Charging port shield and protection method
Through interference fit and charging port shields with specific structures, the protection problem of electric vehicle charging ports under the influence of precipitation and pollutants is solved, and effective protection and stable connection of charging ports are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410748170.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-12
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-13
AI Technical Summary
The charging ports of electrified vehicles are susceptible to damage under the influence of precipitation and pollutants, and the prior art is difficult to effectively protect.
A charging port shield is designed to be coupled to the charging port through an interference fit, and uses structures such as flanges, ribs and pull tabs to protect the charging port, including UV stabilizer additives, without using magnets or mechanical fasteners. Polymer materials and storage designs.
Effectively protect the charging port from precipitation and debris, ensuring stable connection and decoupling between the charger plug and the charging port, without affecting the lighting function of the charging port.
Smart Images
Figure CN119116727A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to protecting a charging port of an electrified vehicle from ambient precipitation (such as rain and snow) and contaminants. Background Art
[0002] An electrified vehicle differs from a conventional motor vehicle in that an electrified vehicle is selectively driven by one or more electric motors powered by a traction battery pack. The electric motors may propel the electrified vehicle as an alternative to or in combination with an internal combustion engine. Some electrified vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), include a charging port. When charging the traction battery pack, a plug of an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) assembly may be connected to the charging port. Summary of the invention
[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly that includes: a charging port shield that is coupled to a charging port by an interference fit, the charging port shield including a plug access opening to allow a charger plug to be connected to the charging port.
[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly that also includes: a flange of the charging port shield, the flange protruding outwardly above the plug access opening to protect the charging port.
[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly that also includes: a pull tab of the charging port shield, the pull tab being configured to be grasped and pulled to decouple the charging port shield from the charging port.
[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the flange is located vertically above the plug access opening and the pull tab is located vertically below the plug access opening.
[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly that also includes: at least one rib extending from the charging port shield on a side of the charging port shield opposite the flange, the at least one rib being compressed by a portion of the charging port to provide the interference fit.
[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the at least one rib includes at least one upper rib disposed above the plug access opening and at least one lower rib disposed below the plug access opening.
[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly in which the charging port shield includes a polymer-based material including a UV-stabilizing additive.
[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the charging port shield includes a release button access opening to provide access to a release button of the charging port.
[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the charging port shield includes a lighting opening to allow light from a light of the charging port to move through the charging port shield.
[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly that also includes: an upper arm and a lower arm of the charge port shield, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm are configured to sandwich a charge port door hinge arm when the charge port shield is coupled to the charge port.
[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly, further comprising: a charge port door cover configured to receive the charge port shroud to store the charge port shroud when the charge port shroud is not coupled to the charge port, and the charge port door cover configured to receive the charge port door when the charge port shroud is coupled to the charge port.
[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly in which the charge port shield is decoupled from the charger plug when the charge port shield is coupled to the charge port and the charger plug is engaged with the charge port.
[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a charging port protection method, which includes: coupling a charging port shield to a charging port using an interference fit; and connecting a charger plug to the charging port through an opening in the charging port shield.
[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a charging port protection method, which also includes compressing at least one rib of the charging port shield during the coupling.
[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a charging port protection method, further comprising: receiving a charging port door hinge between a pair of arms of the charging port shield during the coupling.
[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a charging port protection method, which also includes: coupling the charging port shield without using magnets or mechanical fasteners.
[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a charging port protection method, which also includes covering a charging port door with a charging port door cover.
[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a charging port protection method, wherein the charging port door cover is a bag.
[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a charging port protection method, further comprising storing the charging port shield within the charging port door cover after the coupling.
[0022] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings attached to the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
[0024] Figure 1 An exemplary vehicle is shown that is charged from an external power source.
[0025] Figure 2 The charging port shield is shown removed from the storage bag in preparation for coupling the charging port shield to the Figure 1 vehicle's charging port.
[0026] Figure 3 shows coupling to the Figure 2 The charging port Figure 2 of a charging port shield, and also shown providing a storage pocket for the charging port door cover.
[0027] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 Rear view of the charging port shield. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The present disclosure generally relates to a charging port shield and a method for utilizing the same. A user may couple a charging port shield to a charging port to protect the charging port from precipitation (such as rain and snow) and debris.
[0029] refer to Figure 1The exemplary electrified vehicle 10 includes a battery pack 14 , which may be a traction battery pack. The vehicle 10 may include any electrified powertrain capable of applying torque from an electric machine for driving drive wheels 18 of the vehicle 10 .
[0030] In one embodiment, vehicle 10 is a pure electric vehicle such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In another example, the vehicle can be a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). In a PHEV, the powertrain can electrically propel drive wheels 18 with or without assistance from an internal combustion engine.
[0031] The example vehicle 10 is a sedan. However, the teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to other vehicle types, such as, for example, sedans, pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, etc.
