Cover mechanism and charging port

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the cover mechanism is used as a charging port of an in-vehicle component. The charging port includes a housing in which an internal space into which the feed connector can be embedded is formed. The cover mechanism includes: a holder mounted to the housing; a cover rotatably held by the holder and movable to a closed position in which the cover covers the internal space and an open position in which the cover opens the internal space; a first biasing member biasing the cover toward the closed position; and a locking mechanism that locks and holds the cover in the open position in a case where the cover moves to the open position, and releases the locking by abutting the feed connector and allows the cover to move toward the closed position in a case where the feed connector is inserted into the inner space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cover mechanism and a charging port. Background Technology

[0002] Related technical descriptions

[0003] For example, the Japanese unexamined patent application with first publication number 2012-240645 discloses a charging port for a vehicle, which includes an inlet box mounted to the outer panel of the vehicle and a cover connected to the inlet box by a hinge mechanism to open and close the opening of the inlet box.

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese unexamined patent application, first publication number 2012-240645 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, in the charging port of Patent Document 1, the cover needs to be manually closed after charging is complete, which leads to labor on the operator's side.

[0008] One embodiment provides a cover mechanism and charging port that can reduce operator labor during charging.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a cover mechanism is used as a charging port for an in-vehicle component, the charging port including a housing having an internal space formed therein capable of embedding a power supply connector, the cover mechanism including: a retainer mounted to the housing; a cover rotatably held by the retainer and movable to a closed position where the cover covers the internal space and an open position where the cover opens the internal space; a first biasing member biasing the cover toward the closed position; and a locking mechanism that locks and holds the cover in the open position when the cover is moved to the open position, and releases the lock by abutting the power supply connector when the power supply connector is inserted into the internal space, allowing the cover to move toward the closed position.

[0010] According to one embodiment, it is possible to reduce the labor of operators during charging. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the charging port in the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cover mechanism of the charging port in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3This is a perspective view of the cover mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing the structure around the retainer of the cover mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a view showing the state in the first embodiment where the internal space is open and the power supply connector is being inserted into the internal space.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a view showing the state in the first embodiment where the internal space is open and the power supply connector has been inserted.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a view showing the state of the power supply connector in the first embodiment immediately after it has been pulled out of the internal space.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cover mechanism of the charging port in the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main parts around the cover mechanism in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the following description, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, constructions having the same or similar functions are indicated by the same reference numerals. Redundant descriptions of these constructions may be omitted. The constructions described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0021] In this disclosure, the terms are defined as follows. The term "connection" is not limited to a mechanical connection, but may also include an electrical connection. That is, the term "connection" is not limited to the case where two elements that are the targets of the connection are directly connected, but may include the case where two elements that are the targets of the connection are connected by other elements interposed therebetween. The term "accommodate" is not limited to the case where the entire assembly is accommodated, but may also include the case where only a portion of the assembly is accommodated (the state where the remaining part of the assembly protrudes). The term "facing" indicates that when viewed from a particular direction, the virtual projected images of two target objects overlap each other. That is, the term "facing" is not limited to the case where two target objects directly face each other, but may include the case where two target objects face each other with other objects present between them. "Parallel," "perpendicular," or "identical" may respectively include "substantially parallel," "substantially perpendicular," or "substantially identical."

[0022] In this disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows. The +X direction is the direction from the first end face 41a of the retainer body 41, which will be described later, to the second end face 41b (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. In the following text, without distinguishing between the +X and -X directions, these directions will be simply referred to as the "X direction". The +Y and -Y directions are directions that intersect the X direction (e.g., perpendicular to the X direction). The +Y direction is the direction from the third end face 41c of the retainer body 41, which will be described later, to the fourth end face 41d (see...). Figure 3 The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. In the following text, without distinguishing between the +Y and -Y directions, these directions will be simply referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z and -Z directions are directions that intersect (e.g., are perpendicular to) the X and Y directions. The +Z direction is the direction from the fifth end face 41e to the sixth end face 41f of the retainer body 41, which will be described later (see...). Figure 3 The -Z direction is the opposite of the +Z direction. In the following text, without distinguishing between the +Z and -Z directions, these directions will be simply referred to as the "Z direction".

[0023] In the following text, without distinguishing between the X and Y directions, these directions may be referred to as "horizontal directions". In the following text, this embodiment will be described using the example of the X direction as the "front-back direction", the Y direction as the "left-right direction", and the Z direction as the "up-down direction". In the following text, the +Z direction side is referred to as "up", and the -Z direction side is referred to as "down". However, these expressions do not limit the direction of gravity of charging port 1 (the installation state of charging port 1).

