Charging port device

Abstract

The charging inlet device includes an inlet box and one or more electrical components. The inlet box is located at the charging opening of the vehicle. A charging inlet is provided in the inlet box. One or more electrical components are mounted on a mounting surface of the inlet box from the vehicle's passenger compartment side and have a waterproof mounting area. The mounting surface is inclined relative to the vertical direction towards the passenger compartment side. The inlet box includes one or more shielding portions that protrude from the inlet box and are positioned above the one or more electrical components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a charging inlet device mounted on a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 09-285022 (JP09-285022A) describes a charging status display device for a pure electric vehicle. The charging status display device includes a battery charging connector (charging inlet), a cover, and a display panel. The battery charging connector is located on the outside of the vehicle body. The cover is positioned to cover the battery charging connector so that it can be opened and closed. The display panel is located in a compartment covered by the cover (in the inlet box). The display panel displays the time required for the battery to fully charge or the battery's charge level, or both. Summary of the Invention

[0003] As described above, JP09-285022A describes an example display panel of an electrical component that accompanies a charging inlet. For example, a wire is connected to such an electrical component via a connector on the passenger compartment side relative to the inlet box. There is a concern that water may fall onto non-waterproof parts (in other words, waterproof areas) such as the connector assembly portion of the electrical component, due to reasons such as condensation forming around the electrical component on the passenger compartment side.

[0004] More specifically, the area of ​​electrical components located on the side of the passenger compartment is covered by the vehicle's interior components and is concealed within the passenger compartment. However, there is a concern that water may fall onto the non-waterproof parts (waterproof areas) of the electrical components due to condensation, as described above, forming in the space surrounded by the interior components and components including the entrance box, and water entering the space through the gap between the interior components and the window glass.

[0005] This disclosure provides a charging inlet device that can reduce water droplets on one or more electrical components in an area with a waterproof object while mitigating cost increases.

[0006] A charging inlet device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes an inlet box and one or more electrical components. The inlet box is disposed at a charging opening of a vehicle. A charging inlet is provided in the inlet box. One or more electrical components are mounted on a mounting surface of the inlet box from the vehicle's passenger compartment side and have a waterproof object area. The mounting surface is inclined relative to the vertical direction toward the passenger compartment side. The inlet box includes one or more shielding portions that protrude from the inlet box and are positioned above the one or more electrical components.

[0007] When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface, one or more masking portions may be tilted relative to a straight line parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0008] Each of one or more masking portions may have a distal end and a proximal end relative to the entrance box, and each of one or more masking portions may be tilted such that the level of the distal end is lower than the level of the proximal end.

[0009] One or more electrical components may include a charging indicator configured to illuminate when charging is performed using the charging port.

[0010] One or more electrical components may include a charging inlet light configured to illuminate the area around the charging inlet when a charging cover configured to open and close the charging opening is opened.

[0011] One or more electrical components may include: a charging indicator configured to illuminate when charging is performed using the charging port, and a charging port light configured to illuminate an area around the charging port when a charging cover configured to open and close the charging opening is opened. One or more shielding portions may be shielding portions disposed above the charging indicator and charging port light arranged in a vertical direction.

[0012] By utilizing the charging inlet device according to this disclosure, and by using a shield portion with a simple configuration—that is, a protrusion formed from the inlet box—water generated or entering in the space surrounding the charging inlet device on the passenger compartment side is reduced from falling onto one or more electrical components. The mounting surface in the inlet box for the one or more electrical components is inclined relative to the vertical direction towards the passenger compartment side. Therefore, compared to a case where the mounting surface is not inclined, the amount of water falling onto the one or more electrical components is reduced, while the amount of protrusion of the shield portion is suppressed. The reduction in the amount of protrusion of the shield portion means that the inlet box with the shield portion is easier to form, and is therefore advantageous in terms of cost. As described above, by utilizing the charging inlet device according to this disclosure, appropriate waterproofing measures are taken for one or more electrical components while suppressing cost increases. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar elements, and wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a view showing the exterior of a vehicle including a charging inlet device according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 This shows what it looks like when viewed from the outside of the vehicle (outside the car). Figure 1 A view of the charging port device shown;

[0016] Figure 3 This shows what it looks like when viewed from the inside (passenger compartment side) of the vehicle. Figure 1 A view of the charging port device shown; and

[0017] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals denote elements common to all the drawings, and repeated descriptions will be omitted or simplified. In the following embodiments, when referring to the quantity, number, amount, or range of each element, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto unless otherwise specified or clearly determined in principle.

