HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE CHARGING PORT FLAP

Abstract

A vehicle charge port door assembly includes a door support structure and a hinge structure including a primary hinge rotatable about a first axis. The door support structure includes a first mounting structure, while the hinge structure includes a second mounting structure. The first mounting structure and the second mounting structure form a secondary hinge assembly in which the first mounting structure is selectively rotatable relative to the second mounting structure about a second axis extending in a different direction than the first axis.

Description

INITIATIONThe present disclosure relates to vehicles, and more particularly, to a charging port door for an electric vehicle.SUMMARYAccording to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle charge port door assembly includes a door support structure and a hinge structure including a main hinge rotatable about a first axis. The flap support structure includes a first attachment structure. The hinge structure includes a second attachment structure. The first attachment structure and the second attachment structure form a minor hinge assembly in which the first attachment structure is selectively rotatable relative to the second attachment structure about a second axis extending in a direction different than the first axis.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the minor hinge assembly includes a first position in which the flap support structure is deployed and a second position in which the flap support structure is deployed. The first attachment structure is selectively rotatable about the second axis from the first position to the second position relative to the second attachment structure.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first attachment structure is configured to be raised away from the second attachment structure to rotate the first attachment structure relative to the second attachment structure between the first position and the second position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first attachment structure includes a first protrusion and the second attachment structure includes a first recess and a second recess. The first protrusion is inserted into the first recess in the first position, while the first protrusion is inserted into the second recess in the second position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second attachment structure includes a stop protrusion adjacent the first recess configured to prevent the first protrusion of the first attachment structure from moving from the first position in a direction toward the stop protrusion.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the minor hinge assembly includes an elastic structure that biases the first attachment structure toward the second attachment structure when the first attachment structure is raised away from the second attachment structure.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first attachment structure includes an outer body defining a cylindrical space therein and a sidewall having an opening formed therein. The second attachment structure includes an inner cylindrical body that passes through the opening and extends at least partially into the cylindrical space.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the resilient structure is disposed within the cylindrical space around the inner cylindrical body.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first attachment structure includes a second protrusion. The second attachment structure includes a third recess and a fourth recess, wherein the second protrusion is inserted into the third recess in the first position, while the second protrusion is inserted into the fourth recess in the second position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the stop protrusion is adjacent the fourth recess and is configured to prevent the second protrusion of the first attachment structure from moving from the second position in a direction toward the stop protrusion.According to another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes a side mirror and a vehicle tailgate assembly that includes a tailgate cover, a tailgate support structure, and a hinge structure that includes a main hinge that is rotatable about a first axis. The flap support structure includes a first attachment structure, while the hinge structure includes a second attachment structure. The first attachment structure and the second attachment structure form a minor hinge assembly in which the first attachment structure is selectively rotatable relative to the second attachment structure about a second axis extending in a direction different than the first axis.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the minor hinge assembly includes a first position in which the door support structure is deployed and a second position in which the door support structure is deployed, wherein the first attachment structure is selectively rotatable relative to the second attachment structure about the second axis from the first position to the second position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, in the first position, the charge port cover extends further outward from the vehicle than the side mirror, while in the second position, the charge port cover extends outward from the vehicle a distance corresponding to or less than the side mirror.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first attachment structure is configured to be raised away from the second attachment structure to rotate the first attachment structure relative to the second attachment structure between the first position and the second position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first attachment structure includes a first protrusion, the second attachment structure includes a first recess and a second recess, and the first protrusion is inserted into the first recess in the first position, and the first protrusion is inserted into the second recess in the second position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second attachment structure includes a stop protrusion adjacent the first recess configured to prevent the first protrusion of the first attachment structure from moving from the first position in a direction toward the stop protrusion.