Oiling or charging port cover device and vehicle

By introducing a flexible switch assembly into the refueling or charging port cover device, the problem of limited pressing area in the prior art is solved, achieving greater pressing area for operational comfort and structural simplification.

CN224131153UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-17ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
Filing Date
2025-04-30
Publication Date
2026-04-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing refueling or charging port cover device requires the operator to press a specific area to trigger the opening process by pressing the outside of the cover. If the operator presses outside the area, the switch cannot be triggered, which affects the comfort of operation.

Method used

The design includes a housing, a cover, a drive component, and a switch assembly. The switch assembly has an elastic device that provides a holding force. The holding force of the elastic device keeps the cover in the closed position and triggers the drive component to open the cover when needed, thus avoiding the use of stop protrusions.

Benefits of technology

The effective pressing area of ​​the cap has been increased, improving the operator's comfort, simplifying the structure, and avoiding the complexity of the stop mechanism.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides an oiling or charging port cover device and a vehicle. The oiling or charging port cover device comprises a shell, a cover, a driving part and a switch assembly. The cover has an open position and a closed position relative to the shell; the driving part is connected with the cover and can drive the cover to move between an opening position and a closing position relative to the shell; the switch assembly comprises an elastic device, the elastic device can provide holding force for the switch assembly, the switch assembly has a holding state and a triggering state, when the driving part drives the cover to reach the closing position, the switch assembly can be kept in the holding state through the holding force provided by the elastic device, and the driving part stops driving the cover; therefore, the cover is kept in the closed position; and when the switch assembly reaches the triggering state due to the fact that the movement of the cover overcomes the retaining force, the switch assembly is triggered, and the driving part can drive the cover to move from the closed position to the open position. According to the invention, the effective pressing area of the cover can be increased, and a stop mechanism does not need to be additionally arranged.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a refueling or charging port cover device, and more particularly to an easy-to-operate refueling or charging port cover device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle's fuel filler cap or charging port cap device is used to open and close the vehicle's fuel filler cap or charging port. The cap is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body. The cap has an open position and a closed position, and the cap is movable between the open and closed positions. When refueling or charging is not needed, the cap is in the closed position; when refueling or charging is needed, the cap is in the open position.

[0003] Typically, several stop protrusions are provided on the housing that mates with the cover. During the closing process, when the cover contacts the stop protrusions, the closing movement stops, and the cover remains in the closed position. Some refueling or charging port covers include a microswitch, which can be triggered to open the cover when it is in the closed position. For example, in the closed position, pressing the outer side of the cover moves it toward the microswitch, triggering it. Without external force, the cover will not trigger the microswitch; the stop protrusions prevent accidental activation. Utility Model Content

[0004] Through long-term observation and research, the inventors of this application discovered that when an operator presses the outside of the cover to trigger the opening process, it is usually necessary to press within a small, specific area of ​​the cover. When the pressing position exceeds this specific area, the switch cannot be triggered to initiate the opening movement of the cover, affecting the operator's comfort.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, according to a first aspect of this application, this application provides a refueling or charging port cover device, comprising: a refueling or charging port cover device, characterized in that it includes: a housing, a cover, a driving component, and a switch assembly, wherein the housing has a cavity; the cover has an open position and a closed position relative to the housing, wherein in the closed position the cover covers the cavity, and in the open position the cover exposes the cavity; the driving component is connected to the cover and is capable of driving the cover to move relative to the housing between the open position and the closed position; and the switch assembly includes an elastic device capable of providing a holding force for the switch assembly, and the switch assembly has a holding state and a trigger state; wherein, when the driving component drives the cover to the closed position, the switch assembly can be held in the holding state by the holding force provided by the elastic device, and the driving component stops driving the cover, thereby holding the cover in the closed position; and, when the switch assembly reaches the trigger state due to the movement of the cover overcoming the holding force, the switch assembly is triggered, and the driving component is capable of driving the cover to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the elastic device further has a reset force that enables the switching assembly to return from the triggered state to the held state.

[0007] In some embodiments, one of the housing and the cover is connected to the switch assembly, and the other is provided with an actuation part that cooperates with the switch assembly to enable the switch assembly to achieve the holding state and the triggering state.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cover includes a pressable area, the pressable area having an area of ​​not less than 60%.

[0009] In some embodiments, the switch assembly includes a movable member, at least a portion of which is elastic to form the elastic device, and at least a portion of which is movable and can be driven to move by the actuation portion to bring the switch assembly to the holding state and the triggering state.