[0024] First Embodiment

[0025] 1. Composition of the charging port

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the charging port 1 in the first embodiment. The charging port 1 is an on-board component. The charging port 1 is a connector to be assembled onto the body of a battery-equipped vehicle, such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). When the vehicle's battery is charging, the power supply connector 2 (see [reference needed]) on the power supply device (not shown) side... Figure 5 The power supply connector 2 is inserted into the charging port 1. With the power supply connector 2 inserted into the charging port 1, power is supplied from the power supply device to the vehicle side to charge the battery.

[0027] According to this embodiment, the charging port 1 includes a first connector portion 3 and a second connector portion 4, and a plurality of signal terminals and power terminals are mounted from the -X direction side of the first connector portion 3 and the second connector portion 4. For example, a plurality of signal terminals connected to a signal line and a pair of power terminals connected to a power line are inserted and mounted onto the first connector portion 3. For example, a pair of power terminals 5 connected to a power line are inserted and mounted onto the second connector portion 4. The charging port 1 includes a housing 10 and a cover mechanism 30.

[0028] 2. Structure of the shell

[0029] The housing 10 includes a front housing 20 and a rear housing 11. The front housing 20 is molded from synthetic resin. The front housing 20 includes an internal space 20a, a receiving chamber 20b, a partition wall 21, an AC socket 25a, a DC socket 25b, and a barrier wall 23 (see...). Figure 2 ), mounting flange 24 and retaining part 27 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0030] An internal space 20a is formed in the front housing 20. The internal space 20a opens towards the +X direction. The internal space 20a connects to a power supply connector 2 inserted from the +X direction side (see...). Figure 5 (Matching). In this embodiment, two internal spaces 20a are arranged side by side in the vertical direction (Z direction). A cylindrical AC socket 25a is disposed in the upper (+Z direction side) internal space 20a, and signal terminals and power terminals (not shown) are inserted into the AC socket 25a from the -X direction side. Only one AC socket 25a is disposed in the upper internal space 20a, and the internal space 20a is formed into a cylindrical shape to conform to the shape of the AC socket 25a. The upper internal space 20a, the AC socket 25a, the signal terminals, and the power terminals constitute the first connector portion 3.

[0031] On the other hand, a cylindrical DC socket 25b extending in the X direction is provided in the lower (-Z direction side) internal space 20a, and a power terminal 5 is inserted into the DC socket 25b from the -X direction side. The power terminal 5 is a charging terminal through which charging current flows, and is an example of a "terminal". In the lower internal space 20a, two DC sockets 25b adjacent in the Y direction are arranged, and when viewed from the X direction, they are formed into an elongated ellipse in the Y direction to cover the two DC plugs 25b from the outer periphery. By inserting the power supply connector 2 into the lower internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 is connected to the power terminal 5. The lower internal space 20a, the DC sockets 25b, and the power terminal 5 constitute the second connector section 4.

[0032] The upper internal space 20a and the lower internal space 20a are connected to each other in the X direction. In the following text, the upper internal space 20a in which the AC socket 25a is provided may be referred to as the "AC-side internal space 20a," and the lower internal space 20a in which the DC socket 25b is provided may be referred to as the "DC-side internal space 20a." In the following description, the lower (DC-side) internal space 20a will be described, and it is assumed that, unless otherwise stated, internal space 20a refers to the lower (DC-side) internal space 20a.

[0033] A receiving chamber 20b accommodating the cover mechanism 30, described later, is formed below the interior space 20a. A partition wall 21 extending in the X and Y directions is formed between the interior space 20a and the receiving chamber 20b. The partition wall 21 separates the interior space 20a and the receiving chamber 20b. An insertion hole 21b extending through the partition wall 21 in the Z direction is formed in the partition wall 21. The protrusion 63 of the rod 60, described later, is inserted into the insertion hole 21b. A blocking wall 23 (see...) Figure 2 The obstruction wall 23 is disposed in a portion of the front housing 20 on the -X direction side. The obstruction wall 23 extends in the Y and Z directions and is located at the rear end of the internal space 20a and the receiving chamber 20b. Within the obstruction wall 23, the terminal receiving chamber 26 (see...) Figure 2 The charging port 1 is formed at a position facing the AC socket 25a and DC socket 25b along the X direction. When a terminal, such as power terminal 5, is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 26 from the -X direction side, the terminal is inserted into each socket 25a and 25b. The mounting flange 24 protrudes from the outer peripheral side of the front housing 20 to the outer peripheral side. The mounting flange 24 has a bolt hole 24a, and a mounting bolt (not shown) inserted into the bolt hole 24a is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) in the vehicle, thereby installing the charging port 1 into the vehicle.