[0019] 1. Configuration example of charging port device

[0020] Figure 1 This is a view showing the exterior of a vehicle 1 including a charging inlet device 10 according to an embodiment. The charging inlet device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1. Specifically, for example, as Figure 1 As shown, the charging inlet device 10 has a charging opening (opening) 2 formed in an external panel (e.g., a rear side panel) located on the rear side of the vehicle 1. The charging inlet device 10 is connected to a charging cable from a charging facility and is used to charge the battery mounted on the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

[0021] Figure 2 This shows the view when viewed from the outside (outside the vehicle) of vehicle 1. Figure 1 A view of the charging inlet device 10 shown. More specifically, Figure 2 This shows the mounting surface 14b perpendicular to the inlet box 14 from the outside of the vehicle (see...). Figure 4 (described later) View of the charging inlet device 10 when viewed from the direction of the direction. Figure 3 This shows that when viewed from the inside of vehicle 1 (the side of the carriage, i.e., with...) Figure 2 When observing from the opposite side Figure 1 A view of the charging inlet device 10 shown.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the charging inlet device 10 includes a charging cover 12, an inlet box 14, a charging inlet 16, a charging indicator 18, a charging inlet light 20, and a cover lock actuator 22.

[0023] The charging cover 12 is a cover configured to open and close the charging opening 2. An inlet box 14 is disposed at the charging opening 2 and is also referred to as a cover box. The inlet box 14 is a box-shaped housing. A charging inlet 16 is disposed within the inlet box 14. The inlet box 14 is made, for example, of resin or a metal sheet. The inlet box 14 is mounted, for example, to an external panel in which the charging opening 2 is formed, by methods such as welding or joining.

[0024] More specifically, the inlet box 14 has an opening 14a. A charging inlet 16 is configured to extend through the opening 14a. The distal end of the charging inlet 16 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle 1 within the inlet box 14. Figure 3 As shown, the charging inlet 16 has a body 16a and a flange 16b. The body 16a houses the connection pins to which the charging connector is connected. The flange 16b extends radially from the periphery of the body 16a in a rectangular shape. The flange 16b is secured to the inlet bracket 24 via fasteners 26. The body 16a of the charging inlet 16 extends through the opening 14a and also through an opening formed in the inlet bracket 24. The inlet bracket 24 is mounted to a structural member (not shown) of the vehicle 1.

[0025] When the battery of vehicle 1 is being charged, the charging cable is connected to the charging port 16 via the charging connector on the charging facility side. Figure 1 In the example of the charging port device 10 shown, only a charging port (AC port) 16 using AC power is provided. However, the "charging port device" according to this disclosure is not limited to an AC port, and may include a DC port using DC power as a charging port.

[0026] The charging indicator 18 is configured to illuminate when the battery is being charged using the charging port 16. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the charging indicator 18 is mounted to the inlet box 14. Figure 3 As shown, the charging indicator 18 has a connector portion 18a disposed on the side of the carriage relative to the inlet box 14. When the connector portion 18a is assembled to the connector 28, the connector portion 18a is connected via the connector 28 to a wire 30 that supplies signals and power to the charging indicator 18.

[0027] The charging inlet light 20 is configured to illuminate when the charging cover 12 is opened to light up the area around the charging inlet 16 (door light). For example... Figure 2 As shown, the charging inlet light 20 is mounted to the inlet box 14. Figure 3 As shown, the charging inlet light 20 has a connector portion 20a disposed on the side of the carriage relative to the inlet box 14. When the connector portion 20a is assembled to the connector 32, the connector portion 20a is connected via the connector 32 to a wire 34 that supplies signals and power to the charging inlet light 20.

[0028] The cover lock actuator 22 includes a pin 22a configured to protrude and engage with the charging cover 12 when the charging cover 12 is closed (see...). Figure 2 The cover lock actuator 22 is an actuator used to lock the charging cover 12 in the closed state. (e.g.) Figure 3 As shown, the cover lock actuator 22 is disposed on the side of the carriage relative to the entrance box 14 and is installed in the entrance box 14.

[0029] 2. Waterproofing measures for electrical components

[0030] The charging port device 10 includes a charging indicator 18 and a charging port light 20, as an example of electrical components accompanying the charging port 16. The structure of the waterproofing measures for the electrical components (charging indicator 18 and charging port light 20) provided in the charging port device 10 will be referenced. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 Describe it. Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram.