[0010] In some embodiments, the switch assembly includes a movable member and an elastic member, the elastic member forming the elastic device, the elastic member being connected to the movable member and providing elastic force to the movable member, the movable member being movable by the actuating part to move such that the switch assembly reaches the holding state and the triggering state.

[0011] In some embodiments, the switch assembly includes a triggered element, wherein the movable element is movable relative to the triggered element to trigger the triggered element, thereby causing the switch assembly to reach a triggered state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover is pivotally connected to the housing, and when the drive member drives the cover to move from the open position to the closed position, the drive member stops driving the cover to rotate in response to the actuation portion of the cover contacting the movable member.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the cover is subjected to a certain pressing force, the switch assembly can transition from the holding state to the triggering state.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the cover is in the open position and the switch assembly is triggered to reach the triggered state, the drive component can drive the cover to move from the open position to the closed position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cover further includes a cover body, wherein in the closed position, there is a continuous gap between the cover body and the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the switch assembly includes a support member connected to the housing or the cover and supporting the movable member, the elastic member, and the triggered member.

[0017] In some embodiments, the triggered element includes a micro switch, and the driving element drives the cover to move from the closed position to the open position in response to the triggered element being triggered by the movable element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover further includes a connecting portion, through which the cover is rotatably connected to the housing, the actuating portion or the switch assembly is connected to a first end of the cover body, and the connecting portion is connected to a second end of the cover body opposite to the first end.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cover further includes a seal disposed on one side of the cover body, the seal being resilient, and in the closed position of the cover, the seal is in contact with the housing.

[0020] According to a second aspect of this application, a refueling or charging port cover device is provided, comprising: a housing, a cover, a drive component, a switch assembly, and an actuating portion, wherein the housing has a cavity; the cover has a pivot portion and is pivotally connected to the housing via the pivot portion, the cover having an open position and a closed position relative to the housing, wherein in the closed position the cover covers the cavity, and in the open position the cover exposes the cavity; the drive component is drivably connected to the cover to drive the cover to move relative to the housing between the open position and the closed position; and the switch assembly is disposed on the housing, the actuating portion extending from one end of the cover away from the pivot portion; wherein when the drive component drives the cover to the closed position, the actuating portion abuts against the switch assembly to generate a stop signal, and the drive component stops driving the cover in response to the stop signal, thereby holding the cover in the closed position; and wherein when the cover is pressed by an external force, the actuating portion triggers the switch assembly to generate a drive signal, and the drive component drives the cover from the closed position to the open position in response to the drive signal.

[0021] According to a third aspect of this application, this application also provides a vehicle including a refueling or charging port cover device as described in the first or second aspect above.

[0022] The refueling or charging port cover device of this application includes a driving component, a cover, and a switch assembly. The switch assembly includes an elastic device that provides a holding force to the switch assembly, and the switch assembly has a holding state and a triggered state. When the driving component drives the cover to the closed position, the switch assembly is held in the holding state by the holding force provided by the elastic device, causing the driving component to stop driving the cover, thereby keeping the cover in the closed position. When the switch assembly reaches the triggered state due to the movement of the cover overcoming the holding force, the switch assembly is triggered, and the driving component can drive the cover to move from the closed position to the open position. The refueling or charging port cover device of this application uses the switch assembly as a stop mechanism to stop the driving component from driving the cover, without needing to provide a stop point on the housing to stop the driving component from driving the cover. Therefore, when it is necessary to press the cover to trigger the switch assembly to open the cover, it is beneficial to increase the effective pressing area of ​​the cover, making it easier for the operator to operate. Furthermore, the refueling or charging port cover device of this application does not require an additional stop mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the refueling or charging port cover device in this application;

[0024] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Exploded view of the refueling or charging port cover device;

[0025] Figure 2A yes Figure 1B A 3D view of the center cover;

[0026] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the middle cover from another angle;

[0027] Figure 3A yes Figure 1B A three-dimensional view of the middle shell;

[0028] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of the inner shell from another angle;

[0029] Figure 4A yes Figure 1B A 3D view of the switch assembly;

[0030] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Exploded view of the switch assembly;

[0031] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the switch assembly;

[0032] Figure 5A yes Figure 4B A three-dimensional view of the central support component;

[0033] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A three-dimensional view of the central support component from another angle;

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 4B A three-dimensional view of the movable component;

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 4B 3D view of the elastic component;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 4B A 3D view of the triggered component;

[0037] Figure 9A yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the refueling or charging port cover device in the open position;

[0038] Figure 9B Yes, yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the refueling or charging port cover device in the closed position;

[0039] Figure 9C Yes, yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the refueling or charging port cover device in the switch assembly when the switch assembly is in the triggered state.

