Self-sealing charging port cover structure of unmanned vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a self-provided sealing charging port cover structure of an unmanned vehicle, which comprises a side wall decoration plate, a sealing structure is arranged on the side wall decoration plate, a charging port cover is movably connected to the side wall decoration plate, and a locking mechanism is arranged on the charging port cover. The self-provided sealing charging port cover structure of the unmanned vehicle has the advantages of simple structure, small occupied space, convenient maintenance and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive parts technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a structure for a self-sealed charging port cover for an unmanned vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, car charging port covers mainly come in mechanical pull-wire type, press type, and cantilever plus spring structure, none of which are suitable for autonomous vehicles.

[0003] Traditional pull-cord unlocking mechanisms have significant drawbacks: the pull cord is prone to loosening, fraying, breaking, and buckle detachment due to repeated stretching, resulting in insufficient unlocking travel and failure to open; driving bumps and vibrations can easily cause the pull cord to shift, produce abnormal friction noise, and have poor reliability. The charging port area is prone to accumulating dust and water, and at low temperatures, the sealing strip freezes and sticks, exacerbating jamming and preventing the charging port cover from popping open.

[0004] The press-type charging port cover has large gaps, poor waterproofing and dustproofing, and is prone to water and dust ingress when washing the car in rainy weather, which accelerates aging; the guide pin, spring, and buckle are prone to dust accumulation and deformation, and often get stuck in cold weather or after washing the car, and are inconvenient and expensive to repair.

[0005] Cantilever-spring type cantilever is mostly made of plastic, which is prone to aging due to long-term opening and closing, resulting in incomplete closing, warping, uneven gaps, or even sagging and misalignment; the spring has poor reliability, fatigues after repeated opening and closing, and is not able to close properly, making it easy for cement and sand to enter; the unmanned vehicle makes obvious abnormal noises when bumping. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a self-sealing charging port cover structure for unmanned vehicles that features locking function, self-sealing, simple structure, small footprint, and convenient maintenance.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: The unmanned vehicle has a built-in sealed charging port cover structure, including a side decorative panel. The side decorative panel has a sealing structure, the charging port cover is movably connected to the side decorative panel, and the charging port cover has a locking mechanism.

[0008] The side decorative panel is provided with an installation opening that matches the charging port cover. The charging port cover has reinforcing edges on both sides and the top edge. The sealing structure includes a sealing strip, which is located on the reinforcing edges.

[0009] The mounting port edge is provided with a support edge corresponding to the reinforcing edge. The charging port cover is provided with a groove. The locking mechanism includes a latch and a bolt. The latch is hinged in the groove by a rotating shaft. The bottom of the bolt is provided with a vertical connecting part. The vertical connecting part is connected to the charging port cover by a spring. The latch includes a horizontal actuating part. The horizontal actuating part passes through the bolt. The top of the bolt and the top of the charging port cover abut against the inner and outer sides of the middle of the support edge, respectively.

[0010] The top surface of the sealing strip contacts the edge of the mounting opening, and the end of the reinforcing edge is provided with a limiting edge, with the sealing strip located inside the limiting edge.

[0011] The mounting opening has a hinge at its lower edge, and the charging port cover is hinged to the side decorative panel via the hinge. The outer side of the charging port cover is on the same plane as the side decorative panel.

[0012] The hinges are arranged in pairs. The lower edge of the mounting opening is provided with a first stop edge between the hinges, and the upper edge of the mounting opening is provided with a second stop edge. The second stop edge is provided with a first buffer pad, and the side panel is provided with a second buffer pad below the mounting opening.

[0013] The support edge is provided with multiple protrusions, which are used to abut against the inner side of the reinforcing edge.

[0014] The outer side of the latch is on the same plane as the charging port cover, the groove is adapted to the width of the latch, and the bottom of the groove is provided with a latching space below the latch.

[0015] The charging port cover has reinforcing ribs on its inner side, which are distributed horizontally and vertically, and are connected to the reinforcing edge.

