Charging port cover mechanism, charging port assembly and automobile

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of automobile charging ports, and particularly relates to a charging port cover mechanism, a charging port assembly and an automobile. The charging port cover mechanism comprises a shell, a protective cover, a guide rail, a sliding plate, a flexible shaft and a driving mechanism. The flexible shaft channel and the first guide groove are arranged on the guide rail. The first sliding groove is arranged on the sliding plate. The protective cover is provided with the first sliding pin which faces the sliding plate. The first sliding pin passes through the first sliding groove and is slidingly connected in the first guide groove. Compared with the existing sliding type charging port protective cover movement mechanism, the charging port cover mechanism does not need to be provided with four sliding pins on the protective cover, the structure is simpler, the parts are fewer, the cost is reduced, and the space occupation can be saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive charging port technology, and particularly relates to a charging port cover mechanism, a charging port assembly, and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles typically have a charging port cover on the vehicle body. This cover is used to open or close the charging port, allowing an external charging gun to charge the vehicle's battery pack by inserting it into the charging port. The charging port on an electric vehicle is usually located inside the body panel, while a protective cover is located on the outside of the body panel opposite the charging port, allowing for either exposing or covering the port.

[0003] The prior art discloses a sliding charging port protective cover movement mechanism, including a housing, a protective cover, a guide rail, a sliding plate, a flexible shaft, and a drive mechanism. The housing has a charging opening, and the protective cover is used to open or close the charging opening. The guide rail is fixed to the housing, and the sliding plate is slidably connected to the guide rail. The guide rail has a guide rail drive channel extending along its length. The flexible shaft slides through the guide rail drive channel and is dynamically coupled to the sliding plate. The sliding plate has a first slide groove and a second slide groove. The protective cover has a first slide pin, a second slide pin, a third slide pin, and a fourth slide pin on the side facing the sliding plate. The first slide pin is slidably connected in the first slide groove, and the second slide pin is slidably connected in the second slide groove. The drive mechanism is used to drive the flexible shaft to move along the guide rail drive channel, thereby causing the sliding plate to slide along the guide rail. The sliding of the first slide pin relative to the first slide groove and the sliding of the second slide pin relative to the second slide groove drive the protective cover to slide back and forth between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position, the protective cover covers the charging opening. In the open position, the protective cover is hidden inside the body sheet metal around the charging opening. The guide rail has a first guide groove along its length. A limit block is fixed on the guide rail, and the limit block has a limit groove that communicates with the first guide groove. The guide rail has a notch that communicates with the first guide groove. In the closed position of the protective cover, the fourth sliding pin is located outside the notch. After the protective cover moves inward a predetermined distance from the closed position, it rotates around the third sliding pin by a predetermined angle, and the fourth sliding pin enters the first guide groove, so that the fourth sliding pin and the third sliding pin slide together within the first guide groove. The protective cover slides with the guide rail through the third and fourth sliding pins. Furthermore, the fourth sliding pin protrudes beyond the outer edge of the protective cover in the front-rear direction.

[0004] It is evident that the existing sliding charging port protective cover movement mechanism, with four sliding pins on the cover, is complex in structure and occupies a large amount of space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: to address the problem that the existing sliding charging port protective cover movement mechanism has four sliding pins on the protective cover, which is complex in structure and occupies a large space, and to provide a charging port cover mechanism, a charging port assembly and an automobile.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a charging port cover mechanism, comprising a housing, a protective cover, a guide rail, a sliding plate, a flexible shaft, and a drive mechanism. The housing has a charging opening, and the protective cover is used to open or close the charging opening. The guide rail is fixed within the housing and has a flexible shaft channel, a first guide groove, and a second guide groove. The flexible shaft slidably passes through the flexible shaft channel and is connected to the sliding plate. The sliding plate has a first sliding groove, and the protective cover has a first sliding pin facing the sliding plate. The first sliding pin passes through the first sliding groove and is slidably connected to the first guide groove.

[0007] The driving mechanism is used to drive the flexible shaft to move back and forth along the flexible shaft channel, so as to drive the slide plate to move back and forth along the guide rail. Through the movement of the first sliding pin relative to the first sliding groove and the first guide groove, the protective cover is driven to move back and forth between the closed position and the open position.

[0008] In the closed position, the protective cover covers the charging opening; in the open position, the protective cover is hidden inside the body panel surrounding the charging opening.

[0009] Optionally, the guide rail is provided with a second guide groove, and the protective cover is provided with a third sliding pin facing the slide plate. The third sliding pin is movably connected in the second guide groove. The protective cover is driven to move back and forth between the closed position and the open position by the movement of the first sliding pin relative to the first slide groove and the first guide groove, and the movement of the third sliding pin relative to the second guide groove.

