Rainproof cover for vehicle charging port

Abstract

A vehicle charging system includes a charging port having a charging port receptacle and a connector receiver. The charging port receptacle is configured to transfer electrical energy to the rechargeable storage system. A charge port shield is supported at the charge port. The charge port shield includes a base member having a peripheral edge defining a first surface and an opposing second surface. The base member includes an opening alignable with the charging port receptacle and a connector extending outwardly from the second surface. The connector is received in the charging port by the connector receiver to align the opening with the charging port receptacle. The frame extends around a peripheral edge of the base member. The frame includes a plurality of walls protruding outwardly from the first surface of the base member. The plurality of walls and the first surface of the base member form a recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electric vehicles, and more particularly, to a charging port weather shield for an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] An electric vehicle includes a charging port that is typically covered by a door. The door protects the charging socket from weather, dust, and debris during driving and when parked outdoors. When charging, the door is open and the charging device is connected to the charging socket. When the door is open and the vehicle is charging from outside the door, the charging socket may be exposed to the weather. Rain, snow, and dirt that accumulates between the charging device and the charging socket may affect charging efficiency. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a device that shields vehicle charging components from the weather. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle charging system includes a charging port having a charging port socket and a connector receiver. The charging port socket is configured to transfer electrical energy from a power source to a rechargeable storage system (RESS). A charging port shield is supported at the charging port. The charging port shield includes a base member having a peripheral edge defining a first surface and an opposite second surface. The base member includes an opening that can be aligned with the charging port socket and a connector extending outward from the second surface. The connector is received in the charging port by the connector receiver so that the opening is aligned with the charging port socket. A frame extends around the peripheral edge of the base member. The frame includes a plurality of walls protruding outward from a first surface of the base member. The plurality of walls and the first surface of the base member form a recess.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of walls include a first wall, a second wall, a first side wall connecting the first wall and the second wall, and a second side wall connecting the first wall and the second wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall extending a first distance from the first surface, and the first wall extending a second distance from the first surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first wall defines an upper wall and the second wall defines a lower wall.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first wall, the second wall, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall extends from the first surface at an angle.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall extends from the base member at an obtuse angle relative to the first surface.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the first surface of the base member forms an external charging device receiving cavity.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the receiver connector includes a fast charging port.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the connector includes a dummy fast charge connector.

[0011] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body defining a passenger compartment, an electric motor supported in the body, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) supported at the body. A charging port, the charging port being supported at the body. The charging port includes a charging port socket connected to the RESS. A charging port shield is supported at the charging port. The charging port shield includes a base member having a peripheral edge defining a first surface and an opposite second surface. The base member includes an opening that can be aligned with the charging port socket and a connector extending outward from the second surface. The connector is received in the charging port by a connector receiver so that the opening is aligned with the charging port socket. A frame extends around the peripheral edge of the base member. The frame includes a plurality of walls protruding outward from a first surface of the base member. The plurality of walls and the first surface of the base member form a recess.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of walls include a first wall, a second wall, a first side wall connecting the first wall and the second wall, and a second side wall connecting the first wall and the second wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall extending a first distance from the first surface, and the first wall extending a second distance from the first surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first wall defines an upper wall and the second wall defines a lower wall.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the external charging device is electrically connected to the charging port receptacle at the interface, and the upper wall extends from the base member above the interface.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the external charging device includes a handle, and the upper wall extends over a portion of the handle.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the first surface of the base member forms a cavity to receive the external charging device.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the receiver connector includes a fast charging port.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the connector includes a dummy fast charge connector supported on the external charging device.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the external charging device includes a charging plug connected to the charging port receptacle.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, a charging plug extends through the opening into the charging port receptacle.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first wall, the second wall, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall extends from the first surface at an angle.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall extends from the base member at an obtuse angle relative to the first surface.

[0023] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including a charging port rain shield according to a non-limiting example;

[0026] Figure 2 is based on a non-limiting example of Figure 1 An exploded view of a charging port rain shield in front of a charging port of a vehicle;

[0027] Figure 3 is a side view of a charging port rain shield and a charging connector according to a non-limiting example;

[0028] Figure 4 According to non-limiting examples Figure 3 A front plan view of the charging port rain cover; and