[0040] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of the outer side of a cover design;

[0041] Figure 10B A schematic diagram of the outer side of the cover in this application.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] Charging port cover device 100; housing 101; cover 102; switch assembly 103; drive component 104; operating surface 205; cover body 211; cover body 211; connecting part 212; sealing element 213; protrusion 215; inner side 221; outer side 222; shaft 266; contact surface 268; pressable area 288; body 301; side 302; bottom 325; side wall 326; receiving space 328; working opening 331; switch opening 333; switch bracket 345; accommodating space 368; drive component mounting part 369; hole 380; movable part 401; elastic element 402; Support 403; Triggered 404; Spring channel 713; Mounting space 580; Top 509; Guide channel 516; Guide channel 517; Pressing channel 518; Step portion 520; Connecting protrusion 542; Connecting protrusion 543; Clamping feet 585, 586; Pressing portion 602; Guide portion 603; Guide portion 604; Trigger portion 605; Connecting post 606; Limiting protrusions 631, 632; Triggering surface 651; Recess 804; Main body 811; Triggered portion 812; Wiring portion 813; Stop protrusions 1001, 1002; First area 1031; Second area 1032. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Various specific embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that although directional terms such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are used in this application to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements, their use is merely for illustrative purposes and is based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this application can be arranged in different orientations, these directional terms are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0045] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the refueling or charging port cover device in this application. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the refueling or charging port cover device. (See diagram below.) Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the refueling or charging port cover device 100 includes a housing 101, a cover 102, a switch assembly 103, and a drive component 104. The cover 102 is connected to the housing 101 and is movable relative to the housing 101, thus having an open position and a closed position. The drive component 104 is connected to the cover 102 and drives the cover 102 to move. The switch assembly 103 is disposed on the housing 101 and is capable of cooperating with the cover 102. In this application, when the cover 102 is in the closed position, the operator can press the cover 102 to trigger the switch assembly, thereby opening the cover 102.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, the switch assembly 103 may be disposed on the cover and mate with a corresponding portion of the housing 101. Alternatively, part of the switch assembly may be disposed on the housing and part on the cover, with the portion of the switch assembly on the housing mates with the portion of the switch assembly on the cover. For example, Figure 4B The movable part 401 and the triggered part 404 of the switch assembly shown are respectively disposed on the housing 101 and the cover 102.

[0047] Figure 2A yes Figure 1B 3D view of the middle cover Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the middle cover from another angle. (See image below.) Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the cover 102 includes a cover body 211, a connecting portion 212, a sealing member 213, and a protrusion 215. In this embodiment, the protrusion 215 forms the actuating portion of this application for actuating the switch assembly. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the actuating portion may be formed from other shaped components capable of actuating the switch assembly, and in other embodiments, the actuating portion may be arranged in the housing or other locations as needed.

[0048] The cover body 211 includes an inner side 221 and an outer side 222 disposed opposite to each other, wherein the inner side 221 faces the housing 101 (see Figure 1A The outer side 222 forms an operating surface for the operator to press. A seal 213 is connected to the inner side 221 of the cover body 211 and is slightly smaller than the cover body 211. The seal 213 is made of an elastic material and has a certain degree of elasticity, allowing it to conform to the housing 101 (see...). Figure 1A The seal 213 is positioned at the corresponding location and forms a seal with the housing 101. Simultaneously, the seal 213 has a buffering effect, reducing noise generated by the collision between the cover body 211 and the housing during the closing process.

[0049] The cover body 211 also includes a first end 231 and a second end 232 disposed opposite to each other. A protrusion 215 and a connecting portion 212 are respectively connected to the first end 231 and the second end 232 of the cover body 211, and the connection points of the protrusion 215 and the connecting portion 212 with the cover body 211 are located on the inner side 221 of the cover body 211. The outer side 222 of the cover body 211 has a pressable area 288, which constitutes a large portion of the outer side 222 of the cover body 211. In one embodiment of this application, the area of ​​the pressable area 288 is not less than 60% of the area of ​​the outer side 222 of the cover body 211. In another embodiment of this application, the area of ​​the pressable area 288 is not less than 70% of the area of ​​the outer side 222 of the cover body 211.