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first attachment structure includes a second protrusion, the second attachment structure includes a third recess and a fourth recess, and the second protrusion inserts into the third recess in the first position, and the second protrusion inserts into the fourth recess in the second position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the stop protrusion is adjacent the fourth recess and is configured to prevent the second protrusion of the first attachment structure from moving from the second position in a direction toward the stop protrusion.According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle includes a side mirror and a vehicle dock door assembly that includes a dock door cover, a door support structure, and a hinge structure that includes a main hinge that is rotatable about a first axis. The flap support structure includes a first attachment structure. The hinge structure includes a second attachment structure. The first attachment structure and the second attachment structure form a minor hinge assembly in which the first attachment structure is selectively rotatable relative to the second attachment structure about a second axis extending perpendicular to the first axis. The secondary hinge arrangement has a first position in which the flap support structure is unfolded and a second position in which the flap support structure is folded. The first attachment structure is selectively rotatable about the second axis from the first position to the second position relative to the second attachment structure. In the first position, the charging port cover extends further outward from the vehicle than the side mirror. In the second position, the charging port cover extends outward from the vehicle by a distance corresponding to or less than the side mirror. The first attachment structure includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The second attachment structure includes a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, a fourth recess, and a stopping protrusion adjacent to the first recess and the fourth recess. In the first position, the first protrusion plugs into the first recess and the second protrusion plugs into the third recess. In the second position, the first protrusion is inserted into the second recess and the second protrusion is inserted into the fourth recess. The stopper protrusion is configured to prevent the first protrusion of the first fixing structure from moving from the first position in a direction toward the stopper protrusion and to prevent the second protrusion of the first fixing structure from moving from the second position in a direction toward the stopper protrusion. The first attachment structure includes an outer body defining a cylindrical space therein and a side wall having an opening formed therein. The second attachment structure includes an inner cylindrical body that passes through the opening and extends at least partially into the cylindrical space. The minor hinge assembly includes within the cylindrical space an elastic structure around the inner cylindrical body that biases the first mounting structure toward the second mounting structure when the first mounting structure is raised away from the second mounting structure.The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the disclosure will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSOther features, advantages and details appear in the following detailed description, by way of example only, the detailed description referring to the drawings, in which:FIG. 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including a battery pack assembly having a battery pack drain assembly according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 2 is a front view of a side mirror and charging port door assembly in a first position according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a side mirror and charging port door assembly in a first position according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 4 is a front view of a side mirror and charging port door assembly in a second position according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a side mirror and charging port door assembly in a second position according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 6 is a front view of a charging port door assembly without a charging port door cover according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 7 is a rear view of a charging port door assembly without a charging port door cover according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 8 is a top view of a charging port door assembly without a charging port door cover according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a charging port door assembly without a charging port door cover according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 10 is a top view of a minor hinge assembly according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 11 shows a top view of the secondary hinge arrangement according to FIG. 10 without a fastening element; FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of an internal mounting structure according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 13 is a top view of the minor hinge assembly of FIG. 11 without an elastic structure; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 14- 14 of the minor hinge assembly of FIG. 13 ; FIG. 15 is a top view of an internal mounting structure according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16- 16 of the internal mounting structure of FIG. 15 ; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of