[0032] Although shown schematically, battery pack 14 may also be a hybrid traction battery pack that includes multiple battery arrays (i.e., battery assemblies or groups of battery cells) capable of outputting electrical power to one or more electric machines of vehicle 10. Other types of energy storage devices and output devices may also be used to power vehicle 10.
[0033] At times, it may be desirable to charge the battery pack 14 from an external power source. Therefore, the vehicle 10 includes a charging port 22. An electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) 26 may include a charger plug 30 that connects to the charging port 22 to operably couple the EVSE 26 to the charging port 22. When the EVSE 26 is operably coupled to the charging port 22, a grid power source 34 may provide power to the vehicle 10 through the charging port 22 to charge the battery pack 14.
[0034] In this example, the grid power source 34 is a utility grid power source. Other external power sources are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present disclosure, including, for example, solar power, wind power, etc. In yet another embodiment, the grid power source 34 can be replaced with a combined grid and alternative energy power source to recharge the battery pack 14 of the vehicle 10. The EVSE 26 can be located at a user's home, a public charging station, etc.
[0035] In some examples, the charger plug 30 is connected to the charging port 22 to deliver DC power to the vehicle 10. In another example, AC power can be delivered to the charging port 22 through the charger plug 30. In this example, the charging port 22 can selectively receive DC or AC.
[0036] When charging of the vehicle 10 through the charge port 22 is not desired, the charge port door 38 can be moved from the open position shown to the closed position. In the closed position, the charge port door 38 covers the charge port 22. The charge port door 38 is pivotally coupled relative to the charge port 22 via a charge port door hinge 42.
[0037] As can be appreciated, particularly when the charge port door 38 is in the open position, precipitation, such as snow and ice, may accumulate on the area of the charge port 22. If the charger plug 30 is not coupled to the charge port 22, the accumulated precipitation may interfere with the coupling of the charger plug 30 to the charge port 22. If the charger plug 30 is coupled to the charge port 22, the precipitation may accumulate on the charger plug 30 and the charge port 22 and interfere with the decoupling of the charger plug 30 from the charge port 22.
[0038] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the user can use the charging port shield 50 to protect the area of the charging port 22 from environmental precipitation and debris. Specifically, the charging port shield 50 protects the area of the charging port 22 where the charger plug 30 is connected to the charging port 22.
[0039] The example charging port shield 50 can be stored in the charging port shield bag 54 when not in use. For example, the bag 54 and the charging port shield 50 can be loaded in the glove box of the vehicle 10. The bag 54 can be a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) denim print finish bag. Hook and loop fasteners can be used to secure the charging port shield 50 in the bag 54.
[0040] When it is desired to protect the charging port 22 with the charging port shield 50, the charging port shield 50 can be removed from the bag 54. After the charging port shield 50 is removed from the bag 54, the charging port shield 50 can then be coupled to the charging port 22 by an interference fit.
[0041] Because the charging port 22 can be coupled to the charging port 22, in particular, by an interference fit, no magnets are required to couple the example charging port shield 50 to the charging port 22, nor are mechanical fasteners required. Thus, the charging port 22 can be coupled to the charging port 22 even if the charging port 22 does not include magnetic material. In the past, magnetic devices have been used to cover the area of the charging port.
[0042] Regarding interference fit, such as Figure 4 As shown, the rear side of the charge port shield 50 includes a plurality of ribs 58. When the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22, the ribs 58 are slightly compressed, which holds the charge port shield 50 relative to the charge port 22.
[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the charging port shield 50 is a polymer-based material that may include UV stabilizing additives. The charging port shield 50 may be considered a rubber-like material that promotes an interference fit between the charging port shield 50 and the charging port 22.
[0044] The charge port shield 50 includes a plug access opening 62. When the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22, the charger plug 30 can be connected and disconnected from the charge port 22 through the plug access opening 62. Therefore, the plug access opening 62 allows the charger plug 30 to be connected without disconnecting the charge port shield 50 from the charge port 22.
[0045] When the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22, the charger plug 30 can engage and disengage the charge port 22 without contacting the charge port shield 50. In this example, the charge port shield 50 is completely separated from the charger plug 30.
[0046] The charge port shield 50 includes a flange 66 that protrudes outwardly from the vehicle 10 above the plug access opening 62 when the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22. The flange 66 hides an area of the charge port 22, particularly an area engaged by the charger plug 30 when the charger plug 30 is connected to the charge port 22. In other words, if snow falls while the vehicle 10 is being charged through the charge port 22, the snow may be redirected by the flange 66 or accumulated on the flange 66 rather than falling and accumulating on the charger plug 30, the charge port 22, or both.
[0047] In this example, the flange 66 is arcuate. The flange 66 is located above the vertical top of the plug access opening 62 and has legs extending along opposite sides of the plug access opening 62.