[0016] The technical advantages of this invention are as follows: The self-sealing charging port cover structure of the unmanned vehicle eliminates the traditional lock and outer panel assembly structure, directly integrating the lock's mounting structure with the outer panel and connecting the latch via a rotating shaft; the charging port cover has a sealing strip around its perimeter, utilizing the interference structure between the sealing strip's skirt and the side panel to ensure sealing performance and prevent dust and water ingress; the outer contour dimensions of the charging port cover define the entire charging port structure, eliminating the need for a hidden cantilever structure, and connecting the charging port cover and side panel via hinges, resulting in minimal space occupation; all mounting components of the charging port cover are exposed and independent, allowing for individual replacement, quick maintenance, and low maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the charging port cover of the present invention when it is fully closed; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the charging port cover of the present invention when it is fully closed; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the charging port cover of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the charging port cover of the present invention when it is fully opened; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the mating of the charging port cover adhesive strip and the side panel of the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0018] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Side decorative panel; 11. Mounting port; 12. Support edge; 121. Protrusion; 13. First stop edge; 14. Second stop edge; 15. First buffer pad; 16. Second buffer pad; 2. Charging port cover; 21. Reinforcing edge; 22. Groove; 23. Limiting edge; 24. Reinforcing rib; 3. Sealing strip; 4. Rotating shaft; 41. Lock; 411. Horizontal actuating part; 42. Lock tongue; 421. Vertical connecting part; 43. Spring; 5. Hinge; 51. Bolt; 52. Nut. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0020] Currently, most existing traditional vehicle charging port cover structures are designed based on traditional manned passenger vehicle scenarios and have not been specifically optimized for the harsh operating conditions of autonomous vehicles, such as fully automated, all-weather, unattended, high-frequency reciprocating opening and closing, long-term outdoor exposure to sun and rain, bumps and vibrations, and alternating high and low temperatures. Therefore, in actual mass production and use, many unavoidable structural defects have gradually been exposed, making it difficult to meet the actual needs of long-term stable, safe, and low-cost operation of autonomous vehicles. Existing traditional charging port cover structures suffer from poor overall reliability, short service life, high failure rate, high unit manufacturing cost, complex overall structure, heavy weight, extremely high maintenance and replacement costs, and low maintenance efficiency. In summary, current charging port cover structures cannot simultaneously achieve the six core indicators of high structural reliability, high sealing stability, lightweight, low manufacturing cost, low maintenance cost, and easy maintenance. There are obvious technological gaps and product shortcomings, which seriously restrict the large-scale, low-cost, and highly reliable commercialization of autonomous vehicles. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of charging port cover structure for unmanned vehicles that features an integrated seal, eliminates the need for complex transmission mechanisms, is extremely simple in structure, highly reliable, lightweight, low in unit cost, and supports modular and individual maintenance and replacement, so as to fundamentally solve many of the pain points of existing technologies.

[0021] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the self-sealing charging port cover structure of this unmanned vehicle includes a side decorative panel 1 with a sealing structure. The charging port cover 2 is movably connected to the side decorative panel 1 and has a locking mechanism. Integrating the sealing structure between the side decorative panel 1 and the charging port cover 2, and directly mounting the locking mechanism on the charging port cover 2, forms an integrated self-sealing and self-locking module. When the charging port cover 2 is closed, the locking force applied by the locking mechanism simultaneously acts on the sealing structure, ensuring a stable compression of the sealing strip 3. The movable connection between the charging port cover 2 and the side decorative panel 1 ensures flexible opening and closing, while the locking mechanism ensures reliable locking capability when the charging port cover 2 is closed, preventing accidental opening due to vibrations and bumps during vehicle operation.

[0022] The charging port cover 2 is assembled from the main body, latch 41, latch 42, spring 43, hinge 5, buffer pad, rotating shaft 4, and sealing strip 3 into a single unit. Its working principle is as follows: the upper part of the charging port cover 2 utilizes the latch 41 and latch 42 for interlocking. The latch 42 compresses the spring 43 along the Z-axis to achieve locking and opening of the charging port cover 2. The bottom is connected to the side panel body via two hinges 5. Sealing is achieved through the interference between the sealing strip 3 on the charging port cover 2 and the side panel. The charging port cover 2 opens vertically, allowing all integrated accessories to be exposed, rather than hidden within the side panel. This facilitates convenient and rapid maintenance and replacement of the accessories, ensuring a reliable and stable structure.

[0023] The side decorative panel 1 has a mounting opening 11 that matches the charging port cover 2. The charging port cover 2 has reinforcing edges 21 on both sides and the top edge. The sealing structure includes a sealing strip 3, which is mounted on the reinforcing edges 21. The reinforcing edges 21 provide local structural reinforcement to the edge area of ​​the charging port cover 2, improving its anti-warping ability and preventing edge deformation or sagging after long-term opening and closing. The sealing strip 3, mounted on the reinforcing edges 21, utilizes the rigidity of the reinforcing edges 21 as a supporting base for the sealing strip 3, ensuring stable reaction force support when compressed and preventing loss of sealing pressure due to deformation of the supporting surface. The reinforcing edges 21 and the sealing strip 3 form a composite edge structure of rigid support and flexible sealing. The reinforcing edges 21 provide dimensional stability, ensuring that the edge contour of the charging port cover 2 does not shrink or warp after long-term use, thereby maintaining the geometric accuracy of the mounting groove of the sealing strip 3. The sealing strip 3 uses its elastic deformation to fill the gap between the charging port cover 2 and the mounting opening 11. The continuous annular structure of the reinforcing edge 21 enables the sealing strip 3 to form an uninterrupted sealing band along the circumference of the charging port cover 2, avoiding weak points in the seal caused by interruptions in the reinforcing edge 21. When the charging port cover 2 is locked, the locking force is evenly transmitted to the entire sealing strip 3 through the reinforcing edge 21, achieving uniform compression.