[0034] Maintaining section 27 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 A retaining portion 27 is disposed on the surface of the blocking wall 23 facing the +X direction. A pair of retaining portions 27 protrude from the blocking wall 23 along the +X direction and are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The retaining portion 27 has a retaining groove 27a. The retaining groove 27a is open in the +X direction. Viewed from the Y direction, the retaining groove 27a is formed in a C-shape. The retaining groove 27a retains the retaining target shaft 46 of the retainer 40, which will be described later.

[0035] The rear housing 11 is mounted from the -X direction side to the portion of the lower (DC side) internal space 20a that constitutes the front housing 20 (the portion constituting the second connector portion 4). The rear housing 11 is molded from synthetic resin. A wire 6 connected to the power terminal 5 is led out from the rear housing 11.

[0036] 3. Covering mechanism

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cover mechanism 30 of the charging port 1 in the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the cover mechanism 30 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4This is a plan view showing the structure around the retainer 40 of the cover mechanism 30 in the first embodiment. The cover mechanism 30 is for the charging port 1. The cover mechanism 30 is mounted to a portion of the housing 10 in the -Z direction. The cover mechanism 30 is a component having a structure different from that of the housing 10. The cover mechanism 30 includes a retainer 40, a cover 50, a first biasing member 32, and a locking mechanism 35.

[0038] Retainer

[0039] The retainer 40 is housed within the receiving chamber 20b. The retainer 40 is mounted to the housing 10, facing the mounting surface 21c of the partition wall 21 extending from the -Z direction side towards the -Z direction. The retainer 40 is separately disposed from the housing 10 and detachably mounted to the housing 10. The retainer 40 is supported from the -Z direction side by the lower surface of the receiving chamber 20b. The retainer 40 includes a retainer body 41, a retaining target shaft 46, and a protrusion 47.

[0040] The retainer body 41 includes a first body portion 42 and a second body portion 43 arranged along the X direction. Both the first body portion 42 and the second body portion 43 are formed into a cuboid shape with sides in the X, Y, and Z directions. The dimensions of the first body portion 42 in the X, Y, and Z directions are designed to be smaller than the dimensions of the second body portion 43 in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The upper surface of the first body portion 42 (the surface facing the +Z direction) and the upper surface of the second body portion 43 are continuously located in the same planar shape. Furthermore, the surfaces of the first body portion 42 and the second body portion 43 facing the +Y direction are continuous. From another perspective, the retainer body 41 includes a first end face 41a, a second end face 41b, a third end face 41c, a fourth end face 41d, a fifth end face 41e, and a sixth end face 41f. The first end face 41a is the surface of the retainer body 41 facing the -X direction, and the second end face 41b is the surface of the retainer body 41 facing the +X direction. The first end face 41a and the second end face 41b are a pair of end faces in the front-to-back direction and are spaced apart in the X direction. The third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d are a pair of end faces in the right-to-left direction and are spaced apart in the Y direction. The third end face 41c is the surface of the retainer body 41 facing the -Y direction, and the fourth end face 41d is the surface of the retainer body 41 facing the +Y direction. The fifth end face 41e and the sixth end face 41f are a pair of end faces in the up-down direction and are spaced apart in the Z direction. The fifth end face 41e is the surface of the retainer body 41 facing the -Z direction, and the sixth end face 41f is the surface of the retainer body 41 facing the +Z direction. The sixth end face 41f of the retainer body 41 faces the mounting surface 21c of the partition wall 21, and the fifth end face 41e of the retainer body 41 abuts against the lower surface of the receiving chamber 20b.

[0041] A first receiving chamber 44 and a second receiving chamber 45 are formed in the retainer body 41. The first receiving chamber 44 is disposed in the portion of the retainer body 41 on the -X direction side. The second receiving chamber 45 is disposed in the portion of the retainer body 41 on the +X direction side. The first receiving chamber 44 is configured to extend from the first body portion 42 to the second body portion 43. The first receiving chamber 44 extends through the retainer body 41 in the vertical direction. The second receiving chamber 45 communicates with the first receiving chamber 44 and extends from the first receiving chamber 44 in the +Z direction. The second receiving chamber 45 extends through the retainer body 41 in the vertical direction and opens to the +X direction side. The dimension of the second receiving chamber 45 in the Y direction is larger than the dimension of the first receiving chamber 44 in the Y direction. The portion of the rod 60 on the -X direction side, which will be described later, is received in the first receiving chamber 44, and the portion of the rod 60 on the +X direction side and the rotating part 51, which will be described later, are received in the second receiving chamber 45.