[0050] The connecting portion 212 includes a first portion 251 and a second portion 252. The first portion 251 includes a curved arcuate section, one end of which is connected to the cover body 211, and the other end of which is connected to the second portion 252. The second portion 252 extends from the first portion 251 toward the cover body 211, and a shaft 266 is provided at its distal end. The cover 102 is pivotally connected to the housing via the shaft 266. The shaft 266 forms a pivot portion of the cover. The shaft 266 is fixedly connected to the cover 102 and connected to a drive member 104. The drive member 104 is capable of driving the shaft 266 to rotate, thereby causing the cover 102 to rotate. In the direction from the first end 231 to the second end 232 of the cover body 211, the shaft 266 and the first end 231 are located on opposite sides of the second end 232. A protrusion 215 extends from the inside of the cover body 211 toward a direction away from the cover body 211, and its distal end has a contact surface 268, which can cooperate with the switch assembly 103.

[0051] Although not shown in the figures, the cover may further include an inner cover and an outer cover connected together. The inner cover is located on the side of the cover facing the housing, and the outer cover is located on the side of the cover facing away from the housing. The actuating part (such as a protrusion) of this application may be located on the inner cover and near the first end of the cover body. According to some embodiments, the actuating part extends from the inner cover, that is, the actuating part and the inner cover may be integral. The actuating part may also be connected to the inner cover by means of snap-fitting, welding, bonding, etc. According to some embodiments, the outer periphery of the outer cover may extend beyond the outer periphery of the inner cover, that is, the size of the outer cover is larger than the size of the inner cover, and the outer cover covers the inner cover. The actuating part of this application may be located on the outer cover that extends beyond the outer periphery of the inner cover. According to some embodiments, the actuating part extends from the outer cover, that is, the actuating part and the outer cover may be integral. The actuating part may also be connected to the outer cover by means of snap-fitting, welding, bonding, etc.

[0052] Figure 3A yes Figure 1B A three-dimensional view of the middle shell. Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of the inner shell from another angle. (See image below.) Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the housing 101 includes a body 301 and a side 302. The body 301 is aligned with the charging port or refueling port area of ​​the vehicle. The body 301 has a cavity 365 and a cover body 211 (see...). Figure 2A The cover body 211 can cover the cavity 365. In the closed position, the cover body 211 covers the cavity 365; in the open position, the cover body exposes the cavity 365. The body 301 includes a bottom 325 and side walls 326. The side walls 326 extend from the periphery of the bottom 325 and together with the bottom 325, form a receiving space 328 for receiving the cover body 211 (see...). Figure 2A At least a portion thereof. The bottom 325 has a working opening 331 and a switch opening 333 extending through both sides of the bottom 325. The working opening 331 is used to install a charging port or a filler port, and the switch opening 333 is used to install a switch assembly 103 (see...). Figure 1B The body 301 includes a switch bracket 345 extending from the side of the body 301 facing the vehicle interior and surrounding the switch opening 333. The switch bracket 345 has a plurality of holes 380 for mating with corresponding parts of a switch assembly to mount the switch assembly. The side portion 302 connects to one side of the body 301 and includes a receiving space 368 and a drive component mounting portion 369. The receiving space 368 and the drive component mounting portion 369 are respectively used to mount the connecting portion 212 of the cover (see...). Figure 2A ) and drive component 104 (see Figure 1B Although not shown in the figure, those skilled in the art should understand that the switch assembly can also be located at any position on the housing, such as the outer periphery of the housing cavity, the stepped surface of the housing body, etc.; the switch assembly can also be located on the actuating part (such as the protrusion), more specifically installed on the contact surface near the protrusion, and kept at a certain distance from the contact surface or although in contact with the contact surface, there is no force between them, so as to prevent the operator from accidentally pressing the switch assembly when the cover is in the open position.

[0053] Figure 4A yes Figure 1B A 3D view of the switch assembly. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Exploded view of the switch assembly. Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the switch assembly. (e.g.) Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, the switch assembly 103 includes a movable member 401, an elastic member 402, a support member 403, and a triggered member 404. The movable member 401 is slidably connected to the support member 403. The elastic member 402 is disposed between the movable member 401 and the support member 403, and provides a spring force to the movable member 401, causing the movable member 401 to tend to move away from the support member 403. The triggered member 404 is disposed on the support member 403 and located to one side of the movable member 401. The movable member 401 is movable relative to the support member 403 to contact or move away from the triggered member 404. Figure 4C As shown, the movable part 401 maintains a certain distance from the triggered part 404 when it is not subjected to external force.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that in some embodiments, the movable member 401 may also be configured to contact the triggered member 404 when not subjected to external force.