[0024] The mounting port 11 has a supporting edge 12 corresponding to the reinforcing edge 21. The charging port cover 2 has a groove 22. The locking mechanism includes a latch 41 and a latch 42. The latch 41 is hinged in the groove 22 by a rotating shaft 4. The bottom of the latch 42 has a vertical connecting part 421. The vertical connecting part 421 is connected to the charging port cover 2 by a spring 43. The latch 41 includes a horizontal actuating part 411. The horizontal actuating part 411 passes through the latch 42. The top of the latch 42 and the top of the charging port cover 2 respectively abut against the inner and outer sides of the middle of the supporting edge 12.

[0025] When unlocking the charging port cover 2, simply use your finger to press the latch 41. The latch 41 will rotate around the rotating axis 4, and its horizontal moving part 411 will move down to press against the latch 42. The spring 43 will be compressed and move aside. After the latch 42 moves down below the support edge 12, the top of the latch 42 will release its abutment against the inside of the support edge 12, and the charging port cover 2 can be opened. When locking the charging port cover 2, under the return action of the spring 43, the latch 42 moves up to abut against the inside of the support edge 12, and at the same time, the charging port cover 2 forms an outer abutment against the support edge 12, thus locking.

[0026] The support edge 12 provides circumferential support for the charging port cover 2 in the closed state. When the charging port cover 2 is closed, its outer side abuts against the outer side of the support edge 12 to achieve a limit, and the top of the latch 42 abuts against the inner side of the support edge 12 to achieve locking. The two form an inner and outer clamping locking effect. The groove 22 provides a recessed installation space for the latch 41, so that the latch 41 does not protrude from the surface of the charging port cover 2 in the closed state, maintaining a flat appearance. The latch 41 is hinged by the rotating shaft 4, realizing the rotational movement around the shaft, converting the arc movement of the finger to the linear movement of the latch 42. The spring 43 connects the bottom of the latch 42 to the charging port cover 2, providing a continuous upward elastic force to the latch 42, ensuring that the latch 42 always abuts against the support edge 12 in the locked state. The horizontal toggle part 411 is designed to pass through the latch 42, so that the latch 41 can directly push the latch 42 downward when rotating, realizing the direct transmission of the unlocking action without the need for intermediate conversion components. The latch 41, latch 42, spring 43, and rotating shaft 4 constitute a compact trigger-type locking mechanism. The latch 41 acts as the operating element, the rotating shaft 4 as the rotation fulcrum, the latch 42 as the actuating element, and the spring 43 as the resetting element. The horizontal actuating part 411 of the latch 41 cooperates with the latch 42, allowing the rotation angle of the latch 41 to control the downward displacement of the latch 42. A slight finger action on the latch 41 is converted into sufficient travel of the latch 42, providing a clear tactile feedback and short travel. The spring 43 is compressed and stores energy during unlocking and releases energy during locking, ensuring the rapid return and continuous pressing of the latch 42. When locked, the top of the latch 42 and the top of the charging port cover 2 abut against the inner and outer sides of the support edge 12 respectively, forming a double-sided clamping. This prevents the charging port cover 2 from concave inward or warping outward in the closed state, ensuring the surface finish accuracy with the side decorative panel 1.

[0027] The top surface of the sealing strip 3 contacts the edge of the mounting opening 11, and a limiting edge 23 is provided at the end of the reinforcing edge 21. The sealing strip 3 is located inside the limiting edge 23. The contact between the top surface of the sealing strip 3 and the edge of the mounting opening 11 forms a sealing interface. When the charging port cover 2 is closed, this interface is compressed to generate sealing pressure, preventing external water, dust, and mud from entering. The limiting edge 23 is located at the end of the reinforcing edge 21, which provides lateral limitation on the installation position of the sealing strip 3 on the reinforcing edge 21, preventing the sealing strip 3 from shifting, curling, or falling off due to friction or compression during long-term opening and closing, thus ensuring the long-term stability of the installation position of the sealing strip 3. The limiting edge 23 restricts the position of the sealing strip 3 on the reinforcing edge 21 to its inner side, ensuring that the effective deformation of the sealing strip 3 fills the gap between the charging port cover 2 and the mounting opening 11 when the charging port cover 2 is closed. The limiting edge 23 also serves as an overpressure protection for the sealing strip 3. When the charging port cover 2 is closed in place, the limiting edge 23 contacts the edge of the mounting port 11 to form a stop, preventing the sealing strip 3 from being over-compressed and permanently deformed or damaged. This ensures the sealing performance while extending the service life of the sealing strip 3.