[0042] The retaining target shaft 46 is located at the end of the second main body portion 43 on the -X direction side. The retaining target shaft 46 is located on each of the third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d, and protrudes in the Y direction. The retaining target shaft 46 is located on the same axis. The retaining target shaft 46 engages with the retaining groove 27a of the retaining portion 27 formed in the housing 10. The retainer 40 is held in a predetermined position in the housing 10 by the engagement between the retaining target shaft 46 and the retaining portion 27. For example, the retainer 40 is secured to the housing 10 by snap-fitting the retaining target shaft 46 into the retaining groove 27a. Therefore, the operator can easily pull the retaining target shaft 46 out of the retaining groove 27a and release the engagement between the retaining target shaft 46 and the retaining portion 27 simply by pulling the retainer 40 out in the +X direction. By releasing the engagement between the retaining target shaft 46 and the retaining portion 27, the retainer 40 can be removed from the housing 10. Because of this engagement between the target shaft 46 and the retaining part 27, the retainer 40 is detachably mounted to the housing 10.

[0043] A protrusion 47 is provided at the end of the retainer body 41 on the +X direction side. The protrusion 47 protrudes from the third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d of the retainer body 41 along the Y direction. The end face of the protrusion 47 on the +X direction side is continuous with and flush with the second end face 41b of the retainer body 41.

[0044] First axis

[0045] The first shaft 31 is mounted to the retainer body 41. The first shaft 31 is housed in the region on the +X direction side of the second receiving chamber 45. The first shaft 31 extends in the Y direction and passes through the retainer body 41. The two ends of the first shaft 31 are supported by the third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d of the retainer body 41.

[0046] build

[0047] The cover 50 is held by a retainer 40 and is rotatable about a first axis 31. The cover 50 is configured to move between a closed position P1, in which the cover covers the internal space 20a by rotating about the first axis 31, and an open position P2, in which the cover opens the internal space 20a. The cover 50 is molded from synthetic resin. The cover 50 includes a cover body 52 and an upright portion 56.

[0048] The cover body 52 is formed as an elongated ellipse in the Y direction and has the same shape as the internal space 20a on the DC side. The cover body 52 is the component for opening and closing the internal space 20a. In the closed position P1, the cover body 52 is configured to extend in the vertical direction (Z direction) and cover the internal space 20a. In the open position P2, the cover body 52 is configured to extend in the horizontal direction and open the internal space 20a. In the open position P2, the cover body 52 is located on the -Z direction side relative to the internal space 20a and is slightly inclined relative to the horizontal plane, so that it gradually moves towards the -Z direction side as it moves from the first axis 31 toward the +X direction (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0049] The upright portion 56 is formed to stand vertically to the cover body 52. ​​The upright portion 56 is formed in an elliptical shape along the outer peripheral edge of the cover body 52. ​​In the closed position P1, the upright portion 56 is located at a position along the internal space 20a.

[0050] First biasing component

[0051] The first biasing member 32 biases the cover 50 toward the closed position P1. In this embodiment, the first biasing member 32 is a torsion spring wound around the first shaft 31. The first biasing member 32 is held by the retainer 40 and is housed in the root receiving chamber 53 of the rotating part 51, which will be described later. One end of the first biasing member 32 is fixed to the retainer 40, and the other end of the first biasing member 32 is fixed to the rotating part 51.

[0052] Locking mechanism

[0053] When the cover 50 is moved to the open position P2, the locking mechanism 35 locks the cover 50 and holds it in the open position. Furthermore, when the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the locking mechanism 35 releases the lock by abutting the power supply connector 2, allowing the cover 50 to move toward the closed position P1. The structure of the locking mechanism 35 will be described in detail below. The locking mechanism 35 includes a rotating part 51, a second shaft 33, a rod 60, and a second biasing member 34.

[0054] Rotating part

[0055] The rotating part 51 is integrally provided with the cover 50. The rotating part 51 is provided at the end of the cover body 52 on the -X direction side. The rotating part 51 is mounted to the first shaft 31 and is formed as a cylinder extending in the Y direction around the first shaft 31. The first shaft 31 is inserted through the rotating part 51. The rotating part 51 is a member integrally formed with the first shaft 31 and rotatable about the first shaft 31. The rotating part 51 includes a root receiving chamber 53, a closing engagement groove 54, and an opening engagement groove 55. The root receiving chamber 53 is formed on the -Y direction side of the rotating part 51. The root receiving chamber 53 receives a portion of the first shaft 31 on the -Y direction side and the first biasing member 32. The closing engagement groove 54 and the opening engagement groove 55 are formed on the +Y direction side of the rotating part 51. The closing engagement groove 54 and the opening engagement groove 55 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 51a of the rotating part 51. The closing engagement groove 54 and the opening engagement groove 55 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. Closed joint groove 54 in closed position P1 (see Figure 2 The open engagement groove 54 is located on the +Z direction side relative to the open engagement groove 55 at the open position P2, and the closed engagement groove 54 is located on the +X direction side relative to the open engagement groove 55 at the open position P2. The closed engagement groove 54 extends along the extension direction (Y direction) of the first axis 31. At the closed position P1, the closed engagement groove 54 engages with the engagement claw 64 of the rod 60, which will be described later. The open engagement groove 55 is an example of an engagement groove.