[0055] In this embodiment, the elastic element 402 is elastic, thereby forming an elastic device for the switch assembly in this application, which can provide holding force and reset force for the switch assembly.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in other embodiments, the movable member may be made of an elastic material, and at least a portion of the movable member is elastic, capable of providing holding and resetting forces to the switching assembly, thereby forming the elastic device of the switching assembly in this application. At least a portion of the movable member can be driven to move by the protrusion of the cover, thereby triggering the switching assembly. When the movable member includes a portion made of an elastic material, the switching assembly includes the movable member, and no additional elastic member is required.

[0057] Figure 5A yes Figure 4B A three-dimensional view of the central support component. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A three-dimensional view of the central support component from another angle. (See image below.) Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the support member 403 includes a top 509, a first sidewall 511, a second sidewall 512, and a third sidewall 513. The first sidewall 511, second sidewall 512, and third sidewall 513 extend from the three edges of the top 509 and connect with each other, thereby forming a two-sided open mounting space 580 with the top 509 to facilitate the installation of the triggered member 404 (see [reference]). Figure 4B The top 509 includes a pressing channel 518 and guide channels 516 and 517. Guide channels 516 and 517 are respectively provided on both sides of the pressing channel 518. The pressing channel 518 has a stepped portion 520 for mounting an elastic element. The first sidewall 511 and the second sidewall 512 are respectively provided with connecting protrusions 543 and 542 for connecting with the hole 380 on the switch bracket 345 of the housing (see...). Figure 3B The second sidewall 512 is provided with a pair of locking feet 585 and 586 for clamping the triggered member 404 (see [reference]). Figure 4B ).

[0058] Figure 6 yes Figure 4B A three-dimensional view of the movable component. (e.g.) Figure 6 As shown, the movable member 401 includes a pressing part 602, guide parts 603 and 604, a trigger part 605, and a connecting post 606. The pressing part 602 is generally flat and has a first side 621 and a second side 622 disposed opposite to each other. The first side 621 is arranged towards the cover, and the guide parts 603 and 604 and the connecting post 606 are connected to the second side 622. The guide parts 603 and 604 are located on both sides of the connecting post 606. The distal ends of the guide parts 603 and 604 have outwardly protruding limiting protrusions 631 and 632, respectively. The trigger part 605 is connected to the distal end of the connecting post 606. The end face of the trigger part 605 forms a trigger surface 651.

[0059] Figure 7 yes Figure 4B A three-dimensional view of the elastic component. (e.g.) Figure 7 As shown, the elastic element 402 is a spring, having a first end 711 and a second end 712. The elastic element 402 is formed by a spiral extension of a metal wire, with a spring channel 713 formed in the middle.

[0060] In another embodiment of this application, the elastic element may be other elastic devices, such as torsion springs, sheet springs, or parts made of deformable elastic materials.

[0061] Figure 8 yes Figure 4B A perspective view of the triggered element. In one embodiment of this application, the triggered element 404 is a micro switch, including a main body 811, a triggered part 812, and a wiring part 813. The main body 811 has a recess 804 for engaging with the locking pin of a support member. The triggered part 812 is connected to one side of the main body 811 and can contact a movable member to be triggered. The wiring part 813 is connected to the main body 811 for connecting the triggered element 404 to the vehicle's control system.

[0062] Combination Figures 4A to 8As shown, the movable member 401 is at least partially installed in the support member 403, wherein the connecting post 606 of the movable member 401 is located in the pressing channel 518 of the support member 403, and the guide portions 603 and 604 of the movable member 401 are located in the guide channels 516 and 517 of the support member 403, respectively. The movable member 401 is movable along the extending direction of the guide channels 516 and 517. An elastic member 402 is disposed between the pressing portion 602 of the movable member 401 and the step portion 520 of the support member 403, with the first end 711 and the second end 712 of the elastic member abutting against the pressing portion 602 and the step portion 520, respectively. The connecting post 606 of the movable member 401 passes through the spring channel 713. The elastic member 402 is in a compressed state, thereby applying a spring force to the movable member 401, so that the movable member 401 is held in a position away from the step portion 520. The limiting protrusions 631 of guide portion 603 and 632 of guide portion 604 are located on one side of guide channels 516 and 517, and can abut against the edges of guide channels 516 and 517 respectively, to limit the distance the movable member 401 can move away from the step portion 520. The triggered member 404 is connected to the locking feet 585 and 586 of support member 403 and is located on one side of movable member 401. The triggered portion 812 of triggered member 404 is aligned with the triggering surface 651 of movable member 401, and in the absence of external force, elastic member 402 holds the triggering surface 651 away from the triggered portion 812.

