A charging port locking mechanism and a charging port assembly having the same

Abstract

The application relates to the field of vehicle charging ports, in particular to a charging port locking mechanism and a charging port assembly with the same, which comprises a gear housing, a locking component and a control component are arranged in the gear housing; the control component comprises a cam disc, the locking component comprises a linkage block, a locking part for plugging with a charging port box is arranged on the linkage block; the locking part comprises a lock rod arranged on the linkage block; the lock rod is arranged perpendicularly to the linkage block; the cam disc can drive the linkage block to reciprocate along a direction parallel to the lock rod; through the arrangement of the locking mechanism, automatic locking of an electric charging port cover can be realized, and the electric charging port cover cannot be opened and shaken in the locking state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle charging ports, specifically a charging port locking mechanism and a charging port assembly having the charging port locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the face of the increasingly serious global environmental crisis and energy depletion, the vigorous development of new energy sources has been elevated to a strategic position for countries around the world.

[0003] Compared with traditional cars, new energy electric vehicles are receiving increasing attention and are gradually becoming a trend in automotive development due to their advantages such as zero emissions, low energy consumption, low noise, and safety.

[0004] Existing electric vehicles are generally equipped with a charging port, which is usually located inside the charging port cover assembly.

[0005] The charging port cover at the rear of the side panel of an electric vehicle is an important component that covers the charging port. When charging begins, the charging port cover is opened to its maximum opening position to allow the charging gun to enter and charge. After charging is completed, the charging gun is removed and the charging port cover is closed, serving both decorative and sealing purposes.

[0006] In the existing technology, there are two main ways to open the charging port cover for electric vehicles. The first is that the charging port cover is connected to the front bumper assembly in an overlapping manner, and the charging port cover is opened by pulling the zipper from inside the engine compartment.

[0007] However, due to the limitation of the movement trajectory of the charging port cover when it is opened, the charging port cover and the front bumper assembly are connected by an overlapping method, resulting in a large outward protrusion in this area, which makes it easy for external objects to interfere, posing a safety risk, and also resulting in poor sealing.

[0008] The second type is where the charging port cover is connected to the side panel and uses a push-push opening method to open and close the charging port cover; however, this type of charging port cover is opened and closed manually, which is complicated for car owners to operate, requires a large opening force, is fast and cannot be controlled, and has a poor user experience; at the same time, it has the defect of poor sealing.

[0009] In addition, traditional charging port covers lack a locking mechanism, making them easy to accidentally open and affecting driving safety.

[0010] Existing patent 202210871088.9 - Vehicle charging port assembly, vehicle charging port assembly charging display method and vehicle technical content that does not clearly solve the above problems.

[0011] Therefore, in order to improve or solve at least one of the above problems, it is necessary to optimize the design of the existing charging port assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a charging port locking mechanism that can lock the charging port when it is closed.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0014] A charging port locking mechanism includes a gear housing, wherein a locking component and a control component are provided inside the gear housing;

[0015] The control component includes a cam disk, and the locking component includes a linkage block, the linkage block being provided with a locking part for insertion into the charging port box;

[0016] The locking part includes a locking rod disposed on the linkage block; the locking rod is disposed perpendicular to the linkage block; the cam disk can drive the linkage block to reciprocate along a direction parallel to the locking rod.

[0017] The cam disk is provided with a pushing component for controlling the position of the linkage block; the pushing component includes a first pushing block and a second pushing block; the first pushing block and the second pushing block are offset and distributed on opposite sides of the cam disk and the linkage block; under the drive of the cam disk, the first pushing block and the second pushing block can control the locking component to move along the axis parallel to the locking rod by squeezing the linkage block.

[0018] The linkage block is provided with a pushing slope, and the linkage block is provided with pushing slopes on both sides near the first pushing block and the second pushing block.

[0019] The linkage block is connected to the gear housing via a guide component; the guide component includes a guide pin disposed on the linkage block and a guide hole disposed on the gear housing; the linkage block is connected to the gear housing via the guide pin inserted into the guide hole.

[0020] The cam disk is provided with an arc-shaped positioning plate for assembling and positioning the first gear.

[0021] The first push block and the second push block are respectively provided with supporting inclined surfaces for use with the push inclined surfaces.

[0022] A charging port assembly includes a charging port box and a charging port cover; the charging port cover is connected to the charging port box via a rotating component.

[0023] The rotating component includes a hinge plate; one end of the hinge plate is connected to the charging port cover, and the other end of the hinge plate is connected to the charging port box via a pin.