[0056] Second axis

[0057] The second shaft 33 is mounted to the retainer body 41. The second shaft 33 is housed in the region on the -X direction side of the second receiving chamber 45. The second shaft 33 is positioned relative to the first shaft 31 on the -X direction side and the -Z direction side. The second shaft 33 extends in the Y direction and passes through the retainer body 41. The two ends of the second shaft 33 are supported by the third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d of the retainer body 41.

[0058] rod

[0059] The lever 60 is configured to engage with both the opening engagement slot 55 and the closing engagement slot 54. When the cover 50 is opened to the open position P2, the cover 50 is locked and held in the open position P2 by engaging the lever 60 with the opening engagement slot 55. When the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space, the power supply connector 2 abuts against the lever 60, and the lever 60 is removed from the opening engagement slot 55, thereby releasing the lock at the open position P2. The detailed structure of the lever 60 will be described below. The lever 60 is held by the retainer 40. The lever 60 is disposed on the -X direction side relative to the rotating part 51. The lever 60 is configured to rotate about the second axis 33. The lever 60 is molded from synthetic resin. The lever 60 includes a lever body 61, a lever mounting part 62, a protrusion 63, and an engagement claw 64. The lever body 61 extends to the rear side (-X direction side) along the insertion direction of the power supply connector 2 to connect the protrusion 63 and the engagement claw 64. The lever body 61 is an example of the first part of the lever 60. A rod mounting portion 62 is provided at the end of the rod body 61 on the +X direction side and protrudes from the rod body 61 portion along the -Z direction. The rod mounting portion 62 is formed as a tube extending in the Y direction around a second axis 33. The second axis 33 is inserted into the rod mounting portion 62. The rod mounting portion 62 is an integral component with the second axis 33 and is rotatable about the second axis 33. The outer peripheral surface 62a of the rod mounting portion 62 facing the -Z direction is formed as an arcuate bend that protrudes outward when viewed in the Y direction.

[0060] A protrusion 63 is provided at the end of the rod body 61 on the -X direction side. The protrusion 63 is formed to curve inward from the rod body 61 toward the inner side of the internal space 20a. The protrusion 63 is an example of the second part of the rod 60. When the rod 60 is biased by the second biasing member 34, which will be described later, the protrusion 63 is inserted into the insertion hole 21b penetrating the partition wall 21 in the Z direction and protrudes into the internal space 20a. The outer peripheral surface 63a of the protrusion 63 facing the +Z direction is formed to be an arc-shaped curve protruding outward when viewed in the Y direction. When the power supply connector 2 (see...) is connected... Figure 5 When inserted into the internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 abuts against the protrusion 63.

[0061] The engaging claw 64 is disposed at the end of the rod body 61 on the +X direction side. When the cover 50 moves from the closed position P1 to the open position P2, the engaging claw 64 engages with the opening engaging groove 55, thereby locking the cover 50 in the open position P2. When the cover 50 moves from the open position P2 to the closed position P1, the engaging claw 64 engages with the closing engaging groove 54, thereby locking the cover 50 in the closed position P1. As described above, the cover mechanism 30 in this embodiment includes a cam structure, wherein the engaging claw 64 and the opening engaging groove 55 (or the closing engaging groove 54) engage and disengage by the movement of the cover 50. The outer peripheral surface 64a of the engaging claw 64 facing the +X direction is formed as an arcuate bend that protrudes outward when viewed in the Y direction.

[0062] Second biasing component

[0063] When the rod 60 engages with the open engagement slot 55, the second biasing member 34 applies bias to maintain the position of the rod 60. Specifically, the second biasing member 34 biases the rod 60 in a rotational direction toward the internal space 20a. In this embodiment, the second biasing member 34 is a torsion spring wound around the second shaft 33. The second biasing member 34 is held by a retainer 40 and housed within the rod 60. One end of the second biasing member 34 is fixed to the retainer 40, and the other end of the second biasing member 34 is fixed to the rod 60.