the inner mounting structure of FIG. 15; FIG. 18 is a top view of an outer attachment structure according to a non-limiting example; FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19--19 of the outer mounting structure of FIG. 18; FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of the outer mounting structure of FIG. 18; FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken at 21-21 in FIG. 10 of the minor hinge assembly in the first position; FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the minor hinge assembly of FIG. 21 with the outer mounting structure raised relative to the inner mounting structure; FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a first position of the sub hinge assembly; and FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a second position of the sub hinge assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or use. It should be appreciated that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.A vehicle 10 according to a non-limiting example is shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. One or more of the plurality of wheels 16 are steerable. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20.The vehicle 10 includes an electric motor 34 connected to a transmission (not shown) that provides power to one or more of the plurality of wheels 16. A rechargeable energy storage system 38 is disposed in the body 12 and provides power to the electric motor 34. The side mirrors 50 extend from the lateral sides of the vehicle 10. In FIG. 1, the charging port door assembly 100 is shown in a closed position. While specific locations for the electric motor 34, the rechargeable energy storage system 38, the side mirrors 50, and the charge port flap assembly 100 are shown in FIG. 1, these locations are merely exemplary and not limiting, where the locations of these structures may vary.A non-limiting example of a side mirror 50 and charging port door assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments is shown in FIGS. 2-5. Specifically, FIGS. 2-3 show front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the open charge port assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments in a first position, while FIGS. 4-5 show front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the open charge port assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments in a second position. According to one or more embodiments, the first position may be a normal open position, while the second position may be an unfolded position.As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a charging port 40 is formed within a charging port frame 45 formed in the body 12 and configured to receive a charging station connector to charge the rechargeable energy storage system 38. The charging port door assembly 100 is configured to be opened to provide access to the charging port 40. The charging port assembly 100 may include a charging port cover 110 disposed on a charging port support structure 200, and a charging port hinge pin 300 whose first end is selectively rotatably attached to the charging port support structure 200 and whose second end is rotatably attached to a charging port frame 45. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port door support structure 200 is an example of a door support structure, while the charging port door hinge pin 300 is an example of a hinge structure. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, in the first position, the charge port hinge pin 300 is rotated outwardly about the charge port frame 45 while the charge port support structure 200 is not rotated relative to the charge port hinge pin 300. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, in the second position, the charging port hinge pin 300 remains rotated outward about the charging port frame 45 while the charging port support structure 200 is rotated relative to the charging port hinge pin 300.As shown in FIG. 2, when the charging port door assembly 100 is in the first position, the charging port door cover 110 may extend laterally further than the side mirror 50. That is, when the charging port door assembly 100 is opened to provide access to the charging port 40, the charging port door cover 110 may increase the lateral profile of the vehicle 10. Thus, depending on the size of the parking spaces of the charging station, when the vehicle 10 is parked at the charging station, the increased lateral profile of the vehicle 10 may make it difficult or impossible for another vehicle to park in an adjacent space. Additionally, the increased lateral profile of the vehicle 10 may result in the charging port cover 110 being struck by another vehicle.However, as shown in FIG. 4, when the charging port door assembly 100 is in the second position, the charging port cover 110 may extend less laterally than in the first position. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port door cover 110 may extend to a lateral position corresponding to the side mirror 50. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port cover 110 may extend laterally less than the side mirror 50. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port cover 110 may extend laterally slightly more than the side mirror 50.FIGS. 6-9 show a front view, a rear view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the charging port door assembly 100 without the charging port door cover 110, according to one or more embodiments. The directions referred to in FIGS. 6-9 are the directions with respect to the charging port door assembly 100. The charging port assembly 100 may include a charging port support structure 200 and a charging port hinge pin 300.According to one or more embodiments, the charging port support structure 200 may include a main body 210 having a plurality of fixing structures 211 configured to fix the main body 210 to a charging port cover 110. While FIG. 7 shows six mounting structures 211, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may include more or less than six mounting structures 211. The charging port door support structure 200 may further include a first abutment plate 201 abutting a second abutment plate 301 of the charging port door hinge pin 300. The charging port support structure 200 may further include an outer attachment structure 250 configured to be selectively rotatably attached to an inner attachment structure 350 of the charging port hinge pin 300 about a second axis Ax 2. According to one or more embodiments, the outer attachment structure 250 may be an example of a first attachment structure and the inner attachment structure 350 may be an example of a second attachment structure. The outer attachment structure 250 may include an outer body 251. A fastening member 401, which will be described below, is disposed inside the outer body 251.According to one or more embodiments, the cargo door hinge pin 300 may include a second abutment plate 301, a pin main body 303, an angle 305, and a main hinge 307. The second abutment plate 301 abuts against the first abutment plate 201. The pin main body 303 extends from the second abutment plate 301 to the angle 305. The bracket 305 may be a U-shaped portion extending from the pin main body 303 to the main hinge 307. The main hinge 307 is a cylindrical structure defining a first axis Ax 1 therethrough. The main hinge 307 is structured to receive a corresponding shaft (not shown) disposed on the charging lead frame 45 such that the main hinge 307 is rotatable relative to the charging lead frame 45 about the first axis Ax 1 from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 to the first position shown in FIGS. 2-3. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port hinge pin 300 nmay further include an inner attachment structure 350 disposed within the outer attachment structure 250 of the charging port support structure 200. The outer attachment structure 250, the inner attachment structure 350, the attachment member 401 (see FIG. 11 ), and an elastic structure 403 may collectively be referred to as a minor hinge assembly 150.According to one or more embodiments, the first axis Ax 1 and the second axis Ax 2 extend in different directions. According to one or more embodiments, the first axis Ax 1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the second axis Ax 2.The directions referred to below in FIGS. 10-24 are given for ease of explanation with respect to the minor hinge assembly 150 with the outer mounting structure 250 over the inner mounting structure 350. However, it is appreciated that, as shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 7, the outer mounting structure 250 and the inner mounting structure 350 are adjacent to each other in a mainly lateral direction of the vehicle 10.FIG. 10 shows a top view of a minor hinge assembly 150 according to one or more embodiments. The minor hinge assembly 150 may include the outer attachment structure 250 with an outer body 251 surrounding an attachment member 401. FIG. 11 shows the secondary hinge arrangement 150 according to FIG. 10 without the fastening element 401. As shown in FIG. 11, below the fastening element 401, there is a first cylindrical space 253 into which an inner cylindrical body 351 of the inner fastening structure 350 extends from below. The inner cylindrical body 351 surrounds an interior 352 that receives the fastener 401. An elastic structure 403 is disposed in the first cylindrical space 253 on an outer surface of the inner cylindrical body 351. According to one or more embodiments, the elastic structure 403 may be a compression spring. According to one or more embodiments, the elastic structure 403 may be another structure known in the art configured to cause an upward force when the fastener 401 is pressed downward onto the elastic structure 403.FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the inner attachment structure 350, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 15 shows a top view of the inner attachment structure 350, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the inner mounting structure 350 taken on line 16- 16 in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the inner mounting structure 350 taken on line 17- 17 in FIG. 15.According to an embodiment, the inner attachment structure 350 includes an inner cylindrical body 351 defining an interior 352 therein. The second axis Ax 2 is defined by a center of the inner cylindrical body 351. A stopper protrusion 361, a first wall segment 365, a short protrusion 367, and a second wall segment 366 are arranged around the inner cylindrical body 351, each being shorter than the inner cylindrical body 351. A first recess 371 is formed between the stopper projection 361 and the first wall segment 365, a second recess 373 is formed between the first wall segment 365 and the short projection 367, a third recess 375 is formed between the short projection 367 and the second wall segment 366, and a fourth recess 377 is formed between the second wall segment 366 and the stopper projection 361. According to one or more embodiments, the stop protrusion 361, the first recess 371, the first wall segment 365, the second recess 373, the short protrusion 367, the third recess 375, the second wall segment 366, and the fourth recess 377 are substantially equidistant from the second axis Ax 2. An annular channel 353 may be defined between the inner cylindrical body 351 and the stopper protrusion 361, the first wall segment 365, the short protrusion 367, and the second wall segment 366.According to one or more embodiments, the stop protrusion 361 is larger than the short protrusion 367, and may include a first stop surface 362 and a second stop surface 363 facing in opposite directions. According to one or more embodiments, the short protrusion 367 may be larger than the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366. According to one or more embodiments, the short protrusion 367 may have a height corresponding to that of