[0028] A hinge 5 is located at the lower edge of the mounting opening 11. The charging port cover 2 is hinged to the side panel 1 via the hinge 5, and the outer side of the charging port cover 2 is flush with the side panel 1. The hinge structure of the hinge 5 allows the charging port cover 2 to open at a 180° angle, facilitating the insertion and removal of the charging gun during charging. The fact that the outer side of the charging port cover 2 is flush with the side panel 1 ensures zero surface difference when the charging port cover 2 is closed, resulting in a flush appearance without any protrusions or depressions. This optimizes the aerodynamic shape of the vehicle side and reduces wind resistance and wind noise. The hinge 5, located at the lower edge of the mounting opening 11, allows the charging port cover 2 to flip downwards and open, forming a flip-down locking configuration with the latch 41 located at the upper part of the charging port cover 2.

[0029] The hinges 5 are arranged in pairs. A first stop 13 is located at the lower edge of the mounting opening 11 between the hinges 5, and a second stop 14 is located at the upper edge of the mounting opening 11. A first buffer pad 15 is located on the second stop 14, and a second buffer pad 16 is located on the side decorative panel 1 below the mounting opening 11. The two hinges 5 provide two-point support for the bottom of the charging port cover 2, ensuring balanced force distribution during opening and closing and preventing tilting or twisting due to a single hinge 5. The first stop 13, located between the two hinges 5, limits the lowest position of the charging port cover 2 when closed, preventing excessive downward pressure. The second stop 14, located at the upper edge of the mounting opening 11 and corresponding to the top of the charging port cover 2, provides auxiliary positioning and limiting when fully closed. The first buffer pad 15 and the second buffer pad 16 provide cushioning when the charging port cover 2 is closed and fully open, respectively. When closed, the first buffer pad 15 absorbs the impact energy between the charging port cover 2 and the upper edge of the mounting opening 11, reducing closing noise and impact damage. When opened 180°, the second buffer pad 16 supports the charging port cover 2, preventing a hard collision or friction between the charging port cover 2 and the side panel trim 1. The first stop 13 and the second stop 14 form vertically arranged limiting points at the lower and upper edges of the mounting opening 11, respectively, which, together with the rotation axis of the hinge 5, define the closed position of the charging port cover 2. The first buffer pad 15 and the second buffer pad 16 provide cushioning protection at both the closed and open extreme positions. When the vehicle travels on bumpy roads, the elastic pre-compression of the first buffer pad 15 ensures that the charging port cover 2 is always under a certain pressure when closed, eliminating the rigid collision gap between the charging port cover 2 and the mounting opening 11 and preventing abnormal noise. The second buffer pad 16 provides flexible support when the charging port cover 2 is fully open, ensuring that the position of the charging port cover 2 is stable in the 180° open state and will not fall back automatically due to gravity or vibration, thus facilitating charging operations.

[0030] Multiple protrusions 121 are provided on the support edge 12 to abut against the inner side of the reinforcing edge 21, ensuring a seamless fit between the outer side of the reinforcing edge 21 and the inner side of the mounting opening 11. The protrusions 121 form multiple local high points on the inner side of the support edge 12, generating local pre-pressure when in contact with the inner side of the reinforcing edge 21. When the charging port cover 2 is closed, these protrusions 121 exert an outward pushing force on the reinforcing edge 21, ensuring a tight fit between the outer side of the reinforcing edge 21 and the inner side of the mounting opening 11, eliminating any visible gaps and achieving a seamless appearance between the charging port cover 2 and the side panel 1. When the charging port cover 2 is closed, it is subjected to both an inward locking force and an outward pushing force. These two opposing forces clamp the edge of the charging port cover 2 between the support edge 12 and the mounting opening 11, ensuring that the charging port cover 2 will not shift or produce abnormal noise even under long-term vibration conditions.