[0024] The pin is connected to a flip drive mechanism for controlling the rotation of the charging port cover.

[0025] The flipping drive mechanism includes a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a charging port locking mechanism; the transmission mechanism is arranged inside the gear housing; the drive mechanism can drive the charging port cover to rotate through the transmission mechanism.

[0026] The transmission mechanism includes at least a first gear mounted on a cam disk and a second gear mounted on a pin shaft; the first gear can drive the second gear to rotate; the first gear includes a first tooth body, and a portion of the first tooth body is provided with meshing teeth.

[0027] The charging port assembly also includes a mechanical unlocking mechanism, which includes an unlocking cable for controlling the rotation of the cam disc.

[0028] The charging port assembly also includes a control system, which includes a detection module connected to the control module and an execution module connected to the control module. The detection module, control module, and execution module are connected to each other via a wiring harness assembly.

[0029] The advantages of this invention are:

[0030] This invention discloses a charging port locking mechanism and a charging port assembly having the charging port locking mechanism.

[0031] The present invention can automatically lock the electric charging port cover by setting a locking mechanism, so as to avoid accidental opening and shaking of the charging port cover when locked. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The following is a brief explanation of the contents of each of the accompanying drawings and the markings in the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure from a first perspective when the cam disk of the present invention is equipped with a locking mechanism.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second corner of the cam disk in this invention when a locking mechanism is provided.

[0035] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the charging port assembly in this invention.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a front view of the charging port assembly in this invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the charging port assembly in this invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a side view of the charging port assembly in this invention.

[0039] Figure 7This is a top view of the charging port assembly in this invention, excluding the gear housing and the thickness of the charging port cover.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the charging port assembly locking mechanism in the locked state in this invention.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the charging port assembly locking mechanism in the unlocked state in this invention.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a front view of the cam disk arranged inside the gear housing in this invention.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a rear view of the cam disk arranged inside the gear housing in this invention.

[0044] The markings in the above figures are all:

[0045] 1. Charging port cover, 2. Charging port box, 3. Drive mechanism, 4. Hinge plate, 5. Cam plate, 6. Transmission mechanism, 7. Locking rod, 8. Pin, 9. Wiring harness assembly, 12. Gear housing, 13. Unlocking cable. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description of the preferred embodiments.

[0047] A charging port locking mechanism includes a gear housing 12, which contains a locking component and a control component. The present invention can automatically lock the electric charging port cover 1 by setting the locking mechanism, thereby preventing the charging port cover 1 from being accidentally opened or shaken when locked.

[0048] The charging port locking mechanism disclosed in this invention is mainly applicable to charging port assemblies that can automatically open and close.

[0049] The charging port locking mechanism disclosed in this invention mainly controls the opening and closing of the charging port cover 1 to prevent the charging port cover 1 from opening automatically when there is no signal.

[0050] In this invention, the charging port locking mechanism includes a gear housing 12, which contains a locking component and a control component. The gear housing 12 is a shell structure that provides good protection and facilitates the installation and connection of the charging port locking mechanism.

[0051] In addition, in this invention, when the gear housing 12 is in use, the gear housing 12 is fixed on the charging port box 2, which facilitates the subsequent installation and assembly of the tilting drive mechanism 3 on the vehicle.

[0052] In this invention, the gear housing 12 is provided with a locking component and a control component. The locking component is essentially a locking element, which can be used in conjunction with the charging port box 2 to insert into the charging port box 2, thereby realizing the flipping limit of the charging port cover 1. The control component is also equivalent to a driving component, mainly used to control the position of the locking component, so as to facilitate locking and unlocking operations and to facilitate the selection of different usage environments according to working conditions.

[0053] In addition, the control component in this invention includes a cam disk 5, the basic structure of which is a circular plate structure, mainly to facilitate the subsequent arrangement and placement of the pushing component. Furthermore, the locking component in this invention includes a linkage block 71, which has a locking part for insertion into the charging port box 2. The locking part includes a locking rod 7 disposed on the linkage block 71. The locking rod 7 is perpendicular to the linkage block 71. In this invention, the locking rod 7 acts as a plugging rod. The subsequent rotation of the cam disk 5 drives the linkage block 71 to move, that is, the cam disk 5 can drive the linkage block 71 to reciprocate along a direction parallel to the locking rod 7. Based on this configuration, it is convenient to achieve insertion and locking of the locking rod 7 into the charging port box 2 and to unlock it during subsequent use.