[0031] The charging indicator 18 has a connector mounting portion 36 between the connector portion 18a and the connector 28, as an area on the side of the vehicle compartment. Similarly, the charging inlet light 20 has a connector mounting portion 38 between the connector portion 20a and the connector 32, as an area on the side of the vehicle compartment.

[0032] Here, as Figure 4 The area of ​​the electrical components located on the side of the passenger compartment shown is covered by the interior components of vehicle 1 (not shown) and is located in a concealed position within the passenger compartment. Therefore, the electrical components are essentially non-waterproof. However, in the space surrounded by the interior components and components including the inlet box 14, water can form, for example, due to condensation, or water can enter the space, or water can enter the space through the gap between the interior components and the window glass. As a result, there is a concern that water may fall on the non-waterproof parts of the electrical components. In the examples of the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20, the connector assembly portions 36, 38 correspond to such non-waterproof parts (in other words, waterproof areas). Another example of a waterproof area for electrical components is an uncovered busbar connected to the electrical components.

[0033] As a waterproofing measure for the target area, for example, the connector portion 18a of the charging indicator 18 and the connector portion 20a of the charging inlet lamp 20 could be configured to be waterproof. However, using the above measures may increase the cost of the charging inlet device, or it may be difficult to install the charging inlet device in a limited space due to the increased size of the connector.

[0034] In view of the above inconveniences, the charging port device 10 according to this embodiment includes the following configuration. In other words, as Figure 4 As shown, the mounting surface 14b of the entrance box 14 for the charging indicator 18 and the charging entrance light 20 is tilted (tilted) toward the carriage side at an angle θ relative to the straight line L2 parallel to the vertical direction.

[0035] More specifically, the inlet box 14 has a shielding portion 14c. The shielding portion 14c protrudes from the inlet box 14 so as to be positioned above the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20. In other words, the shielding portion 14c (protrusion) is integrally formed with the inlet box 14. The amount (length) L of the shielding portion 14c protruding from the wall surface of the inlet box 14 is set to a value required to prevent water falling from above from landing on the connector assembly portions 36, 38, such as... Figure 4 As shown by arrow A2 in the diagram.

[0036] More specifically, when Figure 3 As shown, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 14b, the shielding portion 14c is inclined relative to the straight line L1 parallel to the horizontal direction. Figure 3 In the example shown, the shielding portion 14c has a central portion 14c1 and end portions 14c2, 14c3, each continuous with the central portion 14c1 in the horizontal direction. In this example, any one of the central portion 14c1 and the end portions 14c2, 14c3 is inclined relative to a straight line L1 parallel to the horizontal direction. The total width of the shielding portion 14c in the horizontal direction is formed by a width W, which is greater than the width of each of the connector assembly portions 36, 38 in the same direction. More specifically, when viewed in the horizontal direction, each of the connector assembly portions 36, 38 is within the width W of the shielding portion 14c.

[0037] and Figure 3 Unlike the example of the masking portion 14c shown, the masking portion according to this disclosure can, for example, have only a central portion 14c1 as a region inclined relative to a straight line L1 parallel to the horizontal direction while ensuring the aforementioned width W. As another example of a masking portion inclined relative to a straight line L1 parallel to the horizontal direction, when... Figure 3 When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 14b, the masking portion shown can have, for example, an upwardly convex semi-circular shape.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the shielding portion 14c has a distal end 14e and a proximal end 14d, and is inclined such that the level of the distal end 14e is lower than the level of the proximal end 14d relative to the inlet box 14. More specifically, for example, the shielding portion 14c is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 14b, as... Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0039] exist Figure 1In the example of the charging inlet device 10 shown, the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20, which are two electrical components, are arranged in a vertical direction, as shown. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the shielding portion 14c is a shielding portion disposed above the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20, which are arranged vertically in this manner.

[0040] Depending on the configuration of the charging inlet device 10, multiple electrical components, such as the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20, may not always be arranged vertically. In this case, the inlet box may have multiple shielding portions formed to respectively cover the multiple electrical components. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the example shown, the charging inlet light 20 is positioned above the charging indicator 18. Alternatively, the arrangement of the two components could be reversed in this example.