the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366.According to one or more embodiments, the stopper protrusion 361 and the short protrusion 367 may be formed diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the second axis Ax 2. According to one or more embodiments, the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366 may be formed diametrically opposite each other with respect to the second axis Ax 2. According to one or more embodiments, the first recess 371 and the third recess 375 may be formed diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the second axis Ax 2. According to one or more embodiments, the second recess 373 and the fourth recess 377 may be formed diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the second axis Ax 2.FIG. 13 shows the minor hinge assembly 150 of FIG. 10 without the fastener 401 and the resilient structure 403, while FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the minor hinge assembly 150 taken at 14-14 in FIG. 13. The inner cylindrical body 351 extends upwardly through an opening 256 formed in a side wall 255 of the outer mounting structure 250 and into the first cylindrical space 253 defined within the outer body 251.FIG. 18 shows a bottom view of the outer attachment structure 250 according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer mounting structure 250 taken on line 19- 19 in FIG. 18, while FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer mounting structure 250 taken on line 20- 20 in FIG. 18.According to one or more embodiments, the outer attachment structure 250 includes an outer body 251 defining a first cylindrical space 253, a side wall 255 having an opening 256 formed therein below the first cylindrical space 253, and a second cylindrical space 257 disposed below the side wall 255. The second axis Ax 2 extends through a center of each of the first cylindrical space 253, the opening 256, and the second cylindrical space 257. The opening 256 connects the first cylindrical space 253 and the second cylindrical space 257. The first cylindrical space 253 is open at its upper end. According to one or more embodiments, a first protrusion 265 and a second protrusion 267 may extend downward from a bottom of the sidewall 255, wherein a first recess 261 may be disposed adjacent to the first protrusion 265 and a second recess 263 may be disposed adjacent to the second protrusion 267. According to one or more embodiments, the first protrusion 265 and the second protrusion 267 may be round guide protrusions. According to one or more embodiments, the first protrusion 265 and the second protrusion 267 may be disposed diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the second axis Ax 2. According to one or more embodiments, the first recess 261 and the second recess 263 are shaped to correspond to the stop protrusion 361 and the short protrusion 367 of the inner attachment structure 350. According to one or more embodiments, the first recess 261, the second recess 263, the first protrusion 265, and the second protrusion 267 may be substantially equidistant from the second axis Ax 2.According to one or more embodiments, the first recess 261, the second recess 263, the first protrusion 265, the second protrusion 267, the stopper protrusion 361, the first recess 371, the first wall segment 365, the second recess 373, the short protrusion 367, the third recess 375, the second wall segment 366, and the fourth recess 377 may be substantially equidistant from the second axis Ax 2.FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view taken at 21- 21 in FIG. 10 of the minor hinge assembly 150 in the first position. According to one or more embodiments, a lower portion of the fastener 401 is inserted into the interior 352 of the inner cylindrical body 351. According to one or more embodiments, the fastener 401 may be a threaded bolt that engages an inner threaded surface of the inner cylindrical body 351 to be secured to the inner cylindrical body 351. The resilient structure 403 may extend between a bottom of the upper portion of the fastener 401 and a top of the sidewall 255. In the first position of the sub hinge assembly 150, the first protrusion 265 is inserted into the first recess 371, the second protrusion 267 is inserted into the third recess 375, and the stopper protrusion 361 is inserted into the first recess 261. According to one or more embodiments, the short protrusion 367 may be inserted into the second recess 263. According to one or more embodiments, the short protrusion 367 may slide over the second recess 263 without being inserted therein.FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the minor hinge assembly 150 shown in FIG. 21, with the outer mounting structure 250 raised relative to the inner mounting structure 350. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a first position of the sub-hinge assembly 150 at which the stopper protrusion 361 is inserted into the first recess 261, while FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a second position of the sub-hinge assembly 150 at which the stopper protrusion 361 is inserted into the second recess 263.Specifically, FIG. 22 shows the outer mounting structure 250 raised a distance D relative to the inner mounting structure 350. According to one or more embodiments, the distance D may correspond to or be greater than a height of the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366 (see FIGS. 14-17 ), but may be less than a height of the stop protrusion 361. As a result, a lower end of the first protrusion 265 and the second protrusion 267, respectively, exposes the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366, such that the outer mounting structure 250 can be rotated counterclockwise with respect to the inner mounting structure 350. Since the distance D is less than a height of the stop protrusion 361, the first protrusion 265 cannot clear the stop protrusion 361, so that the outer mounting structure 250 can only be rotated counterclockwise from the first position