[0054] In this invention, there are various ways in which the cam disk 5 controls the movement of the linkage block 71, and theoretically any mechanism that can achieve the above-mentioned movement operation is feasible.

[0055] To facilitate arrangement and use, the present invention provides a pushing component on the cam disk 5. The pushing component is a protrusion, and the movement control of the linkage block 71 is achieved by pressing the linkage block 71 through the pushing component.

[0056] In this invention, the cam disk 5 is provided with a pushing component for controlling the position of the linkage block 71; the pushing component includes a first pushing block 52 and a second pushing block 51; the first pushing block 52 and the second pushing block 51 are offset and distributed on opposite sides of the cam disk 5 and the linkage block 71; under the drive of the cam disk 5, the first pushing block 52 and the second pushing block 51 can control the locking component to move along the axis parallel to the locking rod 7 by pressing the linkage block 71; in this invention, both the first pushing block 52 and the second pushing block 51 protrude from the cam disk 5 and face towards The linkage block 71 is arranged such that the first push block 52 and the second push block 51 are arranged on two opposite sides of the cam disk 5. The first push block 52 and the second push block 51 are also arranged on two opposite sides of the linkage block 71. In subsequent use, the first push block 52 presses the linkage block 71 to move the locking rod 7 away from the charging port box 2, thereby unlocking the charging port cover 1 and facilitating subsequent opening operations. The second push block 51 presses the linkage block 71 to move the locking rod 7 closer to the charging port box 2, thereby locking the charging port cover 1.

[0057] Furthermore, in this invention, the linkage block 71 is provided with a pushing inclined surface 5-2. The linkage block 71 has pushing inclined surfaces 5-2 on both sides near the first pushing block 52 and the second pushing block 51. The pushing inclined surfaces 5-2 on the linkage block 71 form a wedge-shaped block structure, facilitating the cooperation between the first pushing block 52, the second pushing block 51, and the linkage block 71 during subsequent use; that is, facilitating the contact between the first pushing block 52, the second pushing block 51, and the linkage block 71. Simultaneously, as a further optimization, the first pushing block 52 and the second pushing block 51 are each provided with a supporting inclined surface 5-1 to cooperate with the pushing inclined surface 5-2. Corresponding supporting inclined surfaces 5-1 can also be provided on the first pushing block 52 and the second pushing block 51 to facilitate contact between the first pushing block 52, the second pushing block 51, and the linkage block 71. In addition, during actual connection, the specific dimensions and widths of the pushing inclined surface 5-2 and the supporting inclined surface 5-1 can be designed as needed.

[0058] Furthermore, in this invention, the linkage block 71 is connected to the gear housing 12 via a guide component; the guide component ensures the linearity of the movement of the linkage block 71 during subsequent pushing; and facilitates the mounting and installation of the linkage block 71 on the gear housing 12.

[0059] Specifically, the guiding component in this invention includes a guide pin 72 disposed on the linkage block 71 and a guide hole disposed on the gear housing 12; the linkage block 71 is connected to the gear housing 12 by inserting the guide pin 72 into the guide hole; the present invention facilitates the installation of the linkage block 71 on the gear housing 12 through the mutual cooperation between the guide pin 72 and the guide hole.

[0060] Meanwhile, to avoid the swinging of the linkage block 71, the cross section of the guide pin 72 can be designed to be rectangular in this invention; the guide hole can also be designed to be rectangular, so that the self-positioning of the component can be achieved through the component's own structure.

[0061] Furthermore, the cam disk 5 described in this invention is provided with an arc-shaped positioning plate for assembling and positioning the first gear 121; the arc-shaped positioning plate can limit the assembly position of the first gear 121 to ensure the accuracy of the assembly position of the first gear 121; the arc-shaped positioning plate is mainly used in conjunction with the area of ​​the first gear 121 where there are no meshing teeth.

[0062] Furthermore, in this invention, one end of the linkage block 71 is attached to the side of the cam disk 5, and the other end is mounted on the inner wall of the gear housing 12; through this cooperative use, the position of the linkage block 71 in the left and right directions can be defined.

[0063] A charging port assembly includes a charging port box 2 and a charging port cover 1. The charging port cover 1 is connected to the charging port box 2 via a rotating component. The rotating component includes a hinge plate 4. One end of the hinge plate 4 is connected to the charging port cover 1, and the other end of the hinge plate 4 is connected to the charging port box 2 via a pin 8. In this invention, the charging port box 2 is fixed to the vehicle body, and the charging port cover 1 is connected to the charging port cover 1 via the hinge plate 4. The hinge plate 4 is connected to the charging port box 2 via the pin 8, and the charging port cover 1 can rotate around the pin 8.