[0063] In one embodiment of this application, the switch assembly does not include a support member, and the housing is provided with a corresponding mounting structure, so that the movable member, the elastic member and the triggered member can be directly mounted to the housing.

[0064] Figure 9A yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the refueling or charging port cover device in the open position. Figure 9B yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the refueling or charging port cover device in the closed position. Figure 9C Yes, yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the refueling or charging port cover device when the switch assembly is in the triggered state.

[0065] like Figures 9A-9C As shown, the cover 102 of the refueling or charging port cover device in this application can move between an open position and a closed position relative to the housing 101 under the drive of the driving component, and can move from the closed position toward the housing to achieve a trigger state of the switch assembly when subjected to an external force. The movable member 401 has a first position and a second position. In the first position of the movable member 401, the switch assembly is in a held state, and in the second position of the movable member 401, the switch assembly is in a triggered state.

[0066] In one embodiment of this application, the movable member 401 has an initial position, a first position, and a second position. When the movable member is in the initial position, it is not subjected to external force. At this time, the driving component 104 drives the cover 102 to rotate until the protrusion 215 of the cover 102 contacts the pressing portion of the movable member 401 without generating an interaction force. Then, the driving component 104 continues to drive the cover 102 towards the closed position until the movable member 401 reaches the first position. In the first position, the driving component 104 stops driving the cover 102, and the cover 102 reaches the closed position, with the switch assembly in a holding state. When the movable member 401 moves from the initial position to the first position, the movable member 401 may or may not move.

[0067] In one embodiment of this application, when the movable member 401 is in the first position, the pressing part 602 is flush with or slightly higher than the mounting surface of the housing 101.

[0068] exist Figure 9B The cover is shown in the closed position, with the movable part 401 in the first position and the switch assembly in the holding state. Figure 9C When the switch assembly shown is in the triggered state, the movable member 401 is in the second position. In one embodiment of this application, the movable member 401 has a gap with the triggered member 404 in the first position and is in contact with the triggered member 404 in the second position.

[0069] Combination Figure 1A-9C As shown, the drive component 104 is connected to the shaft 266 of the cover 102. The drive component 104 drives the shaft 266 to rotate, thereby causing the cover 102 to rotate relative to the housing 101 along the shaft 266. In one embodiment of this application, the drive component 104 stops driving the cover 102 to move when it encounters a certain resistance, thus holding the cover 102 in an open or closed position. When the cover 102 is in such a position... Figure 9A When the cover 102 is in the open position as shown, the working opening 331 is exposed, allowing the operator to perform charging or refueling operations. Figure 9B When in the closed position as shown, cover 102 covers the working opening 331.

[0070] When the cover 102 moves from the open position to the closed position under the drive of the drive member 104, the cover 102 rotates toward the housing 101 until the protrusion 215 of the cover 102 contacts the pressing part 602 of the movable member 401, and the cover reaches the closed position. When the protrusion 215 abuts against the pressing part 602 of the movable member 401, a stop signal is generated. After receiving the stop signal, the control system sends a command to the drive member 104, and the drive member 104 stops further driving the cover 102 to rotate in response to the stop signal, holding the cover 102 in the closed position.

[0071] When the protrusion 215 contacts the pressing part 602, if the driving member 104 continues to drive the cover 102 to rotate, the cover 102 will experience resistance from the pressing part 602. The elastic member 402 provides a holding force to the movable member 401, so that the movable member 401 remains in the first position and cannot move toward the triggered member 404, thereby the elastic member 402 provides resistance to the cover 102 through the movable member 401 to prevent further movement of the cover 102. At this time, the switch assembly is in a holding state. In one embodiment of this application, the driving member 104 is configured to stop driving the cover 102 to rotate when the resistance experienced by the cover 102 reaches F1, and to hold the cover 102 in the closed position. In one embodiment of this application, the value of F1 is set to be less than the elastic force F2 provided by the elastic member 402 to the pressing part 602, and the driving member 104 is configured not to drive the cover 102 to rotate against the elastic force of the elastic member 402. After the cover 102 reaches the closed position, the driving member 104 no longer drives the cover to move in the closing direction. Therefore, the switch assembly can serve as a stop mechanism during the closing process of the cover 102, thereby terminating the movement of the cover in the closing direction.

