed so as to gradually increase in the direction in which the hinge arm 16 extends toward the lid 15 side.

[0029] A rib support surface 6 is formed at the upper end of the rib receiving portion 2. The rib support surface 6 is a planar portion that contacts the rib lower surface 5 when the cover 15 is lowered relative to the bracket 14, and is arranged opposite to the rib lower surface 5. Figure 6In the example shown in (B), in a cross section along the extending direction of the rib 1, the rib support surface 6 is arranged to be perpendicular to the wall-shaped rib receiving portion 2 provided upright from the bracket 14, and the rib receiving portion 2 and the rib support surface 6 are connected to form an L-shaped cross section as a whole. The rib support surface 6 is formed into a smooth surface that can slide relative to the rib lower surface 5.

[0030] Figure 6 (C) shows the state in which the rib lower surface 5 of the rib 1 contacts the rib support surface 6 of the rib receiving portion 2 when the cover 15 is closed while the cover 15 is lowered relative to the bracket 14 due to thermal deformation of the hinge arm 16. At this time, the position of the lower end surface 17 of the hinge arm 16 is moved upward from the rib support surface 6 by the protrusion dimension H1. Subsequently, as the cover 15 is gradually closed, the cover 15 gradually moves upward. Finally, as Figure 6 As shown in (D), the position of the lower end surface 17 of the hinge arm 16 is at a position that is moved upward from the rib support surface 6 by a maximum protrusion dimension H2.

[0031] like Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, a guide 3 is provided on the back side (inside) of the cover 15, which is projected toward the closing direction of the cover 15, that is, toward the receiving portion. Figure 3 As shown, the guide member 3 is generally formed into a flat columnar shape with a quarter-circular cross-section. Alternatively, it can be formed into a flat columnar shape with a quadrilateral cross-section (e.g., a rectangle with one or more rounded corners or a trapezoid). Furthermore, when the cover 15 is mounted on the vehicle 10, the lower surface of the guide member 3 is formed into a smooth curved surface. Hereinafter, this curved portion is referred to as the guide member lower surface 7.

[0032] The guide 3 is arranged on the other side opposite to the side of the cover 15 to which the hinge arm 16 is connected ( Figure 3 In addition, correspondingly, a guide receiving portion 4 is formed on the bracket 14. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, a guide receiving portion 4 is recessed in the bracket 14 at a position opposite to the hinge 18 (on the side farther from the hinge 18). This portion is positioned to abut against the guide 3 when the lid 15 is closed, and is shaped to engage with the guide 3 when the lid 15 closes the charging port 11. This prevents the lid 15 from descending relative to the opening 13.

[0033] The shape of the guide 3 of this embodiment is set so that the amount of upward movement of the cover 15 increases as the cover 15 is closed when the guide 3 abuts against the guide receiving portion 4. Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1A , in this embodiment, the guide lower surface 7 (the lower end surface of the guide 3 ) is formed into a completely downwardly bulging shape, and the guide support surface 8 can contact the guide lower surface 7 . Figure 7 The longitudinal dimension, i.e., the thickness dimension, of the guide member 3 shown in (A) is set to increase as it moves from the inside to the outside of the vehicle 10. In addition, the shape of the guide member lower surface 7 is a smoothly inclined curved surface. The guide member support surface 8 is a planar portion that abuts against the guide member lower surface 7 when the relative position of the cover 15 relative to the bracket 14 is lowered, and is arranged opposite to the guide member lower surface 7. The guide member support surface 8 is formed into a smooth surface that can slide relative to the guide member lower surface 7. The positional relationship between the guide member support surface 8 and the guide member lower surface 7 is set so that, for example, when the cover 15 is closed while the rib support surface 6 is in contact with the rib lower surface 5, the guide member support surface 8 is in contact with the guide member lower surface 7.

[0034] Figure 7 (B) shows a state in which the guide lower surface 7 of the guide 3 contacts the guide support surface 8 of the guide receiving portion 4 when the cover 15 is closed in a state in which the relative position of the cover 15 relative to the bracket 14 is lowered due to thermal deformation of the hinge arm 16. That is, as a result of the cover 15 being lifted upward by the rib 1 and the rib receiving portion 2, the guide lower surface 7 contacts the guide support surface 8. Subsequently, as the cover 15 is gradually closed, the cover 15 gradually moves upward. Finally, as Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 (C), the entire guide 3 is inserted into and engaged with the inner side of the guide receiving portion 4 .