[0064] Meanwhile, in this invention, the pin 8 is connected to a flipping drive mechanism 3 for controlling the rotation of the charging port cover 1; the present invention facilitates the automatic flipping and opening operation of the charging port cover 1 by setting the flipping drive mechanism 3, reducing the trouble of manual opening.

[0065] Furthermore, the flipping drive mechanism 3 in this invention includes a drive mechanism 3, a transmission mechanism 6, and the charging port locking mechanism; the transmission mechanism 6 is arranged inside the gear housing 12; the drive mechanism 3 can drive the charging port cover 1 to rotate through the transmission mechanism 6; in this invention, the drive mechanism 3 includes an actuator assembly, which has an actuator motor, and can provide rotational driving force for the cam disk 5 and the transmission mechanism 6 during subsequent use, facilitating the rotational operation of the cam disk 5 and the transmission mechanism 6 during use; in this invention, the drive mechanism 3 can drive the transmission mechanism 6 to rotate, thereby realizing the flipping control of the charging port cover 1.

[0066] In addition, the cam disk 5 of this invention not only facilitates the installation and arrangement of the transmission mechanism 6, but also makes it possible to achieve synchronous driving of the transmission mechanism 6 and the charging port locking mechanism using a single drive end.

[0067] Furthermore, in this invention, the transmission mechanism 6 includes at least a first gear 121 disposed on the cam disk 5 and a second gear 122 disposed on the pin shaft 8; the first gear 121 can drive the second gear 122 to rotate; the first gear 121 and the cam disk 5 rotate under the drive of the drive mechanism 3, while the second gear 122 is connected to the pin shaft 8. In subsequent use, the first gear 121 and the second gear 122 mesh, thereby enabling the drive mechanism 3 to control the rotation of the pin shaft 8.

[0068] Meanwhile, in this invention, the first gear 121 includes a first tooth body, and the first tooth body is provided with meshing teeth in a partial manner. With this arrangement, the first gear 121 and the second gear 122 are not in a constant meshing state during subsequent use, which facilitates the locking control of the charging port cover 1 by the charging port locking mechanism during subsequent use and reduces interference between components.

[0069] Furthermore, the charging port assembly in this invention also includes a mechanical unlocking mechanism, which includes an unlocking cable 13 for controlling the rotation of the cam disk 5. In subsequent use, the unlocking cable 13 is manually pulled to rotate the cam disk 5. The cam disk 5 drives the first pushing block 52 to press the linkage block 71, causing the locking rod 7 to disengage from the locking position, thereby realizing the unlocking operation of the charging port cover 1 and enabling the opening operation of the charging port cover 1 under power failure conditions.

[0070] Furthermore, the charging port assembly in this invention also includes a control system, which includes a detection module connected to the control module and an execution module connected to the control module. The detection module can be a position sensor or an open button, and the control module can be a microcontroller, a controller, etc. The execution module can be the actuator motor mentioned above. The control system enables automated operation of the charging port and improves the overall intelligence of the vehicle.

[0071] Meanwhile, in this invention, the detection module, control module, and execution module are connected by the wiring harness assembly 9; this arrangement facilitates the connection between the detection module, control module, and execution module; and during subsequent wiring, the wiring harness assembly 9 can be routed to the charging port box 2 near the side of the vehicle body.

[0072] specific:

[0073] The charging port assembly disclosed in this invention is mainly a gooseneck-style side-opening intelligent opening and closing charging port cover 1 structure; it mainly includes a charging port box 2, a charging port cover 1, a drive mechanism 3, a hinge plate 4, a cam disk 5, a transmission mechanism 6, a locking rod 7, a pin 8, a wiring harness assembly 9, a gear housing 12, and an unlocking cable 13.

[0074] The charging port assembly disclosed in this invention can automatically open the charging port cover 1 to the maximum position without the need for manual pressing of the cover, simplifying the charging action. Moreover, the opening process is slow and uniform, resulting in better visual perception.

[0075] The charging port cover 1 automatically opens to its maximum position, eliminating the need for manual pressing to open the cover and simplifying the charging process.

[0076] The startup process is slow and steady, providing better visual perception and enhancing the user experience.

[0077] The charging port cover 1 remains stable when fully open and closed, without any shaking.