[0072] In one embodiment of this application, the drive component 104 is a rotary actuator that includes a motor with a stall function, thereby generating a stop signal when subjected to a certain resistance to instruct the drive component to stop driving the cover to continue moving.

[0073] In another embodiment of this application, the refueling or charging port cover device is equipped with a sensor that can send a stop signal when the cover reaches the closed position to instruct the drive component to stop driving the cover to continue moving.

[0074] In one embodiment of this application, when the cover 102 is in the closed position, the movable member 401 is in a first position, and the trigger surface 651 of the movable member 401 maintains a certain distance from the triggered portion 812 of the triggered member 404, so the triggered member 404 cannot be triggered. The distance between the trigger surface 651 and the triggered portion 812 can be set as needed to prevent accidental triggering.

[0075] In another embodiment of this application, when the cover 102 is in the closed position, the movable member 401 is in a first position, and the trigger surface 651 is in contact with the triggered part 812, that is, the distance between the trigger surface 651 and the triggered part 812 is 0. However, the triggered member 404 cannot be triggered at this time. When the movable member 401 applies a certain pressure toward the triggered member 404, the triggered member 404 is triggered.

[0076] In the closed position of the cover 102, there is a continuously extending gap between the cover body 211 and the housing 101. That is, the cover body 211 does not directly contact the housing 101. The sealing element 213 is disposed between the cover body 211 and the housing 101, and contacts both the cover body 211 and the housing 101 respectively. It fills the gap between the cover body 211 and the housing 101, thereby supporting the cover body 211 and preventing it from shaking relative to the housing 101. The sealing element 213 has a certain elasticity and can be compressed. When an external force is applied to the cover 102, the sealing element 213 can deform, allowing the cover body 211 to move towards the housing 101.

[0077] In the closed position of cover 102 (e.g.) Figure 9B As shown, when the operator needs to open the cover, it can be done by pressing the cover 102. The operator applies pressure to the pressable area on the outside of the cover 102, and the cover body 211 moves toward the housing 101. When the force of the protrusion 215 of the cover 102 acting on the pressing part 602 can overcome the elastic force provided by the elastic member 402, the protrusion 215 pushes the movable member 401 toward the triggered member 404, so that the trigger surface 651 of the movable member 401 and the triggered part 812 of the triggered member 404 come into contact, and the movable member 401 reaches the second position, thereby triggering the triggered member 404 to generate a first drive signal. At this time, the switch assembly is in the triggered state. After the triggered member 404 is triggered, the control system receives the first drive signal and controls the drive component 104 to drive the cover 102 to move toward the open position. When the operator removes the applied external force, the elastic member 402 provides a reset force to the movable member 401 to push the movable member 401 back to the first position.

[0078] In this application, when an operator presses the cover to open it, the movable component moves simultaneously with the cover until the triggered component is activated. When the operator presses the cover, they can choose any point within the pressable area to press, which will push the cover to move and trigger the mechanism.

[0079] In one embodiment of this application, when the cover is in the open position, if the triggered element 404 of the switch assembly is triggered, a second drive signal will be generated. Then, the control system, upon receiving the second drive signal, will control the drive component 104 to drive the cover 102 from the open position to the closed position.

[0080] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram of the outer side of a cover design. Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram of the outer side of the cover in this application. (See diagram below.) Figure 10AAs shown, in one design, the housing has fixed stop protrusions 1001 and 1002. When the cover 1000 contacts the stop protrusions 1001 and 1002 on the housing, the cover 1000 reaches the closed position. The stop protrusions 1001 and 1002 are made of the same rigid material as the housing or cover. The stop protrusions 1001 and 1002 divide the cover body into a first region 1031 and a second region 1032. When the operator presses the cover body, the stop protrusions 1001 and 1002 cannot move with the cover. If the operator's pressing position is located in the second region 1032 of the stop protrusions 1001 and 1002, away from the switch assembly 1005, the stop protrusions 1001 and 1002 of the cover body prevent the first region 1031 of the cover body from moving towards the housing, thus preventing the operator's pressing action from triggering the switch assembly; if the operator's pressing position is located in the first region 1031 of the stop protrusions 1001 and 1002, close to the switch assembly 1005, the movement of the first region 1031 towards the housing can trigger the switch assembly. Therefore, Figure 10A In the embodiment, the effective pressing area of ​​the lid is small, which affects the operator's operating comfort.