[0031] The outer side of the latch 41 is flush with the charging port cover 2. The groove 22 is adapted to the width of the latch 41, and the bottom of the groove 22, located below the latch 41, provides a latching space. The matching width of the groove 22 with the latch 41 ensures that the latch 41 is laterally positioned within the groove 22, preventing it from wobbling left and right and guaranteeing that the latch 41 moves in the correct direction when a finger is pressed. The latching space, located below the latch 41, provides an operating clearance for a finger to insert into the groove 22 and press the latch 41, ensuring that the unlocking action is not obstructed by the bottom of the groove 22, resulting in comfortable operation. The coplanar design of the outer side of the latch 41 and the charging port cover 2 ensures the flatness of the entire surface of the charging port cover 2. The latch 41, after being recessed into the groove 22, does not protrude from the surface, which is both aesthetically pleasing and reduces wind resistance.

[0032] The charging port cover 2 has reinforcing ribs 24 on its inner side, which are distributed laterally and longitudinally and connected to the reinforcing edge 21. The laterally and longitudinally distributed reinforcing ribs 24 form a mesh-like reinforcing structure on the inner side of the charging port cover 2, significantly improving the overall rigidity and bending strength of the charging port cover 2. The connection between the reinforcing ribs 24 and the reinforcing edge 21 integrates the edge and central areas of the charging port cover 2, allowing the load to be evenly distributed across the entire surface of the charging port cover 2, avoiding stress concentration or deformation caused by localized forces.

[0033] The charging port cover 2 is a single-layer plate structure. The overall strength of the charging port cover 2 is improved by adding reinforcing ribs 24 on the back. The locking tongue 42 and the locking buckle 41 are both made of plastic parts, produced by injection molding, which is lightweight, has good production consistency, and good dimensional stability. This charging port cover structure can be used for different car models, and is not even limited to the use of charging port covers. This structure can also be used for maintenance port covers. It is only necessary to increase the number of locking structures and the size of the hinges 5 according to the size of the maintenance port.

[0034] The charging port cover 2 is a large exterior component, requiring dimensional stability and lightweight, so PP-T30 was selected; the rotating shaft 4 and hinge 5 are rotating friction components, requiring wear resistance and rust prevention, so SUS304 was selected; the spring 43 is an energy storage element, requiring high fatigue life, so 65Mn was selected; the latch 41 and latch 42 are force-bearing components and require complex molding, so PA6+GF30 was selected. The complementary properties of each material enable the entire charging port cover assembly to achieve an optimal balance in terms of strength, durability, lightweight, and cost.

[0035] Specifically, the charging port cover 2 is made of PP-T30 material. PP-T30 (polypropylene + 30% talc) has high rigidity and dimensional stability, low injection molding shrinkage, and is not easily deformed during long-term outdoor use. It also has good weather resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor working conditions that are exposed to sun and rain for a long time.

[0036] The rotating shaft 4 and hinge 5 are made of SUS304 material to improve the durability of the charging port cover 2. SUS304 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and sufficient strength. Using this material for the rotating shaft 4 and hinge 5 can ensure wear resistance and rust resistance during frequent opening and closing, and avoid rotation jamming caused by rust.

[0037] Spring 43 is made of 65Mn material. 65Mn spring steel has excellent elastic limit and fatigue resistance. It is not easy to produce permanent deformation or fracture during long-term reciprocating compression deformation, thus ensuring the durability of the return spring force of the locking tongue 42.

[0038] The latch 42 and buckle 41 are made of PA6+GF30 material and manufactured by injection molding. This process ensures the strength of the buckle 41 and latch 42 while also considering lightweight design. PA6+GF30 (Nylon 6 + 30% glass fiber reinforcement) has high specific strength and good wear resistance. After injection molding, it has high dimensional accuracy. Using this material for the buckle 41 and latch 42 can balance structural strength, lightweight design, and molding accuracy.

[0039] Compared to existing pull-cord type charging port covers, this new design eliminates the need for a pull-cord unlocking mechanism. Traditional pull-cord unlocking mechanisms require a pull-cord channel between the outer and inner panels, with one end connected to the unlocking handle in the driver's cab and the other to the charging port cover's locking mechanism. This results in a long transmission chain with numerous intermediate links. This new design eliminates the pull-cord and its associated guide tubes, fixing brackets, return springs, and other components. The locking mechanism is directly integrated into the charging port cover itself, allowing for unlocking via a simple finger pull. This eliminates the risks of pull-cord slack, elongation, fraying, and breakage, and is unaffected by environmental vibrations, significantly improving reliability. Furthermore, this design saves space by eliminating the need for a pull-cord route, resulting in a simpler and more compact structure in the charging port cover area.