[0010] Optionally, the first guide groove includes a first front-rear motion guide groove and a first inner-outer motion guide groove connected to the front end of the first front-rear motion guide groove. The first front-rear motion guide groove extends along the length direction of the guide rail, and the first inner-outer motion guide groove extends along the inner-outer direction of the housing.

[0011] The second guide groove includes a second front-to-back motion guide groove and a second inner-outer motion guide groove connected to the front end of the second front-to-back motion guide groove. The second front-to-back motion guide groove extends along the length direction of the guide rail, and the second inner-outer motion guide groove extends along the inner-outer direction of the housing.

[0012] In the closed position of the protective cover, the first sliding pin is accommodated at the outer end of the first inner and outer movement guide groove, and the third sliding pin is accommodated at the outer end of the second inner and outer movement guide groove, so as to restrict the movement of the protective cover along the guide rail.

[0013] Optionally, the slide plate is further provided with a second slide groove, and the protective cover is further provided with a second slide pin facing the slide plate. The second slide pin is slidably connected in the second slide groove and is located between the first slide pin and the third slide pin. The first slide pin, the second slide pin and the third slide pin are located between the front edge and the rear edge of the protective cover in the front-rear direction.

[0014] When the first sliding pin moves relative to the first sliding groove and the first guide groove, the second sliding pin moves relative to the second sliding groove.

[0015] Optionally, the first chute includes a first motion guide section and a first placement section, the end of the first motion guide section being connected to the first placement section; the second chute includes a second motion guide section and a second placement section, the end of the second motion guide section being connected to the second placement section.

[0016] In the closed position of the protective cover, the drive mechanism can drive the slide plate to move backward via the flexible shaft. The first sliding pin moves from the starting end to the end of the first motion guide section relative to the slide plate, and the second sliding pin moves from the starting end to the end of the second motion guide section relative to the slide plate, so as to guide the protective cover to move a predetermined distance through the charging opening into the interior of the housing. After the first sliding pin is located in the first positioning section and the second sliding pin is located in the second positioning section, the slide plate continues to move backward, and the protective cover moves to the open position under the drive of the slide plate.

[0017] Optionally, the first motion guide segment includes a first translation guide segment, and the second motion guide segment includes a second translation guide segment;

[0018] When the first sliding pin moves relative to the slide plate along the first translational guide section toward the first positioning section, the second sliding pin moves relative to the slide plate along the second translational guide section toward the second positioning section to guide the protective cover to move a predetermined distance from the closed position toward the interior of the housing.

[0019] Optionally, the first motion guide section further includes a first empty travel section located at the starting position of the first slide, and the second motion guide section further includes a second empty travel section located at the starting position of the second slide;

[0020] When the first sliding pin moves relative to the slide plate along the first empty travel segment, the second sliding pin moves relative to the slide plate along the second empty travel segment, and the position of the protective cover relative to the housing does not change.

[0021] Optionally, the first guide groove and the second guide groove are located on the same side of the slide plate in the left-right direction of the housing, and the first guide groove and the flexible shaft channel are located on both sides of the slide plate in the left-right direction of the housing.

[0022] Optionally, the guide rail has a side wall, a bottom wall, and a flexible shaft channel wall. One side of the bottom wall in the width direction is connected to the inner side of the side wall, and the flexible shaft channel wall is connected to the other side of the bottom wall in the width direction. The first guide groove and the second guide groove are disposed on the side of the side wall facing the slide plate, and the flexible shaft channel is formed inside the flexible shaft channel wall.

[0023] Optionally, a notch is formed on the side of the flexible shaft channel wall facing the side wall, and a first sliding foot is provided on the side of the slide plate facing the flexible shaft channel wall, the first sliding foot being slidably disposed in the notch; a third guide groove is provided on the side of the side wall facing the slide plate, and a second sliding foot is provided on the side of the slide plate facing the side wall, the second sliding foot being slidably disposed in the third guide groove.

[0024] Optionally, the guide rail is integrally formed.

[0025] Optionally, the sidewall and the bottom wall are integrally formed, and the flexible shaft channel wall is independently set and fixed on the bottom wall.

[0026] Optionally, the protective cover includes a sliding frame and a decorative cover connected to the outside of the sliding frame. The shape of the decorative cover is adapted to the shape of the charging opening. The first slide pin, the second slide pin, and the third slide pin are disposed on both sides of the sliding frame in the left-right direction.

[0027] Optionally, two guide rails are provided, and the two guide rails are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of the protective cover; two slide plates are provided, and the two slide plates are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of the protective cover. Each slide plate is slidably connected to the guide rail on the same side. A first slide pin, a second slide pin, and a third slide pin are provided on both sides of the protective cover. Each first slide pin is slidably connected to a first slide groove in the slide plate on the same side, and each second slide pin is slidably connected to a second slide groove in the slide plate on the same side; two flexible shafts are provided, and each flexible shaft is slidably inserted into the flexible shaft channel of the corresponding guide rail and connected to the corresponding slide plate.