[0081] like Figure 10B As shown, in this application, the stop protrusion is no longer provided on the housing or cover body, but the structure with the stop function is provided on the switch assembly 103. There is a continuous gap between the housing and the cover body. When the operator presses most of the area 1025 of the cover body, the cover body can move towards the housing, thereby triggering the switch assembly. Most of the area of ​​the cover body is a pressable area.

[0082] Although this application has been described with reference to examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosures herein may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or can solve other technical problems. Thus, the examples of embodiments of this application as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents.

Claims

1. A filler or charging port door device, characterized in that include: A housing having a cavity; A cover having an open position and a closed position relative to the housing, wherein in the closed position the cover covers the cavity, and in the open position the cover exposes the cavity; A drive component, connected to the cover, capable of driving the cover to move relative to the housing between the open and closed positions; and A switching assembly includes a resilient device capable of providing a holding force to the switching assembly, and the switching assembly has a holding state and a triggered state; wherein... When the drive component drives the cover to the closed position, the switch assembly can be held in the held state by the holding force provided by the elastic device, and the drive component stops driving the cover, thereby keeping the cover in the closed position; and, When the switch assembly reaches the triggered state due to the movement of the cover overcoming the holding force, the switch assembly is triggered, and the drive component can drive the cover to move from the closed position to the open position.

2. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic device also has a reset force that enables the switching assembly to return from the triggered state to the held state.

3. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: One of the housing and the cover is connected to the switch assembly, and the other is provided with an actuation part, which cooperates with the switch assembly to enable the switch assembly to achieve the holding state and the triggering state.

4. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cover includes a pressable area, the area of ​​which is not less than 60%.

5. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The switch assembly includes a movable member, at least a portion of which is elastic to form the elastic device, and at least a portion of which is movable and can be driven to move by the actuating part to bring the switch assembly to the holding state and the triggering state.

6. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The switch assembly includes a movable member and an elastic member, the elastic member forming the elastic device, the elastic member being connected to the movable member and providing elastic force to the movable member, the movable member being able to be driven by the actuating part to move, so that the switch assembly reaches the holding state and the triggering state.

7. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The switch assembly includes a triggered element, wherein the movable element is movable relative to the triggered element to trigger the triggered element, thereby causing the switch assembly to reach a triggered state.

8. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The cover is pivotally connected to the housing, and when the drive member drives the cover to move from the open position to the closed position, the drive member stops driving the cover to rotate in response to the actuation part of the cover contacting the movable member.

9. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the cover is subjected to a certain pressing force, the switch assembly can change from the holding state to the triggering state.

10. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the cover is in the open position and the switch assembly is triggered to reach the triggered state, the drive component can drive the cover to move from the open position to the closed position.

11. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The switch assembly includes a support member connected to the housing or the cover, which supports the movable member, the elastic member, and the triggered member.

12. The refueling or charging port cover device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The triggered element includes a micro switch, and the driving component drives the cover to move from the closed position to the open position in response to the triggered element being triggered by the movable element.

13. A filler or charging port door device, characterized in that include: A housing having a cavity; A cover having a pivot portion and pivotally connected to the housing via the pivot portion, the cover having an open position and a closed position relative to the housing, wherein in the closed position the cover covers the cavity, and in the open position the cover exposes the cavity; A drive component, which is drivably connected to the cover to drive the cover to move relative to the housing between the open position and the closed position; and A switch assembly and an actuator, the switch assembly being disposed on the housing, and the actuator extending from one end of the cover away from the pivot portion; Specifically, when the driving component drives the cover to the closed position, the actuating part abuts against the switch assembly to generate a stop signal, and the driving component stops driving the cover in response to the stop signal, thereby keeping the cover in the closed position; and... When the cover is pressed by an external force, the actuating part triggers the switch assembly to generate a drive signal, and the driving component responds to the drive signal to drive the cover to move from the closed position to the open position.

14. A vehicle characterized by include: The refueling or charging port cover device as described in any one of claims 1-13.