[0029] Figure 5 According to non-limiting examples Figure 3 Rear plan view of the charging port rain cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0031] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a frame (not shown) and a plurality of wheels 16. The body 12 includes a passenger compartment 20 including a driver seat 22 and at least one rear passenger seat 24. The vehicle 10 takes the form of an electric vehicle (EV) 28 including a charging port 30 having a door 32 selectively pivotally mounted to the body 12. The charging port 30 includes a charging port receptacle 33 and a fast charging port 34 ( Figure 2 ), which may form a connector, such as a receiver 35 discussed herein. The charging port receptacle 33 and the fast charge port 34 are connected to a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 36 supported in the vehicle body 12. The RESS 36 is operably connected to an electric motor 38 that provides power to the vehicle 10.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, an external charging device 40 is selectively connected to the charging port 30. The external charging device 40 forms part of a charging station (not shown) and, when connected to the charging port 30, provides electrical energy to the RES 36. The external charging device 40 includes a handle 42 that supports a charging connector 44. A charging port shield 58 may be used as an interface between the external charging device 40 and the charging port 30. As will be described in more detail herein, the charging port shield 58 protects the charging port 30 from external elements such as rain, snow, and the like.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 And continue to refer to Figure 2 , the charging port shield 58 includes a base member 60 and a frame 62. The base member 60 includes a peripheral edge 66 that defines a first surface 68 and a second surface 70 opposite the first surface 68. An opening 72 passes through the base member 60. As will be described in more detail herein, the opening 72 receives the charging connector 44. In a non-limiting example, a connector 76 protrudes outwardly from the second surface 70. The connector 76 takes the form of a virtual fast charging connector 78. The virtual fast charging connector 78 does not include any electrical connection and can be received by the connector receiver 35 of the fast charging port 34. The connector 76 selectively connects the charging port shield 58 to the charging port 30.

[0034] In a non-limiting example, the frame 62 is formed by a plurality of walls 90 extending around the peripheral edge 66 of the base member 60. The plurality of walls 90 include a first wall 92, a second wall 94, a first side wall 96, and a second side wall 98. The first side wall 96 and the second side wall 98 extend between and connect the first wall 92 and the second wall 94. In a non-limiting example, when the charging port shield 58 is connected to the charging port 30, the first wall 92 is a top wall or upper wall 104, and the second wall 94 is a bottom wall or lower wall 106.

[0035] In a non-limiting example, each of the plurality of walls 90 extends from the base member 60 at an angle so as to form a recess or cup-like structure. In a non-limiting example, each of the plurality of walls 90 extends from the peripheral edge 66 of the base member 60 at an obtuse angle relative to the first surface 68. In a non-limiting example, each of the second wall 94, the first side wall 96, and the second side wall 98 extends a first distance from the base member 60, and the first wall 92 extends a second distance from the base member 60 that is greater than the first distance. In this manner, the first wall 92 forms a cover or hood 114 that protects the charging port receptacle 33 from weather and other contaminants when charging outdoors.

[0036] In a non-limiting example, the charge port shield 58 is secured to the vehicle 10 by inserting the connector 76 into the connector receiver 35 of the charge port 30. When connected, the opening 72 is aligned with the charge port receptacle 33 and exposes the charge port receptacle 33. At this point, the external charging device 40 can be connected to the charge port 30 by inserting the charging connector 44 through the opening 72 into the charge port receptacle 33, forming an electrical interface. In a non-limiting example, the first wall 92 extends over the electrical interface. In another non-limiting example, the first wall 92 extends from the base member 60 over a portion of the handle 42 to protect the electrical interface from external factors (such as rain, snow, dirt, etc.).

[0037] The term "a" does not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicates the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or." References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0038] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0039] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0040] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0041] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A vehicle charging system, comprising: a charging port including a charging port receptacle and a connector receiver, the charging port receptacle being configured to transfer electrical energy from a power source to a rechargeable storage system, i.e., RESS; as well as A charging port shield, the charging port shield being supported at the charging port, the charging port shield comprising: a base member having a peripheral edge defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the base member including an opening alignable with the charge port receptacle and a connector extending outwardly from the second surface, the connector being received in the charge port by the connector receiver so that the opening is aligned with the charge port receptacle; as well as A frame extends around the peripheral edge of the base member, the frame including a plurality of walls projecting outwardly from the first surface of the base member, the plurality of walls and the first surface of the base member forming a recess.

2. The vehicle charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of walls include a first wall, a second wall, a first side wall connecting the first wall and the second wall, and a second side wall connecting the first wall and the second wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall extending a first distance from the first surface, and the first wall extending a second distance from the first surface, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

3. The vehicle charging system according to claim 2, wherein: The first wall defines an upper wall, and the second wall defines a lower wall.

4. The vehicle charging system according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall extends from the first surface at an angle.

5. The vehicle charging system according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall extends from the base member at an obtuse angle relative to the first surface.

6. The vehicle charging system according to claim 4, wherein: Each of the first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the first surface of the base member forms an external charging device receiving cavity.

7. The vehicle charging system according to claim 1, wherein: The connector receiver includes a fast charging port.

8. The vehicle charging system according to claim 7, wherein: The connector includes a dummy fast charging connector.

9. A vehicle comprising: a body defining a passenger compartment; an electric motor supported in the vehicle body; a rechargeable energy storage system, or RESS, supported at the vehicle body; a charging port supported on the vehicle body, the charging port comprising a charging port receptacle and a connector receiver connected to the RESS; as well as A charging port shield, the charging port shield being supported at the charging port, the charging port shield comprising: a base member having a peripheral edge defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the base member including an opening alignable with the charge port receptacle and a connector extending outwardly from the second surface, the connector being received in the charge port by the connector receiver so that the opening is aligned with the charge port receptacle; as well as A frame extends around the peripheral edge of the base member, the frame including a plurality of walls projecting outwardly from the first surface of the base member, the plurality of walls and the first surface of the base member forming a recess.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The connector receiver includes a fast charging port.

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