[0028] Optionally, the driving mechanism includes a motor and a gear. The outer ring of the flexible shaft is provided with a meshing member that meshes with the gear. The gear meshes with the meshing members of both flexible shafts simultaneously. The motor is used to drive the gear to rotate, so as to simultaneously drive the two flexible shafts to move back and forth along their respective flexible shaft channels.

[0029] Optionally, the flexible shaft includes a mandrel, a first layer of steel wire, a second layer of steel wire, a third layer of spring steel wire, and nylon. The first layer of steel wire is wound around the mandrel, the second layer of steel wire is wound around the first layer of steel wire, the third layer of spring steel wire is wound around the second layer of steel wire, and the nylon is flocked in the gaps of the third layer of spring steel wire. The third layer of spring steel wire is the engaging member.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the charging port cover mechanism has a guide rail fixed inside the housing, a flexible shaft moving back and forth within a flexible shaft channel and connected to a sliding plate, and a driving mechanism driving the flexible shaft to move back and forth along the flexible shaft channel, thereby causing the sliding plate to slide back and forth along the guide rail. The protective cover slides back and forth between a closed position and an open position through the sliding of a first sliding pin relative to a first sliding groove and a first guide groove. Compared with existing sliding charging port protective cover mechanisms, this design eliminates the need for four sliding pins on the protective cover, resulting in a simpler structure, fewer parts, reduced costs, and space savings.

[0031] In addition, the flexible shaft, guide rail, slide plate and protective cover have a closer fit, higher space utilization, and the entire charging port cover mechanism occupies less space in the car, thus making it more suitable for platform-based production.

[0032] Furthermore, compared to charging port structures using gear and rack transmission mechanisms, the flexible shaft transmission offers higher structural strength and avoids the risk of gear slippage during heavy ice breaking. It also eliminates the abnormal noises associated with gear and rack transmission mechanisms.

[0033] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide a charging port assembly, including a charging port base and the aforementioned charging port cover mechanism, wherein the charging port base is located inside the charging opening.

[0034] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide an automobile, including the aforementioned charging port cover mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a charging port cover mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention (the protective cover is in the closed position);

[0036] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the protective cover and the sliding plate of the charging port cover mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention (the protective cover is in the closed position);

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the charging port cover mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention after the housing has been removed (the protective cover is in the open position);

[0039] Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the guide rail and slide plate of the charging port cover mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible shaft of the charging port cover mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible shaft and gear meshing of the charging port cover mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0043] 10. Charging port holder;

[0044] 1. Housing; 11. First housing; 111. Charging opening; 12. Second housing;

[0045] 2. Protective cover; 21. Sliding bracket; 211. First sliding pin; 212. Second sliding pin; 213. Third sliding pin; 22. Decorative cover;

[0046] 3. Guide rail; 301. Side wall; 302. Bottom wall; 303. Flexible shaft channel wall; 31. Flexible shaft channel; 32. First guide groove; 321. First front-to-back motion guide groove; 322. First inner-outer motion guide groove; 33. Second guide groove; 331. Second front-to-back motion guide groove; 332. Second inner-outer motion guide groove; 34. Notch groove; 35. Third guide groove;

[0047] 4. Slide board; 41. First slide chute; 411. First free travel section; 412. First translation guide section; 414. First landing section; 42. Second slide chute; 421. Second free travel section; 422. Second translation guide section; 424. Second landing section; 43. First sliding foot; 44. Second sliding foot;

[0048] 5. Flexible shaft; 51. First layer of steel wire; 52. Second layer of steel wire; 53. Third layer of spring steel wire; 54. Mandrel; 55. Nylon;

[0049] 6. Drive mechanism; 61. Motor; 62. Gear. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0051] For the front-back, left-right, and inside-out directions mentioned in this article, please refer to [the relevant text]. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The indicated direction.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the charging port cover mechanism provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a housing 1, a protective cover 2, a guide rail 3, a sliding plate 4, a flexible shaft 5, and a driving mechanism 6. The housing 1 is provided with a charging opening 111. The protective cover 2 is used to open or close the charging opening 111. The guide rail 3 is fixed inside the housing 1. The guide rail 3 is provided with a flexible shaft channel 31 and a first guide groove 32. The flexible shaft 5 is slidably inserted into the flexible shaft channel 31 and connected to the sliding plate 4. The sliding plate 4 is provided with a first sliding groove 41. The protective cover 2 is provided with a first sliding pin 211 facing the sliding plate. The first sliding pin 211 passes through the first sliding groove 41 and is slidably connected in the first guide groove 32. The driving mechanism 6 is used to drive the flexible shaft 5 to move back and forth along the flexible shaft channel 31, so as to drive the sliding plate 4 to slide back and forth along the guide rail 3. Through the sliding of the first sliding pin 211 relative to the first sliding groove 41 and the first guide groove 32, the protective cover 2 is driven to slide back and forth between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position of the protective cover (2), the protective cover (2) covers the charging opening; in the open position of the protective cover (2), the protective cover (2) is hidden inside the body sheet metal around the charging opening.