[0035] [2. Function and effect]

[0036] (1) Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the charging port structure described above is provided with a rib 1 and a rib support 2. Rib 1 projects along the extension direction of hinge arm 16 of lid 15 (extending from hinge arm 16 in a rib-like manner), while rib support 2 is formed inside opening 13 (in this embodiment, bracket 14 supporting hinge arm 16). Furthermore, when lid 15 is lowered relative to opening 13 (bracket 14), rib support 2 abuts against rib 1 during the closing process, cooperating with rib 1 to lift lid 15 upward.

[0037] This structure allows lid 15 to be lifted during closing, even if it moves downward due to thermal deformation of hinge arm 16, allowing lid 15 to be brought closer to its correct position. This allows a simple charging port structure to be provided that allows lid 15 to be positioned correctly, preventing damage to lid 15 and the surrounding area of ​​charging port 11.

[0038] (2) In the above embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, rib 1 extends in an arc shape that is substantially coaxial with the rotation center of lid 15. This allows the contact position between rib 1 and rib support 2 to be maintained at a substantially constant position when lid 15 is closed, stabilizing the rib support 2's ability to lift lid 15. Furthermore, since the contact position of rib 1 with rib support 2 remains largely constant, the size of rib support 2 can be reduced, improving the formability and design flexibility of bracket 14 and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0039] (3) In the above embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown in (B), rib 1 is shaped so that the amount of upward movement of lid 15 increases as lid 15 is closed. This allows lid 15 to be gradually lifted as it closes, allowing the position of lid 15 to be corrected without force. Furthermore, since the correction load is distributed over a wide area of ​​hinge arm 16, damage to lid 15 and hinge arm 16 can be prevented.

[0040] (4) In the above embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown in (B), a rib support surface 6 is formed on the rib support portion 2. The rib support surface 6 is formed into a planar shape that abuts the lower end of the rib 1 (rib lower surface 5). By supporting the lower end of the rib 1 with a surface, the pressure acting between the rib lower surface 5 and the rib support surface 6 is reduced, making it easier to lift the lid 15. Furthermore, by supporting the lower end of the rib 1 with a relatively wide area, the rib 1 is prevented from falling off the rib support portion 2, and the rib support portion 2 can stabilize its ability to lift the lid 15.

[0041] (5) Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the above-mentioned charging port structure is provided with a guide 3 and a guide receiving portion 4. The guide 3 is provided to protrude from the cover 15 toward the closing direction of the cover 15. In addition, the guide receiving portion 4 is arranged at a position to abut against the guide 3 during the process of closing the cover 15, and is formed to limit the relative position of the cover 15 when the cover 15 closes the charging port 11 (for example, engage with the guide 3). Here, if the rib 1 and the rib receiving portion 2 are a "first cover lifting structure", the guide 3 and the guide receiving portion 4 are referred to as a "second cover lifting structure". By adding such a cover lifting structure, the cover 15 can be more reliably approached to the correct position, thereby improving the position correction effect of the cover 15. In addition, since the correction load of the second cover lifting structure is distributed to the entire cover 15, damage to the cover 15 and the hinge arm 16 can be prevented.

[0042] (6) In the above embodiment, when the cover 15 is lowered relative to the bracket 14, the rib support 2 lifts the cover 15 upward at least to a position where the guide 3 can contact the guide support 4. In other words, after the first cover-lifting structure lifts the cover 15 upward, the second cover-lifting structure further lifts the cover 15 upward. This increases the upward lift distance of the cover 15, thereby improving the position correction effect of the cover 15.

[0043] (7) In the above embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown in (A), guide 3 is shaped so that the amount of upward movement of lid 15 increases as lid 15 is closed. This allows lid 15 to be gradually lifted even during closing, allowing for smooth position correction. This allows for a simple charging port structure that allows for correct position correction of lid 15, preventing damage to lid 15 and the surrounding area of ​​charging port 11.

[0044] [3. Modifications]

[0045] The above embodiments are merely illustrative and do not exclude the application of various modifications and technologies not explicitly described in the present embodiments. The various structures of the present embodiments can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of these purports. In addition, they can be appropriately selected or combined as needed.