with respect to the inner mounting structure 350. Similarly, in the second position, the second protrusion 267 may not clear the stop protrusion 361, such that the outer mounting structure 250 may be rotated from the second position only clockwise with respect to the inner mounting structure 350. That is, in the first position, the first protrusion 265 abuts the first stop surface 362 (see FIG. 12 ) of the stop protrusion 361 to prevent further clockwise rotation, while in the second position, the second protrusion 267 abuts the second stop surface 363 (see FIG. 12 ) of the stop protrusion 361 to prevent further counterclockwise rotation.According to one or more embodiments, the resilient structure 403 has a radius that is greater than the opening 256 formed in the side wall 255 such that when the outer mounting structure 250 is raised relative to the inner mounting structure 350, an upper surface of the side wall 255 abuts a lower surface of the resilient structure 403, compressing the resilient structure 403 against a lower surface of an upper portion of the mounting member 401. The compression of the elastic structure 403 causes a downward force on the outer fixing structure 250 to return the first protrusion 265 and the second protrusion 267 into the first recess 371 and the third recess 375, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, or after rotating the outer fixing structure 250 relative to the inner fixing structure 350, to plug the first protrusion 265 and the second protrusion 267 into the second recess 373 and the fourth recess 377. During rotation between the first and second positions, the first protrusion 265 slides over the first wall segment 365, while the second protrusion 267 slides over the second wall segment 366.The terms "a" and "an" do not denote a quantity limitation, but denote the presence of at least one of the designated elements. The term "or" means "and / or" unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. Reference throughout the specification to "one aspect" means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be appreciated that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.When an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being present "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being present "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.Unless specified to the contrary herein, all testing standards are the most recent standard in effect since the date of filing this application or, if a priority is claimed, the date of filing the earliest priority application in which the testing standard appears.Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but include all embodiments falling within the scope thereof.

Claims

A vehicle charging port door assembly, comprising: a door support structure; and a hinge structure comprising a main hinge rotatable about a first axis, wherein the door support structure comprises a first attachment structure, wherein the hinge structure comprises a second attachment structure, and wherein the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure form a sub-hinge assembly in which the first attachment structure is selectively rotatable relative to the second attachment structure about a second axis extending in a different direction than the first axis.The vehicle charging port assembly of claim 1, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.The vehicle charging port door assembly of claim 1, wherein the minor hinge assembly has a first position in which the door support structure is deployed and a second position in which the door support structure is deployed, and wherein the first attachment structure is selectively rotatable relative to the second attachment structure about the second axis from the first position to the second position.The vehicle charging port assembly of claim 3, wherein the first attachment structure is configured to be raised away from the second attachment structure to rotate the first attachment structure relative to the second attachment structure between the first position and the second position.The vehicle charging port assembly of claim 3, wherein the first attachment structure comprises a first protrusion, wherein the second attachment structure comprises a first recess and a second recess, and wherein the first protrusion is inserted into the first recess in the first position and the first protrusion is inserted into the second recess in the second position.The vehicle charging port assembly of claim 5, wherein the second attachment structure comprises a stop protrusion adjacent the first recess configured to prevent the first protrusion of the first attachment structure from moving from the first position in a direction toward the stop protrusion.The vehicle charging port door assembly of claim 4, wherein the sub hinge assembly comprises an elastic structure that biases the first attachment structure toward the second attachment structure when the first attachment structure is raised away from the second attachment structure.The vehicle charging port assembly of claim 7, wherein the first attachment structure comprises an outer body defining a cylindrical space therein and a sidewall having an opening formed therein, and wherein the second attachment structure comprises an inner cylindrical body passing through the opening and extending at least partially into the cylindrical space.The vehicle charging port assembly of claim 8, wherein the resilient structure is disposed within the cylindrical space around the inner cylindrical body.The vehicle charging port assembly of claim 6, wherein the first attachment structure further comprises a second protrusion, wherein the second attachment structure further comprises a third recess and a fourth recess, and wherein the second protrusion is inserted into the third recess in the first position and the second protrusion is inserted into the fourth recess in the second position.

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