[0053] The charging port cover mechanism according to the embodiments of the present invention, compared with the existing sliding charging port protective cover movement mechanism, does not require four sliding pins on the protective cover 2, has a simpler structure, fewer parts, reduces costs, and saves space.

[0054] In one embodiment, the guide rail 3 is provided with a second guide groove 33, and the protective cover 2 is provided with a third sliding pin 213 facing the slide plate 4. The third sliding pin 213 is slidably connected in the second guide groove 33. By sliding the first sliding pin 211 relative to the first slide groove 41 and the first guide groove 32, and by sliding the third sliding pin 213 relative to the second guide groove 33, the protective cover 2 is driven to slide back and forth between the closed position and the open position.

[0055] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 4The first guide groove 32 includes a first front-to-back motion guide groove 321 and a first inner-outer motion guide groove 322 connected to the front end of the first front-to-back motion guide groove 321. The first front-to-back motion guide groove 321 extends along the length direction of the guide rail 3, and the first inner-outer motion guide groove 322 extends along the inner-outer direction of the housing 1. The second guide groove 33 includes a second front-to-back motion guide groove 331 and a second inner-outer motion guide groove 332 connected to the front end of the second front-to-back motion guide groove 331. The second front-to-back motion guide groove 331 extends along the length direction of the guide rail 3, and the second inner-outer motion guide groove 332 extends along the inner-outer direction of the housing 1. The first front-to-back motion guide groove 321 and the second front-to-back motion guide groove 331 are parallel. The second inner-outer motion guide groove 332 is parallel.

[0056] In the closed position of the protective cover 2, the protective cover 2 covers the charging opening 111. The first sliding pin 211 is accommodated at the outer end of the first inner and outer movement guide groove 321, and the third sliding pin 213 is accommodated at the outer end of the second inner and outer movement guide groove 332, so as to restrict the sliding of the protective cover (2) along the guide rail (3). In this way, in the closed position of the protective cover 2, the sliding of the protective cover 2 along the guide rail 3 can be restricted.

[0057] See Figure 1 In the closed position, the protective cover 2 covers the charging opening 111; see also Figure 4 In the open position of the protective cover 2, the protective cover 2 is hidden inside the body sheet metal around the charging opening 111.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the slide plate 4 is further provided with a second slide groove 42, and the protective cover 2 is further provided with a second slide pin 212 facing the slide plate 4. The second slide pin 212 is slidably connected in the second slide groove 42 and is located between the first slide pin 211 and the third slide pin 213. When the first slide pin 211 slides relative to the first slide groove 41 and the first guide groove 32, the second slide pin 212 slides relative to the second slide groove 42.

[0059] The first sliding pin 211, the second sliding pin 212, and the third sliding pin 213 are located between the front and rear edges of the protective cover 2 in the front-rear direction. In this way, the first sliding pin 211, the second sliding pin 212, and the third sliding pin 213 do not protrude from the protective cover 2 in the front-rear direction, thus avoiding the occupancy of space in the front-rear direction by the sliding pins.

[0060] By setting the second slide groove 42 and the second slide pin 212, the stability of the movement can be increased. Of course, the second slide groove 42 and the second slide pin 212 can also be removed.

[0061] After the protective cover 2 moves a predetermined distance inward from the closed position, the first sliding pin 211 leaves the first inner and outer movement guide groove 322 and enters the first front and rear movement guide groove 321, and the third sliding pin 213 leaves the second inner and outer movement guide groove 332 and enters the second front and rear movement guide groove 331, allowing the protective cover 2 to slide along the guide rail 3. Thus, when the protective cover 2 is in the closed position, the engagement of the first sliding pin 211 with the first sliding groove 41 and the engagement of the second sliding pin 212 with the second sliding groove 42 restricts the inward movement of the protective cover 2, and the engagement of the first sliding pin 211 with the first inner and outer movement guide groove 321 and the engagement of the third sliding pin 213 with the second inner and outer movement guide groove 332 restricts the sliding of the protective cover 2 along the guide rail 3, achieving self-locking of the protective cover 2 in the closed position, so that the protective cover 2 cannot be pushed from the outside of the vehicle body sheet metal. As can be seen, when in the closed position, the protective cover 2, the sliding plate 4, and the guide rail 3 can self-lock, and the protective cover 2 cannot be pushed from the outside of the body sheet metal, saving an electric locking device compared with conventional technology.

[0062] The first inner and outer motion guide groove 322 and the second inner and outer motion guide groove 332 both extend along the inner and outer directions of the housing 1, so that the slide plate 4 has a motion trajectory perpendicular to the protective cover 2 during the sliding process when it is about to be closed to the bottom. The motion trajectory of the slide plate 4 is superior to the prior art.