[0046] For example, in the above-described embodiment, rib 1 is formed on lower end surface 17 of hinge arm 16. However, the location where rib 1 is formed is not limited to lower end surface 17 of hinge arm 16. By providing at least rib 1 protruding from hinge arm 16 in a rib-like manner and forming rib receiving portion 2 capable of contacting rib 1 on bracket 14 in advance, the same functions and effects as those in the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0047] In addition, although the above-mentioned embodiment illustrates a structure in which the rib support portion 2 and the guide support portion 4 are formed on the bracket 14, the bracket 14 can also be omitted. In this case, by forming the rib support portion 2 and the guide support portion 4 in the storage portion, the same functions and effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the guide 3 and the guide support portion 4 can also be omitted. By forming the rib 1 on at least the hinge arm 16 of the cover 15 and providing the rib support portion 2 on the inner side of the opening 13 at a position opposite to the rib 1, the cover 15 can be lifted upward during the closing process, thereby allowing the position of the cover 15 to be appropriately corrected with a simple structure.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the rib 1 is formed in a shape such that the amount of upward movement of the cover 15 increases as the cover 15 is closed when the rib 1 is in contact with the rib receiving portion 2 (see FIG. Figure 6Alternatively, the rib receiving portion 2 may be formed in a shape such that the amount of upward movement of the lid 15 increases as the lid 15 is closed while the rib receiving portion 2 is in contact with the rib 1. In this case, for example, the rib support surface 6 of the rib receiving portion 2 may be formed as an inclined portion that gradually increases in the direction in which the hinge arm 16 extends toward the lid 15.

[0049] In the above embodiment, although the guide 3 is formed in a shape such that the amount of upward movement of the cover 15 increases or decreases as the cover 15 is closed while in contact with the guide support portion 4 (see FIG. Figure 7 Alternatively, the guide receiving portion 4 may be formed in a shape such that the amount of upward movement of the lid 15 increases as the lid 15 is closed while in contact with the guide 3. In this case, for example, the guide support surface 8 of the guide receiving portion 4 may be formed as an inclined portion that extends upward as it moves inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-173575 filed on October 14, 2020, and the contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] Explanation of symbols

[0052] 1 rib

[0053] 2 Rib bearing part

[0054] 3 guides

[0055] 4 Guide receiving part

[0056] 5. Lower surface of rib (inclined part)

[0057] 6 rib bearing surface

[0058] 7 Guide lower surface

[0059] 8 Guide bearing surface

[0060] 10 vehicles

[0061] 11 Charging port

[0062] 12 External Panels

[0063] 13 Opening

[0064] 14 brackets

[0065] 15 Cover

[0066] 16 hinge arm

[0067] 17 lower end surface (lower surface portion)

[0068] 18 hinge

[0069] 19 end

[0070] 20 connection terminals

Claims

1. A charging port structure comprising a horizontally opening cover capable of opening and closing an opening of a vehicle charging port, the charging port structure comprising: a rib formed on a lower end surface of the hinge arm of the cover and protruding downward along an extending direction of the hinge arm; and A rib supporting portion is provided on the inner side of the opening portion and is formed opposite to the hinge arm. When the lid is opened, the relative position of the lid relative to the opening portion drops. During the process of closing the lid, the rib supporting portion abuts against the rib and cooperates with the rib to lift the lid upward.

2. The charging port structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rib is extended in an arc shape that is substantially coaxial with the rotation center of the cover.

3. The charging port structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rib is formed in a shape such that the amount of upward movement of the lid increases as the lid is closed in a state where the rib abuts against the rib receiving portion.

4. The charging port structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rib is protruded downward from the lower end surface of the hinge arm, and the rib receiving portion is arranged opposite to the lower end surface of the hinge arm. When the relative position of the cover to the opening portion is lowered, the rib receiving portion contacts the lower end of the rib. The rib has an inclined portion, and the inclined portion is formed so that a protruding dimension of the inclined portion gradually increases toward the cover side in an extending direction of the hinge arm.

5. The charging port structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rib receiving portion includes a planar rib supporting surface that abuts against a lower end of the rib.

6. The charging port structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: have: a guide protruding from the back side of the cover toward the closing direction of the cover; and A guide receiving portion abuts against the guide during closing of the lid and restricts a relative position of the lid with respect to the opening when the lid closes the opening.

7. The charging port structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The guide is arranged at an end portion of the cover on the opposite side from the hinge arm.

8. The charging port structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the relative position of the cover with respect to the opening is lowered, the rib and the rib receiving portion lift the cover upward at least to a position where the guide can abut against the guide receiving portion.

9. The charging port structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The guide member has a thickness dimension set to smoothly slope so as to increase as it progresses from the inner side to the outer side of the vehicle. The guide is formed in a shape such that an upward movement amount of the cover increases as the cover is closed.

10. The charging port structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle further comprises a bracket having a cylindrical shape extending from the edge of the opening toward the vehicle interior and constituting a housing portion surrounding the charging connector inside the opening. The hinge arm is rotatably supported on the bracket. The bracket has an insertion hole formed therethrough and through which the hinge arm passes when the cover is opened or closed. The rib receiving portion is provided at a lower portion of the insertion hole so as to face a lower surface portion of the hinge arm.

Images