[0064] 4. Operation of the cover mechanism during charging

[0065] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 and Figures 5 to 7 Describe the operation of the cover mechanism 30 during the charging process. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the state in the first embodiment where the internal space 20a is open and the power supply connector 2 is being inserted into the internal space 20a. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state in the first embodiment where the internal space 20a is open and the power supply connector 2 has been inserted. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the state after the power supply connector 2 in the first embodiment has been removed from the internal space 20a. The insertion position of the power supply connector 2 is schematically shown in each diagram. The operator... Figure 2 The closed position P1 is shown, gripping the cover body 52, and the cover body is moved along the -Z direction. The result is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, viewed from the +Y direction, the cover 50 rotates counterclockwise around the first axis 31 and moves from the closed position P1 to the open position P2. This movement causes the rotating part 51 to rotate counterclockwise around the first axis 31, and the opening engagement groove 55 moves along the +Z direction. Through this movement, at the open position P2, the engaging claw 64 of the rod 60 enters the opening engagement groove 55, and the engaging claw 64 and the opening engagement groove 55 engage with each other. When the engaging claw 64 and the opening engagement groove 55 are engaged, the cover 50 is locked in the open position P2.

[0066] Subsequently, if the operator inserts the power supply connector 2 into the internal space 20a along the -X direction, then when the power supply connector 2 reaches the end of the internal space 20a along the -X direction, as... Figure 6As shown, the protrusion 63 of the lever 60 moves in the direction (-Z direction) of being pushed out of the insertion hole 21b by the power supply connector 2. As the protrusion 63 moves in the -Z direction, the lever 60 rotates clockwise about the second axis 33 when viewed from the +Y direction. That is, the lever 60 rotates about the second axis 33 in the direction in which the protrusion 63 moves away from the internal space 20a in the -Z direction. With this rotation of the lever 60, the engagement claw 64 moves in the +Z direction to the internal space 20a opposite to the protrusion 63. With this movement of the engagement claw 64, the engagement claw 64 disengages from the open engagement slot 55, and the engagement between the engagement claw 64 and the open engagement slot 55 is released. When the engagement between the engagement claw 64 and the open engagement slot 55 is released, the lock of the cover 50 is released. Then, under the biasing force of the first biasing member 32, the cover 50 begins to rotate about the first axis 31 from the open position P2 toward the closed position P1. After that, the end of the cover 50 on the +X direction side abuts against the power supply connector 2 from the -Z direction, and the rotation of the cover 50 temporarily stops.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, when charging is complete and the power connector 2 is completely removed from the internal space 20a, the cover 50 is rotated again about the first axis 31 from the open position P2 toward the closed position P1 by the first biasing member 32. Figure 2 As shown, when the cover 50 moves to the closed position P1, the internal space 20a is covered by the cover 50. At this time, the engaging claw 64 of the rod 60 enters the closed engaging groove 54, and the engaging claw 64 engages with the closed engaging groove 54. When the engaging claw 64 and the closed engaging groove 54 engage with each other, the cover 50 is locked in the closed position P1. In the closed position P1, the cover body 52 and the protrusion 47 of the retainer 40 abut against each other. When the cover 50 returns to the closed position P1, the protrusion 63 of the rod 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 21b of the partition wall 21 by the biasing force of the second biasing member 34, and returns to the position protruding into the internal space 20a. As described above, after charging is completed, the power supply connector 2 is pulled out from the internal space 20a of the charging port 1, thereby automatically returning the charging port 1 to the state before the start of the charging operation. Through the above process, the operation of the cover mechanism 30 during the charging operation is completed.

[0068] 5. Advantages

[0069] In this embodiment, the cover mechanism 30 includes a retainer 40, a cover 50, a first biasing member 32, and a locking mechanism 35. The retainer 40 is mounted to the housing 10. The cover 50 is rotatably held by the retainer 40. The cover 50 is movably disposed between a closed position P1 where the cover covers the internal space 20a of the housing 20 and an open position P2 where the cover opens the internal space 20a. The first biasing member 32 biases the cover 50 toward the closed position P1. When the cover 50 moves to the open position P2, the locking mechanism 35 locks the cover 50 and holds it in the open position P2. Furthermore, when the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the locking mechanism 35 releases the lock by abutting the power supply connector 2, allowing the cover 50 to move toward the closed position P1.

[0070] According to this configuration, when the cover 50 moves to the open position P2, the cover 50 is locked in the open position P2 by the locking mechanism 35. Therefore, the operator can insert the power connector 2 into the internal space 20a without having to support the cover 50 in the open position P2 with their hand. Furthermore, when the power connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, it abuts against the locking mechanism 35, thereby releasing the lock. After charging is complete, when the power connector 2 is completely removed from the internal space 20a, the cover 50 returns to the closed position P1 by the biasing force of the first biasing member 32. Therefore, the operator does not need to manually close the cover 50 after charging is complete, reducing operator workload.