[0063] In one embodiment, see Figure 5 The second guide groove 33 is above the first guide groove 32 in the height direction. The first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 are located on the same side of the slide plate 4 in the left-right direction of the housing 1. The first guide groove 32 and the flexible shaft channel 31 are located on both sides of the slide plate 4 in the left-right direction of the housing 1.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, two guide rails 3 are provided, and the two guide rails 3 are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of the protective cover 2; two sliding plates 4 are provided, and the two sliding plates 4 are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of the protective cover 2, and each sliding plate 4 is slidably connected to the guide rail 3 on the same side; a first sliding pin 211, a second sliding pin 212, and a third sliding pin 213 are provided on both the left and right sides of the protective cover 2; two flexible shafts 5 are provided, and each flexible shaft 5 is slidably inserted into the flexible shaft channel 31 of the corresponding guide rail 3 and connected to the sliding plate 4; each first sliding pin 211 is slidably connected to the first sliding groove 41 of the sliding plate 4 on the same side, and each second sliding pin 212 is slidably connected to the second sliding groove 42 of the sliding plate 4 on the same side. Preferably, the entire charging port cover mechanism is symmetrically arranged from left to right.

[0065] In one embodiment, see Figure 4 and Figure 7 The drive mechanism 6 includes a motor 61 and a gear 62. The outer ring of the flexible shaft 5 is provided with a meshing member that meshes with the gear 62. The gear 62 meshes with the meshing members of two flexible shafts 5 at the same time. The motor 61 is used to drive the gear 62 to rotate, so as to drive the flexible shaft 5 to move back and forth along the flexible shaft channel 31.

[0066] In one embodiment, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The flexible shaft 5 includes a mandrel 54, a first layer of steel wire 51, a second layer of steel wire 52, a third layer of spring steel wire 52, and nylon 55. The first layer of steel wire 51 is wound around the mandrel 54, the second layer of steel wire 52 is wound around the first layer of steel wire 51, and the third layer of spring steel wire 53 is wound around the second layer of steel wire 52. The nylon 55 is flocked into the gaps of the third layer of spring steel wire 53. The gear 62 simultaneously meshes with the third layer of spring steel wire 53 of two flexible shafts 5, that is, the third layer of spring steel wire 53 is the meshing member. Preferably, the nylon 55 has a specification of PA6×1.5mm.

[0067] Compared with traditional gear and rack transmission mechanisms, the flexible shaft 5 has higher strength and smoother transmission, which can avoid the risk of tooth slippage when breaking ice under heavy load. In addition, the smaller clearance can buffer vibration and avoid abnormal noise.

[0068] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 The first slide 41 includes a first motion guide section and a first positioning section 414, with the end of the first motion guide section communicating with the first positioning section 414. The second slide 42 includes a second motion guide section and a second positioning section 424, with the end of the second motion guide section communicating with the second positioning section 424. In the closed position of the protective cover 2, the drive mechanism 6 can drive the slide plate 4 to move backward via the flexible shaft 5. The first sliding pin 211 slides relative to the slide plate 4 from the starting end to the end of the first motion guide section, and the second sliding pin 212 slides relative to the slide plate 4 from the starting end to the end of the second motion guide section, so as to guide the protective cover 2 to move a predetermined distance through the charging opening 111 into the interior of the housing 1. After the first sliding pin 211 is located in the first positioning section 414 and the second sliding pin 212 is located in the second positioning section 415, the slide plate 4 continues to move backward, and the protective cover 2 slides to the open position under the drive of the slide plate 4.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, see Figure 2The first motion guide section includes a first translation guide section 412, and the second motion guide section includes a second translation guide section 422. When the first sliding pin 211 slides relative to the slide plate 4 along the first translation guide section 412 toward the first positioning section 414, the second sliding pin 212 slides relative to the slide plate 4 along the second translation guide section 422 toward the second positioning section 424, so as to guide the protective cover 2 to move a predetermined distance from the closed position toward the interior of the housing 1.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, see Figure 2 The first motion guide section further includes a first idle travel section 411 located at the starting position of the first slide groove 41, and the second motion guide section further includes a second idle travel section 421 located at the starting position of the second slide groove 42; the first idle travel section 411 is in a straight line with the first translation guide section 412, and the second idle travel section 421 is in a straight line with the second translation guide section 422. When the first sliding pin 211 slides relative to the slide plate 4 along the first idle travel section 411, the second sliding pin 212 slides relative to the slide plate 4 along the second idle travel section 421, and the position of the protective cover 2 relative to the housing 2 does not change. The first idle travel section 411 and the second idle travel section 421 can be, for example, 10 mm. The sliding of the slide plate 4 along the guide rail 3 may have errors, which may prevent the protective cover 2 from moving outwards precisely a predetermined distance to completely close the charging opening 111. The first free travel segment 411 and the second free travel segment 421 are set. When the slide plate 4 is closed to the bottom, it has a free travel segment. During this free travel segment, the position of the slide plate 4 remains unchanged, so that the protective cover 2 can be fully closed and is easier to control electrically.