[0040] Compared to existing push-lock structures, this charging port cover features a sealing strip 3 that continuously surrounds the charging port cover 2. When the cover is closed, the sealing strip 3 forms a complete circumferential seal with the edge of the mounting opening 11, completely isolating the internal and external spaces of the charging port. This eliminates the water ingress path found in push-lock structures, resulting in a significantly superior waterproof and dustproof rating.

[0041] Compared to existing cantilever and spring-type charging port covers, which rely on the elastic deformation of the cantilever and the tension of the spring for opening and closing, this solution completely eliminates the cantilever structure. The cantilever is often made of injection-molded plastic, which, after repeated opening and closing, is prone to creep and fatigue fracture at the base, leading to incomplete closure and sagging. The locking mechanism of this solution uses a rigid mechanical engagement between the locking tongue 42 and the support edge 12 to achieve locking. The locking force is provided by a metal spring 43 rather than relying on the elastic deformation of the plastic part, thus avoiding the fatigue problem of the plastic cantilever. The number of opening and closing cycles is not limited by the fatigue life of the plastic, and the locking reliability does not decrease after long-term use. This fundamentally solves the defects of incomplete closure and uneven gaps caused by cantilever aging and deformation.

[0042] Furthermore, regarding ease of assembly and maintenance: traditional charging port covers often have accessories such as latches, pull cables, and springs hidden inside the side panel trim or the inner panel of the charging port cover. In case of a malfunction, the side panel trim or the inner panel of the charging port cover must be removed to access the faulty component, resulting in limited space, difficult operation, and lengthy repair time. This solution exposes all functional accessories on the front or lower edge of the charging port cover 2, without hiding them in any layers or trim. Repairs can be performed without removing the side panel trim 1, allowing for direct exposure and operation. This enables a modular repair mode for individual component replacement, with each accessory replacement taking only a few minutes, significantly reducing repair costs.

[0043] Furthermore, regarding the balance between lightweight and strength: traditional cantilever spring-type charging port covers typically employ a relatively thick and heavy cantilever design to ensure strength and rigidity, and tend to use high-strength engineering plastics, resulting in a large overall weight. This solution adopts a single-layer plate structure with back mesh reinforcing ribs 24. By utilizing the topology optimization of the reinforcing ribs 24, it achieves structural efficiency with minimal material and maximum rigidity. While ensuring the same load-bearing capacity, it significantly reduces the wall thickness and weight of the charging port cover 2 body. At the same time, the latch 41 and latch 42 are made of PA6+GF30 injection molding, which is significantly lighter than metal parts, achieving an ideal balance between lightweight and structural strength.

[0044] Furthermore, regarding materials and processes: traditional pull-wire structures use steel wire ropes with an outer plastic sheath, which are prone to wear and tear and wire rope breakage during long-term bending and stretching; push-lock structures often use die-cast aluminum alloy buckles, which are heavy and costly; and cantilever spring structures use plastic injection molded parts for the cantilever, which are prone to creep under long-term loads. This solution employs a combination of materials for its components, taking into account the different performance requirements of appearance parts, structural parts, elastic parts, and friction parts. The cost per unit is controllable, making it suitable for mass production.

[0045] After the unmanned vehicle uses the self-sealing charging port cover structure, the mechanical locking and self-resetting spring 43 mechanism ensures that the charging port cover 2 can be automatically and reliably closed and locked after each charging, without the need for manual inspection and secondary confirmation. This avoids the hazards of dust, water, and mud entering the charging port during driving due to the charging port cover 2 not being closed tightly, as well as the hazards of the charging port cover 2 accidentally popping open and hitting the charging gun or surrounding pedestrians and vehicles due to the lock 41 being loose. This significantly improves the active safety and mission completion rate of the unmanned vehicle in all weather conditions.

[0046] Meanwhile, unmanned vehicles are typically parked outdoors for extended periods in industrial parks, ports, mining areas, and delivery stations, enduring harsh weather conditions such as sun exposure, heavy rain, snow, and sandstorms throughout the year. The sealing strip 3, buffer pad, locking tongue 42, and spring 43 in this structure all possess excellent weather resistance and anti-aging capabilities. Furthermore, the charging port cover 2 is made of PP-T30 material, ensuring good dimensional stability and preventing shrinkage, warping, or cracking during long-term outdoor use. This guarantees that the charging port cover 2 maintains stable sealing performance and appearance quality throughout its entire lifespan, significantly reducing the frequency of unplanned downtime caused by charging port cover 2 aging and failure, thus ensuring the high efficiency and operational continuity of the unmanned vehicle fleet.