[0071] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 35 includes a rotating part 51 and a lever 60. The rotating part 51 is integrally provided with the cover 50. The rotating part 51 has an opening engagement groove 55 on its outer peripheral surface 51a. The lever 60 can engage with the opening engagement groove 55. When the cover 50 is opened to the open position P2, the cover 50 is held in the open position P2 by engaging the lever 60 with the opening engagement groove 55. When the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 abuts against the lever 60, and the lever 60 is removed from the opening engagement groove 55, thereby releasing the lock at the open position P2 of the cover 50.

[0072] According to this configuration, when the cover 50 is moved to the open position P2, the opening engagement groove 55 of the cover 50 engages with the rod 60, and the cover 50 is locked in the open position P2. Furthermore, when the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 removes the rod 60 from the opening engagement groove 55 and releases the lock at the open position P2 of the cover 50.

[0073] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 35 includes a second biasing member 34. When the rod 60 is engaged with the open engagement slot 55, the second biasing member 34 applies bias to maintain the position of the rod 60.

[0074] According to this configuration, the engagement between the rod 60 and the open engagement slot 55 is firmly maintained by the biasing force of the second biasing member 34. Furthermore, when the power supply connector 2 is completely pulled out of the internal space 20a after charging is complete, the rod 60 returns to its original position, protruding from the internal space 20a, under the biasing force of the second biasing member 34. As described above, the rod 60 will automatically return to its pre-charging arrangement only after the power supply connector 2 is pulled out after charging is complete.

[0075] In this embodiment, the rod 60 includes a rod body 61 and a protrusion 63. The rod body 61 extends rearward in the insertion direction of the power supply connector 2. The protrusion 63 bends from the rod body 61 toward the interior of the internal space 20a. When the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 abuts against the protrusion 63.

[0076] With this configuration, the contact point 65 between the power supply connector 2 and the protrusion 63 can be located on the -Z direction side (rear side). Therefore, the moment when the power supply connector 2 and the protrusion 63 come into contact with each other can be delayed. Consequently, the moment when the engagement between the release engagement claw 64 and the opening engagement groove 55 is delayed, and the contact between the cover 50 and the power supply connector 2, as well as friction between the cover 50 and the power supply connector 2, can be suppressed.

[0077] In this embodiment, a closed engagement groove 54 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 51a of the rotating part 51. When the cover 50 moves from the open position P2 to the closed position P1, the engagement claw 64 engages with the closed engagement groove 54.

[0078] With this configuration, when the cover 50 returns from the open position P2 to the closed position P1, the engaging claw 64 is unlikely to be jammed by the rotating part 51 of the cover 50, and the lever 60 easily returns to its state before charging began. Furthermore, the engaging claw 64 engages with the closing engagement groove 54, thereby locking the cover 50 in the closed position P1. Therefore, unless the operator performs the operation of opening the cover 50, the possibility of opening the internal space 20a at an undesirable time by the operator is prevented.

[0079] In this embodiment, the retainer 40, which maintains a structure other than the retainer 40 constituting the cover mechanism 30, is separately disposed from the housing 10 and detachably mounted to the housing 10. With this configuration, the cover mechanism 30 is separated from the housing 10 and is easily installed to and removed from the housing 10. For example, when the cover 50 needs to be replaced, it can be removed from the housing 10 without the use of special tools. For example, in this embodiment, the housing 10 has a retaining portion 27 with a retaining groove 27a, and the retainer 40 has a retaining target shaft 46 that snaps into the retaining groove 27a. As a result, the retainer 40 can be released from its fixation and the cover mechanism 30 can be removed from the housing 10 simply by the operator pulling the retainer 40 out in the +X direction. In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​retaining target shaft 46 and retaining groove 27a are exemplary examples of mechanisms that allow the cover mechanism 30 and the housing 10 to be installed and removed from each other, but this embodiment is not limited thereto. As a mechanism that allows the cover mechanism 30 and the housing 10 to be installed and removed from each other, a mechanism other than a snap-fit ​​can be used.

[0080] Second Embodiment

[0081] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a damping portion 70 is provided on the first shaft 31. The construction is the same as that of the first embodiment, except as described below.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cover mechanism 30 of the charging port 1 in the second embodiment. The cover mechanism 30 includes a damping portion 70. When the cover 50 moves from the closed position P1, the first biasing member 32 applies a biasing force F1 to the cover 50 in a direction from the open position P2 toward the closed position P1. The damping portion 70 applies a force F2 in the opposite direction to the biasing force F1 of the first biasing member 32 to reduce the biasing force of the first biasing member 31. In this embodiment, the damping portion 70 is mounted to the first shaft 31.