[0071] In one embodiment, see Figure 5 The guide rail 3 has a side wall 301, a bottom wall 302 and a flexible shaft channel wall 302. One side of the bottom wall 302 in the width direction is connected to the inner side of the side wall 301, and the flexible shaft channel wall 303 is connected to the other side of the bottom wall 302 in the width direction. The first guide groove 32 and the second guide groove 33 are disposed on the side of the side wall 301 facing the slide plate 4, and the flexible shaft channel 31 is formed inside the flexible shaft channel wall 303.

[0072] In one embodiment, see Figures 3 to 5The flexible shaft channel wall 303 has a notch 34 on the side facing the sidewall. The slide plate 4 has a first sliding foot 43 on the side facing the flexible shaft channel wall 303, and the first sliding foot 43 is slidably disposed in the notch 34. The sidewall 301 has a third guide groove 35 on the side facing the slide plate 4, and the slide plate 4 has a second sliding foot 44 on the side facing the sidewall 301, and the second sliding foot 44 is slidably disposed in the third guide groove 35. The slide plate 4 is slidably disposed on the guide rail 3 by the sliding feet to prevent the slide plate 4 from getting stuck when sliding. Preferably, there is one first sliding foot 43 at the front and one at the rear, and one second sliding foot 44 at the front and one at the rear.

[0073] In one embodiment, see Figure 5 The side wall 301 and the bottom wall 302 are integrally formed, and the flexible shaft channel wall 303 is independently set and fixed to the bottom wall 302. The flexible shaft channel wall 303 can be fixed to the bottom wall 302 by means of fasteners, welding, and hot melting. The integral structure of the side wall 301 and the bottom wall 302 can be regarded as the first guide rail, and the flexible shaft channel wall 303 can be regarded as the second guide rail.

[0074] In another embodiment, the guide rail 3 can be integrally formed from aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy material provides structural strength for the ice-breaking function of the charging port cover mechanism.

[0075] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The protective cover 2 includes a sliding frame 21 and a decorative cover 22 connected to the outside of the sliding frame 21. The shape of the decorative cover 22 is adapted to the shape of the charging opening 111. In the closed position of the protective cover 2, the outer surface of the decorative cover 22 is flush with the body sheet metal around the charging opening 111, so that the protective cover 2 neither protrudes outward nor is recessed inward, making the connection between the protective cover 2 and the body sheet metal more aesthetically pleasing, and also avoiding scratches caused by the protective cover protruding outward, which conforms to ergonomic design. The first sliding pin 211, the second sliding pin 212, and the third sliding pin 213 are arranged on both sides of the sliding frame 21 in the left and right directions.

[0076] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The housing 1 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The first housing 11 covers the second housing 12 and is sealed to the body sheet metal. The second housing 12 forms a cavity with the first housing 11 and the body sheet metal. The guide rail 3 is fixed on the inner side of the second housing 12. The charging opening 111 is provided on the first housing 11. The slide plate 4 and the drive mechanism 6 are provided in the cavity.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the charging port cover mechanism of the present invention, the guide rail 3 is fixed inside the housing 1, the flexible shaft 5 moves back and forth in the flexible shaft channel 31 and is connected to the slide plate 4, and the driving mechanism 6 is used to drive the flexible shaft 5 to move back and forth along the flexible shaft channel 31, so as to drive the slide plate 4 to slide back and forth along the guide rail 3. Through the sliding of the first sliding pin 211 relative to the first sliding groove 41 and the first guide groove 32, the sliding of the second sliding pin 212 relative to the second sliding groove 42, and the sliding of the third sliding pin 213 relative to the second guide groove 33, the protective cover 2 is driven to slide back and forth between the closed position and the open position. Compared with the existing sliding charging port protective cover movement mechanism, it is not necessary to set an additional limiting block on the guide rail 3 to restrict the movement of the protective cover 2 in the closed position, the structure is simpler, there are fewer parts, and the cost is reduced. In addition, in the closed position of the protective cover 2, the first sliding pin 211 is housed at the outer end of the first inner and outer movement guide groove 322, and the third sliding pin 213 is housed at the outer end of the second inner and outer movement guide groove 332 to restrict the sliding of the protective cover 2 along the guide rail 3. In this way, the protective cover 2 is moved and limited in the closed position by the dual limiting of the first sliding pin 211 and the first inner and outer motion guide groove 322, and the third sliding pin 213 and the second inner and outer motion guide groove 332, so as to realize the self-locking function of the protective cover 2 in the closed position and make the limiting more stable.