[0047] Furthermore, autonomous vehicles frequently start, stop, turn, and overcome obstacles during operation, resulting in chassis and body vibrations and impacts far exceeding those of traditional passenger vehicles. This structure employs a rigid mechanical locking mechanism between the locking tongue 42 and the support edge 12. The hinges 5 are made of metal and arranged in pairs, eliminating failure modes such as plastic cantilever fatigue and cable slack. The locking force does not diminish under long-term bumpy and vibrating conditions, preventing the charging port cover 2 from cracking, sagging, or producing abnormal noises. This ensures the NVH performance of the autonomous vehicle under all operating conditions and the long-term structural integrity of the charging port area.

[0048] The assembly process for the charging port cover is as follows: 1. First, install the buffer pad: Assemble the buffer block with the side panel, using its soft elastic body to pass through the small round hole at the buffer block installation location on the side panel to achieve an interference fit and fixation; 2. Next, place the spring 43 on the structural installation position on the back of the charging port cover 2 body, then pass the latch 42 through the spring 43 and fix it to the charging port cover 2 body, and then insert the buckle 41 from the front of the charging port cover 2 body into the structure that mates with the latch 42, ensuring that the buckle 41 and the latch 42 are accurately aligned; 3. Then, pass the rotating shaft 4 through the mounting holes of the charging port cover 2 and the latch 41 in sequence, so that the charging port cover 2, the latch 41 and the rotating shaft 4 form a tight assembly relationship with one ring pressing against the other. 4. Then, the sealing strip 3 is glued to the charging port cover 2 body to ensure a tight seal; 5. Then, assemble the hinge 5 with the charging port cover 2 body using the nut 52 and bolt 51 (the bolt 51 passes through the mounting hole of the hinge 5 and the charging port cover, and the nut 52 is tightened) to complete the assembly of the charging port cover 2 body. 6. Finally, insert the buffer pads into the buffer pad mounting holes on the side charging port cover 2 body in sequence, and fix the hinge 5 at the bottom of the charging port cover 2 body to the side body body with nuts 52 and bolts 51 (bolts 51 pass through the hinge 5 and the side plate mounting hole, and nuts 52 are tightened). The charging port cover assembly is now installed.

[0049] When the charging port cover 2 is fully closed Figure 1 Two buffer pads are installed on the side panel, which interfere with the charging port cover 2 to prevent abnormal noise from the charging port cover 2 during vehicle operation. When the charging port cover 2 is closed, the sealing strip installed on the charging port cover 2 interferes with the outer side panel, sealing the gap between the charging port cover 2 and the side panel, effectively preventing mud, water, and dust from entering the interior of the charging port cover 2. When the charging port cover 2 is closed, the interference fit between the sealing strip 3 and the outer side panel creates a stable initial sealing pressure. After repeated opening and closing, the resilience of the sealing strip 3 ensures that the sealing pressure is maintained for a long time. The interference fit of the two buffer pads provides a certain pre-pressure when the charging port cover 2 is closed, eliminating the micro-movement gap of the charging port cover 2 in a vibration environment and preventing abnormal noise caused by micro-movement friction.

[0050] To open the charging port, use your finger to press the latch 41 from the front. The latch 42 will then press the spring 43 downwards along the Z-axis. After the latch 42 is below the side panel structure, the bottom hinge 5 rotates, opening the charging port cover 2. Figure 4 At this time, the charging port cover 2 rotates 180°, and a second buffer pad 16 is installed at the bottom of the side panel. The purpose of this buffer pad is to prevent the charging port cover 2 from colliding or rubbing against the side panel, thereby preventing wear or damage to the surface treatment process of the charging port cover 2 and the side panel.

[0051] The charging port structure is composed of independent components such as the charging port cover 2 body, hinge 5, latch 41, and locking tongue 42. All the accessories can be seen when the charging port is opened. The purpose of this design is to facilitate maintenance. If any accessory is damaged, it can be replaced directly without replacing the entire charging port cover assembly, thus greatly saving the maintenance cost of the charging port cover.