[0041] 3. Beneficial effects

[0042] As described above, using the charging inlet device 10 according to this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As indicated by arrow A2, the use of the shield portion 14c reduces the amount of water generated or entering the space around the charging inlet device 10 on the side of the vehicle compartment, thus reducing its impact on the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20. The shield portion 14c is implemented in a simple configuration, i.e., it is formed as a protrusion extending from the inlet box 14. Therefore, waterproofing is achieved while suppressing cost increases.

[0043] Using the charging inlet device 10 according to this embodiment, the mounting surface 14b of the inlet box 14 for the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20 is inclined towards the carriage side relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, the mounting surface 14b is not inclined (when Figure 4 Compared to the case where the tilt angle θ is zero, this design reduces water falling onto the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20, while also suppressing the protrusion L of the shield portion 14c. The reduction in the protrusion L of the shield portion 14c (protrusion) means that the inlet box 14 with the shield portion 14c is easier to form, thus being cost-effective. With this charging inlet device 10, waterproofing is achieved while suppressing cost increases.

[0044] When Figure 3 As shown, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 14b, the shielding portion 14c is inclined relative to a straight line L1 parallel to the horizontal direction. However, according to this disclosure, the shielding portion does not always need to be inclined relative to a straight line L1 parallel to the horizontal direction as in the example of shielding portion 14c. Using a shielding portion 14c inclined relative to a straight line L1 parallel to the horizontal direction, as... Figure 3As shown by arrow A1, water falling onto the shielding portion 14c from directly above the connector portions 18a and 20a is guided to flow horizontally (left-right in the drawing) along the top surface of the shielding portion 14c, and then drips downwards away from the connector portions 18a and 20a. Therefore, by utilizing the inclined shape, it is possible to further and effectively suppress water from falling onto the connector portions 18a and 20a.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 3 As in the example case, end portions 14c2 and 14c3 with a steeper inclination than the central portion 14c1 are respectively provided on both sides of the central portion 14c1, which is inclined relative to the straight line L1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that water flowing along the top surface of the central portion 14c1 will flow to the bottom surface (back side) of the central portion 14c1 due to surface tension and drip onto the connector portions 18a and 20a.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the shielding portion 14c has a distal end 14e and a proximal end 14d, and is tilted such that the level of the distal end 14e is lower than the level of the proximal end 14d relative to the inlet box 14. Here, the shielding portion according to this disclosure does not necessarily have to be tilted in this manner. The shielding portion 14c, tilted so that the level of the distal end 14e is lower than the level of the proximal end 14d relative to the inlet box 14, is as follows... Figure 4 As shown by arrow A2, water falling from above onto the shielding portion 14c is smoothly guided downwards, preventing water from accumulating on the shielding portion 14c.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the shielding portion 14c is formed as a shielding portion disposed above the charging indicator 18 and the charging inlet light 20 arranged in the vertical direction. Using this configuration example, waterproofing measures for multiple electrical components are achieved at low cost by using one shielding portion 14c.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the charging indicator 18 and the charging entrance light 20 have been described as examples of one or more electrical components having a waterproof target area. However, any electrical component that is mounted from the compartment side to the mounting surface of the entrance box and has a waterproof target area (e.g., a connector assembly portion or an uncovered busbar) can be used as one or more electrical components according to this disclosure. Specifically, for example, a cover lock actuator can be used as one or more electrical components as long as it has a waterproof target area.

Claims

1. A charging inlet device comprising: an inlet case provided at a charging opening of a vehicle and having a charging inlet provided therein; and one or more electrical components mounted on a mounting surface of the inlet case from a cabin side of the vehicle and having a waterproof object area, wherein: the one or more electrical components include: a charging indicator configured to be illuminated when charging using the charging inlet is performed, and a charging inlet light configured to illuminate an area around the charging inlet when a charging cover configured to open and close the charging opening is open; the mounting surface is inclined toward the cabin side with respect to a vertical direction; the inlet case includes one cover portion that protrudes from the inlet case to be positioned above the charging indicator and the charging inlet arranged in a vertical direction; and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface, the cover portion is inclined with respect to a straight line parallel to a horizontal direction and has a semi-annular shape that is convex upward. the cover portion has a distal end and a proximal end with respect to the inlet case, and each of the one or more cover portions is inclined such that the horizontal level of the distal end is lower than that of the proximal end.

2. The charging inlet device of claim 1, wherein, the cover portion has a distal end and a proximal end with respect to the inlet case, and each of the one or more cover portions is inclined such that the horizontal level of the distal end is lower than that of the proximal end.

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