[0048] Below the plug access opening 62, the charge port shield 50 includes a pull tab 70. In this example, the pull tab 70 spans and connects to the legs of the flange 66. A user can grasp and pull the pull tab 70 to decouple the charge port shield 50 from the charge port 22. In this example, the flange 66 is located substantially vertically above the plug access opening 62, while the pull tab 70 is located vertically below the plug access opening 62.
[0049] Referring again to the ribs 58, the ribs 58 extend from the rear side of the charge port shield 50, the ribs being located on the side of the charge port shield 50 opposite the flange 66 and the pull tab 70. The ribs 58 include: at least one upper rib 74, the at least one upper rib being disposed vertically above the access opening 62 when the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22; and at least one lower rib 78, the at least one lower rib being disposed vertically below the access opening 62 when the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22. In this example, there are four upper ribs 74 and two lower ribs 78. For purposes of this disclosure, upper and lower, as well as vertical and horizontal, are referred to with reference to the ground and the general orientation of the vehicle 10 and the charge port 22 during operation.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, the charge port shield 50 further includes a release button access opening 82. When the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22, a release button 86 of the charge port 22 can be accessed through the release button access opening 82.
[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the charge port shield 50 additionally includes an illumination opening 90 that is located vertically above the access opening 62. The illumination opening 90 provides a path for light to move downward from the light of the charge port 22 to illuminate an area of the charge port 22 through the illumination opening 90. Thus, even when the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22, the charge port 22 can remain illuminated.
[0052] The charging port shield 50 additionally includes a pair of arms including an upper arm 98 and a lower arm 102. The upper arm 98 and the lower arm 102 protrude horizontally from the rest of the charging port shield 50. When the charging port shield 50 is coupled to the charging port 22, the hinge 42 is sandwiched between the upper arm 98 and the lower arm 102. Sandwiching the hinge 42 with the upper arm 98 and the lower arm 102 in this manner can help align and support the charging port shield 50 when coupled to the charging port 22.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, when the charge port shield 50 is coupled to the charge port 22, the bag 54 can be positioned above the charge port door 38. The hook and loop fasteners of the bag 54 can be used to secure the bag 54 around the charge port door 38. Thus, the bag 54 provides a charge port door cover.
[0054] Positioning the bag 54 above the charge port door 38 can protect the charge port door 38 from precipitation, such as rain and snow. After charging is complete and the user desires to close the charge port door 38, the user can remove the bag 54 to expose the charge port door 38 without the accumulation of precipitation. After the charge port shield 50 is removed by the user pulling the pull tab 70, the charge port door 38 can then be securely moved to the closed position.
[0055] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Changes and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the changes and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted to the present disclosure can only be determined by studying the attached claims.
Claims
1. An assembly comprising: A charging port shield is coupled to the charging port by an interference fit, the charging port shield including a plug access opening to allow a charger plug to be connected to the charging port.
2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: The charging port shield includes a flange that protrudes outwardly above the plug access opening to protect the charging port, and optionally wherein the charging port shield includes a lighting opening to allow light from a light on the charging port to move through the charging port shield.
3. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising: A pull tab of the charging port shield, the pull tab being configured to be grasped and pulled to decouple the charging port shield from the charging port, and optionally wherein the flange is located vertically above the plug access opening and the pull tab is located vertically below the plug access opening.
4. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising: At least one rib extending from the charging port shield on a side of the charging port shield opposite the flange, the at least one rib being compressed by a portion of the charging port to provide the interference fit, and optionally wherein the at least one rib includes at least one upper rib disposed above the plug access opening and at least one lower rib disposed below the plug access opening.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the charging port shield comprises a polymer-based material including a UV stabilizing additive.
6. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the charge port shield includes a release button access opening to provide access to a release button of the charge port.
7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: The upper arm and the lower arm of the charging port shield are configured to sandwich the charging port door hinge arm when the charging port shield is coupled to the charging port.
8. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A charge port door cover configured to receive the charge port shroud for storage when the charge port shroud is not coupled to the charge port, and configured to receive the charge port door when the charge port shroud is coupled to the charge port.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the charge port shield is decoupled from the charger plug when the charge port shield is coupled to the charge port and the charger plug is engaged with the charge port.
10. A charging port protection method, comprising: coupling the charging port shield to the charging port using an interference fit; as well as A charger plug is connected to the charging port through an opening in the charging port shield.
11. The charging port protection method according to claim 10, further comprising: At least one rib of the charging port shield is compressed during the coupling.
12. The charging port protection method according to claim 10, further comprising: A charging port door hinge is received between a pair of arms of the charging port shield during the coupling.
13. The charging port protection method according to claim 10, further comprising: The charging port shield is coupled without the use of magnets or mechanical fasteners.
14. The charging port protection method according to claim 10, further comprising: The charge port door is covered with a charge port door cover, and optionally wherein the charge port door cover is a bag.
15. The charging port protection method according to claim 14, further comprising: The charging port shield is stored within the charging port door cover after the coupling.