[0052] The unmanned vehicle features a built-in sealed charging port cover structure. A sealing strip 3 is continuously arranged around the perimeter of the charging port cover 2, forming a composite edge with the reinforcing edge 21, providing rigid support and flexible sealing. When closed, it forms a complete circumferential sealing ring with the edge of the mounting port 11, effectively preventing dust, mud, rain, and snow from entering the charging port. This solves the problem of weak sealing caused by gaps in the latch 41 and the through-hole of the pull cable in traditional pull-wire and push-lock structures. A mechanical locking scheme replaces traditional pull cables, push locks, and cantilever springs, which are prone to fatigue failure. The locking force is stable and unaffected by environmental vibrations, low-temperature icing, or mud and sand intrusion. The unmanned vehicle can withstand bumps, rain, and snow. It can be stably locked and opened under alternating high and low temperature conditions; it eliminates complex components such as pull wires, cantilever arms, and push lock pressing mechanisms. The charging port cover 2 body adopts a single-layer plate with back mesh reinforcement ribs 24. The latch 41 and latch 42 are made of PA6+GF30 injection molding. The overall structure is simple, lightweight, and has low unit manufacturing cost, making it suitable for mass production and assembly of unmanned vehicles. The outer side of the charging port cover 2 is coplanar with the side decorative panel 1, with no protrusions or gaps. Combined with the lower hinge 5 and the recessed latch 41 design of the groove 22, the overall shape is smooth and has low wind resistance. Moreover, the charging port cover 2 does not occupy the external space of the side when opened, making it suitable for compact unmanned vehicle layout.

[0053] The unmanned vehicle features a self-sealing charging port cover structure, eliminating the traditional lock and outer panel assembly structure. The lock installation structure is directly integrated with the outer panel, and the latch 41 is connected via a rotating shaft 4. The charging port cover 2 has a sealing strip 3 around its perimeter. The interference structure between the skirt of the sealing strip 3 and the side panel ensures sealing performance and prevents dust and water from entering. The outer contour of the charging port cover 2 is the entire structure of the charging port. There is no hidden cantilever structure. The charging port cover 2 is connected to the side panel via a hinge 5, which occupies little space. All installation components of the charging port cover 2 are exposed and independent, supporting individual replacement, quick maintenance, and low maintenance cost.

[0054] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-sealing charging port cover structure for an unmanned vehicle, characterized in that: Includes a side decorative panel (1), the side decorative panel (1) is provided with a sealing structure, the charging port cover (2) is movably connected to the side decorative panel (1), and the charging port cover (2) is provided with a locking mechanism.

2. The self-sealing charging port cover structure for the unmanned vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side decorative panel (1) is provided with an installation port (11) that is compatible with the charging port cover (2). The charging port cover (2) has reinforcing edges (21) on both sides and the top edge. The sealing structure includes a sealing strip (3) which is provided on the reinforcing edge (21).

3. The self-sealing charging port cover structure for the unmanned vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting port (11) has a supporting edge (12) corresponding to the reinforcing edge (21) at its edge. The charging port cover (2) has a groove (22). The locking mechanism includes a latch (41) and a latch (42). The latch (41) is hinged in the groove (22) by a rotating shaft (4). The bottom of the latch (42) has a vertical connecting part (421). The vertical connecting part (421) is connected to the charging port cover (2) by a spring (43). The latch (41) includes a horizontal actuating part (411). The horizontal actuating part (411) passes through the latch (42). The top of the latch (42) and the top of the charging port cover (2) abut against the inner and outer sides of the middle part of the supporting edge (12), respectively.

4. The self-sealing charging port cover structure for the unmanned vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top surface of the sealing strip (3) contacts the edge of the mounting port (11), and the end of the reinforcing edge (21) is provided with a limiting edge (23), and the sealing strip (3) is located inside the limiting edge (23).

5. The self-sealing charging port cover structure for the unmanned vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting port (11) has a hinge (5) at its lower edge. The charging port cover (2) is hinged to the side decorative panel (1) via the hinge (5). The outer side of the charging port cover (2) is on the same plane as the side decorative panel (1).

6. The self-sealing charging port cover structure for the unmanned vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The hinges (5) are arranged in pairs. The lower edge of the mounting opening (11) between the hinges (5) is provided with a first stop (13). The upper edge of the mounting opening (11) is provided with a second stop (14). The second stop (14) is provided with a first buffer pad (15). The side panel (1) is provided with a second buffer pad (16) below the mounting opening (11).

7. The self-sealing charging port cover structure for the unmanned vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support edge (12) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (121), which are used to abut against the inner side of the reinforcing edge (21).

8. The self-sealed charging port cover structure for the unmanned vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer side of the latch (41) is on the same plane as the charging port cover (2), the groove (22) is adapted to the width of the latch (41), and the bottom of the groove (22) is provided with a latching space below the latch (41).

9. The self-sealing charging port cover structure for the unmanned vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The charging port cover (2) has a reinforcing rib (24) on its inner side. The reinforcing rib (24) is distributed in the horizontal and vertical directions and is connected to the reinforcing edge (21).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The unmanned vehicle includes a self-sealed charging port cover structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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