[0078] In this invention, the drive mechanism 3 is arranged on the pin side to provide the power source for opening and closing the charging port cover 1; a pair of gear sets and camshaft transmission are used to output the torque of the actuator motor to the pin 8 of the charging port box 2, which drives the hinge plate 4 and the charging port cover 1 to rotate and open.

[0079] The design incorporates a near-end lock, utilizing a cam disc 5 to drive a locking rod 7, which locks the hinge and ensures that the charging port cover 1 remains stable.

[0080] Specific working principle:

[0081] The charging port cover 1 is assembled onto the hinge plate 4. After the hinge plate 4 receives the opening and closing command, the charging port cover 1 and the hinge plate 4 open and close accordingly.

[0082] Opening method: The vehicle control module transmits the opening signal to the actuator through the wiring harness assembly 9. After receiving the opening signal, the actuator drives the motor to rotate the cam disk 5. The cam disk 5 drives the linkage block 71 to run a certain distance, and then the control lock rod 7 exits the charging port box 2, the charging port assembly is unlocked, the cam disk 5 continues to rotate, driving the transmission mechanism 6 to rotate, the transmission mechanism 6 drives the pin shaft 8 to rotate, and the pin shaft 8 drives the hinge plate 4 to rotate to the maximum opening angle, thereby opening the charging port cover 1.

[0083] Closing method: The vehicle control module transmits the closing signal to the actuator through the wiring harness assembly 9. After receiving the closing signal, the actuator drives the motor to rotate the cam disk 5, which in turn drives the transmission mechanism 6 to rotate. The transmission mechanism 6 drives the pin shaft 8 to rotate, and the pin shaft 8 drives the hinge plate 4 to rotate to the closed position. After the charging port cover 1 is closed, the actuator drives the cam disk 5 to continue rotating. After the linkage block 71 travels a certain distance, the locking rod 7 extends and inserts into the charging port box 2, thus locking the charging port assembly.

[0084] Obviously, the specific implementation of this invention is not limited to the above-described methods. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution of this invention are within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A charging port locking mechanism, characterized in that, Includes a gear housing, within which a locking component and a control component are provided; The control component includes a cam disk, and the locking component includes a linkage block, the linkage block being provided with a locking part for insertion into the charging port box; The locking part includes a locking rod disposed on the linkage block; the locking rod is disposed perpendicular to the linkage block; the cam disk can drive the linkage block to reciprocate along a direction parallel to the locking rod. The cam disk is provided with a pushing component for controlling the position of the linkage block; the pushing component includes a first pushing block and a second pushing block; the first pushing block and the second pushing block are offset and distributed on opposite sides of the cam disk and the linkage block; under the drive of the cam disk, the first pushing block and the second pushing block can control the locking component to move along the axis parallel to the locking rod by squeezing the linkage block.

2. The charging port locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage block is provided with a pushing slope, and the linkage block is provided with pushing slopes on both sides near the first pushing block and the second pushing block.

3. A charging port locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first push block and the second push block are respectively provided with supporting inclined surfaces for use with the push inclined surfaces.

4. The charging port locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage block is connected to the gear housing via a guide component; the guide component includes a guide pin disposed on the linkage block and a guide hole disposed on the gear housing; the linkage block is connected to the gear housing via the guide pin inserted into the guide hole.

5. A charging port locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cam disk is provided with an arc-shaped positioning plate for assembling and positioning the first gear.

6. A charging port assembly, characterized in that, It includes a charging port box and a charging port cover; the charging port cover is connected to the charging port box via a rotating component; The rotating component includes a hinge plate; one end of the hinge plate is connected to the charging port cover, and the other end of the hinge plate is connected to the charging port box via a pin. The pin is connected to a flip drive mechanism for controlling the rotation of the charging port cover; The flipping drive mechanism includes a drive mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a charging port locking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-5; the transmission mechanism is arranged inside the gear housing; the drive mechanism can drive the charging port cover to rotate through the transmission mechanism.

7. A charging port assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes at least a first gear mounted on a cam disk and a second gear mounted on a pin shaft; the first gear can drive the second gear to rotate; the first gear includes a first tooth body, and a portion of the first tooth body is provided with meshing teeth.

8. A charging port assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The charging port assembly also includes a mechanical unlocking mechanism, which includes an unlocking cable for controlling the rotation of the cam disc.

9. A charging port assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The charging port assembly also includes a control system, which includes a detection module connected to the control module and an execution module connected to the control module. The detection module, control module, and execution module are connected to each other via a wiring harness assembly.

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