[0083] In this embodiment, the cover mechanism 30 includes a damping portion 70 that reduces the biasing force F1 of the first biasing member 32. With this configuration, when the cover 50 is automatically closed by the first biasing member 32 after the power connector 2 is pulled out, the damping portion 70 brakes the cover 50 to reduce the closing speed of the cover 50. As a result, the impact noise generated by the collision between the cover 50 and the front housing 20 can be reduced. Furthermore, by adjusting the force F2 of the damping portion 70, the closing speed of the cover 50 can be adjusted, resulting in a comfortable experience.

[0084] Third Embodiment

[0085] Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the protrusion 63 is formed to extend obliquely relative to the rod body 61. The construction is the same as that of the first embodiment, except as described below.

[0086] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main parts surrounding the cover mechanism 30 in the third embodiment. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the rod 60 has a rod body 61 (an example of the first part) and a protrusion 63 (an example of the second part). The rod body 61 extends rearward (to the -X direction side) in the insertion direction of the power supply connector 2 to connect the protrusion 63 and the engagement claw 64. Furthermore, the protrusion 63 is configured to curve inward from the rod body 61 toward the inner space 20a. The protrusion 63 extends from the rod body 61 toward the inner space 20a in the Z direction. The protrusion 63 is inclined relative to the rod body 61 so that it is located on the -X direction side toward the inner space 20a in the Z direction. When the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the deepest part of the inner space, the power supply connector 2 abuts against the protrusion 63.

[0087] According to this configuration, the contact point 65 between the power supply connector 2 and the protrusion 63 can be located on the -X direction side (rear side). Therefore, the distance A in the X direction between the contact point 65 and the first shaft 31 becomes longer. By increasing the distance A, the moment when the power supply connector 2 and the protrusion 63 come into contact with each other can be further delayed. Therefore, the moment when the engagement between the releasing engagement claw 64 and the opening engagement groove 55 is further delayed, and the contact between the cover 50 and the power supply connector 2, as well as friction between the cover 50 and the power supply connector 2, can be further suppressed.

[0088] Several embodiments and variations have been described above. However, the embodiments and variations are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments can be combined with each other to implement the invention.

[0089] Reference tag list

[0090] 1 charging port

[0091] 2-feed connector

[0092] 10 housing

[0093] 20a interior space

[0094] 30-cover mechanism

[0095] 32 First biased component

[0096] 34 Second biased component

[0097] 35 Locking Mechanisms

[0098] 40 retainer

[0099] 50 caps

[0100] 51 Rotating Part

[0101] 51a outer peripheral surface

[0102] 52 Cover Body

[0103] 55. Open the joint groove (joint groove)

[0104] 60 strokes

[0105] 61 main body (part one)

[0106] 63 Sudden Rise (Part Two)

[0107] 70 Damping Section

[0108] P1 Closed position

[0109] P2 Open Location

Claims

1. A cover mechanism for serving as a charging port for an on-board component, wherein, The charging port includes a housing, in which an internal space is formed for embedding a power supply connector, and The cover mechanism includes: A retainer, which is mounted to the housing; The cover, which is rotatably held by the retainer, is movable to a closed position where the cover covers the interior space and an open position where the cover opens the interior space; A first biasing member biases the cover toward the closed position; and A locking mechanism that locks and holds the cover in the open position when the cover is moved to the open position, and releases the lock by abutting the power supply connector when the power supply connector is inserted into the internal space, allowing the cover to move toward the closed position.

2. The cover mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism includes a rotating part integrally formed with the cover and having a mating groove on its outer peripheral surface, and a rod capable of engaging with the mating groove. With the cover open in the open position, the cover is locked and held in the open position by the rod engaging with the engagement groove. With the power supply connector inserted into the internal space, the lock is released in the open position such that the power supply connector abuts against the rod and the rod is removed from the engagement slot.

3. The cover mechanism according to claim 2, wherein, The locking mechanism includes a second biasing member that applies bias to maintain the position of the rod when it engages with the engagement groove.

4. The cover mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The rod includes a first portion extending rearward in the insertion direction of the power supply connector, and a second portion bending inward from the first portion toward the interior space, wherein the power supply connector abuts against the second portion when inserted into the interior space.

5. The cover mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The damping section reduces the bias force of the first bias member.

6. A charging port, comprising: The cover mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and The housing.

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