[0078] In addition, the flexible shaft 5, guide rail 3, slide plate 4 and protective cover 2 have a closer fit, the space utilization rate inside the protective cover 2 is higher, and the entire charging port cover mechanism occupies less space in the car, thus making it more suitable for platform-based production.

[0079] Furthermore, compared to charging port structures using gear and rack transmission mechanisms, the flexible shaft transmission offers higher structural strength and avoids the risk of gear slippage during heavy ice breaking. It also eliminates the abnormal noises associated with gear and rack transmission mechanisms.

[0080] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the guide rail 3, flexible shaft 5, and slide plate 4 may only be located on one side of the protective cover 2 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the side of the protective cover 2 not equipped with the guide rail 3, flexible shaft 5, and slide plate 4 may be slidably engaged with or detached from the guide rail 3.

[0081] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention also provides a charging port assembly, see [link to previous document]. Figure 1 The device includes a charging port holder 10 and a charging port cover mechanism as described in the above embodiment. The charging port holder 10 is located inside the charging opening 111. The charging port holder 10 is used to install a charging interface, which is plugged into and cooperates with the charging gun to achieve charging.

[0082] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention also provides an automobile, including the charging port cover mechanism described above.

[0083] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging port cover mechanism, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (1), a protective cover (2), a guide rail (3), a slide plate (4), a flexible shaft (5), and a drive mechanism (6). The housing (1) is provided with a charging opening, and the protective cover (2) is used to open or close the charging opening. The guide rail (3) is fixed inside the housing (1). The guide rail (3) is provided with a flexible shaft channel (31) and a first guide groove (32). The flexible shaft (5) slides through the flexible shaft channel (31) and is connected to the slide plate (4). The slide plate (4) is provided with a first sliding groove (41). The protective cover (2) is provided with a first sliding pin (211) facing the slide plate (4). The first sliding pin (211) passes through the first sliding groove (41) and is slidably connected in the first guide groove (32). The drive mechanism (6) is used to drive the flexible shaft (5) to move back and forth along the flexible shaft channel (31) so as to drive the slide plate (4) to move back and forth along the guide rail (3). Through the movement of the first sliding pin (211) relative to the first sliding groove (41) and the first guide groove (32), the protective cover (2) is driven to move back and forth between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position of the protective cover (2), the protective cover (2) covers the charging opening; in the open position of the protective cover (2), the protective cover (2) is hidden inside the body sheet metal around the charging opening.

2. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail (3) is provided with a second guide groove (33), and the protective cover (2) is provided with a third slide pin (213) facing the slide plate (4). The third slide pin (213) is slidably connected in the second guide groove (33). By the movement of the first slide pin (211) relative to the first slide groove (41) and the first guide groove (32) and the movement of the third slide pin (213) relative to the second guide groove (33), the protective cover (2) is driven to move back and forth between the closed position and the open position.

3. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide groove (32) includes a first front-back motion guide groove (321) and a first inner-outer motion guide groove (322) connected to the front end of the first front-back motion guide groove (321). The first front-back motion guide groove (321) extends along the length direction of the guide rail (3), and the first inner-outer motion guide groove (322) extends along the inner-outer direction of the housing (1). The second guide groove (33) includes a second front-to-back motion guide groove (331) and a second inner-outer motion guide groove (332) connected to the front end of the second front-to-back motion guide groove (331). The second front-to-back motion guide groove (331) extends along the length direction of the guide rail (3), and the second inner-outer motion guide groove (332) extends along the inner-outer direction of the housing (1). In the closed position of the protective cover (2), the first slide pin (211) is housed at the outer end of the first inner and outer movement guide groove (322), and the third slide pin (213) is housed at the outer end of the second inner and outer movement guide groove (332) to restrict the movement of the protective cover (2) along the guide rail (3).

4. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slide plate (4) is also provided with a second slide groove (42), and the protective cover (2) is also provided with a second slide pin (212) facing the slide plate (4). The second slide pin (212) is slidably connected in the second slide groove (42), and the second slide pin (212) is located between the first slide pin (211) and the third slide pin (213). The first slide pin (211), the second slide pin (212) and the third slide pin (213) are located between the front edge and the rear edge of the protective cover (2) in the front-rear direction. When the first sliding pin (211) moves relative to the first sliding groove (41) and the first guide groove (32), the second sliding pin (212) moves relative to the second sliding groove (42).

5. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first chute (41) includes a first motion guide section and a first placement section (414), the end of the first motion guide section is connected to the first placement section (414), and the second chute (42) includes a second motion guide section and a second placement section (424), the end of the second motion guide section is connected to the second placement section (424). In the closed position of the protective cover (2), the drive mechanism (6) can drive the slide plate (4) to move backward via the flexible shaft (5). The first slide pin (211) moves from the beginning to the end of the first motion guide section relative to the slide plate (4), and the second slide pin (212) moves from the beginning to the end of the second motion guide section relative to the slide plate (4) to guide the protective cover (2) to move a predetermined distance through the charging opening into the housing (1). After the first slide pin (211) is located in the first positioning section (414) and the second slide pin (212) is located in the second positioning section (424), the slide plate (4) continues to move backward, and the protective cover (2) moves to the open position under the drive of the slide plate (4).

6. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first motion guide segment includes a first translation guide segment (412), and the second motion guide segment includes a second translation guide segment (422); When the first slide pin (211) moves relative to the slide plate (4) along the first translation guide section (412) toward the first placement section (414), the second slide pin (212) moves relative to the slide plate (4) along the second translation guide section (422) toward the second placement section (424) to guide the protective cover (2) to move a predetermined distance from the closed position toward the interior of the housing (1).

7. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first motion guide section further includes a first empty travel section (411) located at the starting position of the first slide (41), and the second motion guide section further includes a second empty travel section (421) located at the starting position of the second slide (42); When the first sliding pin (211) moves relative to the slide plate (4) along the first empty travel segment (411), the second sliding pin (212) moves relative to the slide plate (4) along the second empty travel segment (421), and the position of the protective cover (2) relative to the housing (1) does not change.

8. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide groove (32) and the second guide groove (33) are located on the same side of the slide plate (4) in the left-right direction of the housing (1), and the first guide groove (32) and the flexible shaft channel (31) are located on both sides of the slide plate (4) in the left-right direction of the housing (1).

9. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The guide rail (3) has a side wall, a bottom wall and a flexible shaft channel wall (303). One side of the bottom wall in the width direction is connected to the inside of the side wall, and the flexible shaft channel wall (303) is connected to the other side of the bottom wall in the width direction. The first guide groove (32) and the second guide groove (33) are provided on the side of the side wall facing the slide plate (4). The flexible shaft channel (31) is formed inside the flexible shaft channel wall (303).

10. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The flexible shaft channel wall (303) has a notch (34) on the side facing the side wall. The slide plate (4) has a first sliding foot (43) on the side facing the flexible shaft channel wall (303), and the first sliding foot (43) is slidably disposed in the notch (34). The side wall has a third guide groove (35) on the side facing the slide plate (4), and the slide plate (4) has a second sliding foot (44) on the side facing the side wall, and the second sliding foot (44) is slidably disposed in the third guide groove (35).

11. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The guide rail (3) is integrally formed.

12. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sidewall and the bottom wall are integrally formed, and the flexible shaft channel wall (303) is independently set and fixed on the bottom wall.

13. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protective cover (2) includes a sliding frame (21) and a decorative cover (22) connected to the outside of the sliding frame (21). The shape of the decorative cover (22) is adapted to the shape of the charging opening. The first slide pin (211), the second slide pin (212) and the third slide pin (213) are arranged on both sides of the sliding frame (21) in the left and right directions.

14. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two guide rails (3) are provided, and the two guide rails (3) are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of the protective cover (2); two slide plates (4) are provided, and the two slide plates (4) are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of the protective cover (2). Each slide plate (4) is slidably connected to the guide rail (3) on the same side. The left and right sides of the protective cover (2) are provided with a first slide pin (211), a second slide pin (212) and a third slide pin (213). Each first slide pin (211) is slidably connected to the first slide groove (41) of the slide plate (4) on the same side, and each second slide pin (212) is slidably connected to the second slide groove (42) of the slide plate (4) on the same side; two flexible shafts (5) are provided, and each flexible shaft (5) is slidably inserted into the flexible shaft channel (31) of the corresponding guide rail (3) and connected to the corresponding slide plate (4).

15. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (6) includes a motor (61) and a gear (62). The outer ring of the flexible shaft (5) is provided with a meshing member that meshes with the gear (62). The gear (62) meshes with the meshing members of the two flexible shafts (5) at the same time. The motor (61) is used to drive the gear (62) to rotate, so as to simultaneously drive the two flexible shafts (5) to move back and forth along their respective flexible shaft channels (31).

16. The charging port cover mechanism according to claim 15, characterized in that, The flexible shaft (5) includes a mandrel, a first layer of steel wire (51), a second layer of steel wire (52), a third layer of spring steel wire (53), and nylon. The first layer of steel wire (51) is wound on the mandrel (54), the second layer of steel wire (52) is wound on the first layer of steel wire (51), and the third layer of spring steel wire (53) is wound on the second layer of steel wire (52). The nylon (55) is flocked in the gaps of the third layer of spring steel wire (53), and the third layer of spring steel wire (53) is the engaging member.

17. A charging port assembly, characterized in that, It includes a charging port holder (10) and a charging port cover mechanism according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the charging port holder (10) is located inside the charging opening.

18. A car, characterized in that, Includes the charging port cover mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-16.

Images