HINGE ARRANGEMENT FOR VEHICLE LOADING FLAP

Abstract

Vehicle charging port flap assembly (100), comprising: a flap support structure (200); and a hinge structure (300) comprising a main hinge rotatable about a first axis (Ax1), wherein the flap support structure (200) comprises a first fastening structure (250), wherein the hinge structure (300) comprises a second fastening structure (350) and wherein the first fastening structure (250) and the second fastening structure (350) form a secondary hinge arrangement (150) in which the first fastening structure (250) is selectively rotatable about a second axis (Ax2) with respect to the second fastening structure (350); characterized by the fact that the second axis (Ax2) extends in a different direction than the first axis (Ax1).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicles and in particular to a vehicle charging port flap arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 for an electric vehicle, as is known essentially from DE 10 2016 120 760 A1.

[0002] The invention is based on the objective of providing a vehicle charging port flap arrangement for a vehicle which, when open, protrudes as little as possible beyond the side profile of the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0003] This problem is solved by a vehicle charging port flap arrangement characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0004] The vehicle charging port flap assembly according to the invention comprises a flap support structure and a hinge structure, the hinge structure comprising a main hinge rotatable about a first axis. The flap support structure includes a first mounting structure. 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 direction other than the first axis.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described here, 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 mounting structure is selectively rotatable about the second axis from the first position to the second position relative to the second mounting structure.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the first mounting structure is configured to be lifted away from the second mounting structure in order to rotate the first mounting structure relative to the second mounting structure between the first position and the second position.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the first fastening structure includes a first projection, and the second fastening structure includes a first recess and a second recess. In the first position, the first projection is inserted into the first recess, while in the second position, the first projection is inserted into the second recess.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the second fastening structure adjacent to the first recess includes a stop projection configured to prevent the first projection of the first fastening structure from moving from the first position in any direction towards the stop projection.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the secondary hinge arrangement includes an elastic structure that preloads the first mounting structure in the direction of the second mounting structure when the first mounting structure is lifted away from the second mounting structure.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the first fastening structure includes an outer body defining a cylindrical space within it, and a side wall with an opening formed therein. The second fastening structure includes an inner cylindrical body that passes through the opening and extends at least partially into the cylindrical space.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the elastic structure is arranged around the inner cylindrical body within the cylindrical space.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the first fastening structure includes a second projection. The second fastening structure includes a third recess and a fourth recess, with the second projection in the first position being inserted into the third recess, while the second projection in the second position is inserted into the fourth recess.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the stop projection is adjacent to the fourth recess and is configured to prevent the second projection of the first fastening structure from moving from the second position in any direction towards the stop projection.

[0015] Furthermore, a vehicle with a side mirror and a vehicle charging port flap assembly is described, comprising a charging port flap cover, a flap support structure, and a hinge structure that includes a main hinge rotatable about a first axis. The flap 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.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the secondary hinge arrangement has a first position in which the door support structure is unfolded and a second position in which the door support structure is folded in, wherein the first mounting structure is selectively rotatable about the second axis from the first position to the second position with respect to the second mounting structure.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described here, in the first position the charging port cover extends further outwards from the vehicle than the side mirror, while in the second position the charging port cover extends outwards from the vehicle by a distance equal to or less than the side mirror.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the first mounting structure is configured to be lifted away from the second mounting structure in order to rotate the first mounting structure relative to the second mounting structure between the first position and the second position.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the first fastening structure includes a first projection, the second fastening structure includes a first recess and a second recess, and the first projection is inserted into the first recess in the first position and the first projection is inserted into the second recess in the second position.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the second fastening structure includes a stop projection adjacent to the first recess, which is configured to prevent the first projection of the first fastening structure from moving from the first position in any direction towards the stop projection.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the first fastening structure includes a second projection, the second fastening structure includes a third recess and a fourth recess, and the second projection is inserted in the first position into the third recess, and the second projection is inserted in the second position into the fourth recess.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the stop projection is adjacent to the fourth recess and is configured to prevent the second projection of the first fastening structure from moving from the second position in any direction towards the stop projection.

[0023] Another vehicle comprises a side mirror and a vehicle charging port flap assembly, which includes a charging port flap cover, a flap support structure, and a hinge structure comprising a main hinge rotatable about a first axis. The flap support structure includes a first mounting structure. 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 perpendicular to the first axis. The secondary hinge assembly 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 mounting structure is selectively rotatable about the second axis from the first position to the second position relative to the second mounting 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 equal to or less than the side mirror. The first mounting structure includes a first projection and a second projection. The second mounting structure includes a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, a fourth recess, and a stop projection adjacent to the first and fourth recesses. In the first position, the first projection engages in the first recess, and the second projection engages in the third recess.In the second position, the first projection is engaged in the second recess, and the second projection is engaged in the fourth recess. The stop projection is configured to prevent the first projection of the first fastening structure from moving from the first position in any direction toward the stop projection, and to prevent the second projection of the first fastening structure from moving from the second position in any direction toward the stop projection. The first fastening structure comprises an outer body defining a cylindrical space within it, and a side wall with an opening formed therein. The second fastening structure comprises an inner cylindrical body that passes through the opening and extends at least partially into the cylindrical space.The secondary hinge arrangement contains within the cylindrical space an elastic structure around the inner cylindrical body, which preloads the first fastening structure in the direction of the second fastening structure when the first fastening structure is lifted away from the second fastening structure.

[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a left side view of a vehicle containing a battery pack arrangement, which includes a battery pack derivative arrangement according to an example; Fig. 2 a front view of a side mirror and a charging port flap arrangement in a first position according to an example; Fig. 3 a perspective rear view of a side mirror and a charging port flap arrangement in a first position according to an example; Fig. 4 a front view of a side mirror and a charging port flap arrangement in a second position according to an example; Fig. 5 a perspective rear view of a side mirror and a charging port flap arrangement in a second position according to an example; Fig. 6. A front view of a charging port flap arrangement without a charging port flap cover, according to an example; Fig. 7 a rear view of a charging port flap arrangement without a charging port flap cover according to an example; Fig. 8 a top view of a charging port flap arrangement without a charging port flap cover according to an example; Fig. 9. A bottom view of a charging port flap arrangement without a charging port flap cover, according to an example; Fig. 10 a top view of a secondary hinge arrangement according to an example; Fig. 11 a top view of the secondary hinge arrangement according to Fig. 10 without a fastening element; Fig. 12 a perspective top view of an internal fastening structure according to an example; Fig. 13 a top view of the secondary hinge arrangement according to Fig. 11 without an elastic structure; Fig. 14 one on line 14-14 of the secondary hinge arrangement according to Fig. 13 recorded cross-sectional views; Fig. 15 a top view of an internal fastening structure according to an example; Fig. 16 one on line 16-16 of the inner fastening structure after Fig. 15 recorded cross-sectional views; Fig. 17 one on line 17-17 of the inner fastening structure after Fig. 15 recorded cross-sectional views; Fig. 18 a top view of an external fastening structure according to an example; Fig. 19 one on line 19-19 of the outer fortification structure after Fig. 18 recorded cross-sectional views; Fig. 20 one on line 20-20 of the outer fastening structure after Fig. 18 recorded cross-sectional views; Fig. 21 one at 21-21 in Fig. 10. Cross-sectional view of the secondary hinge arrangement in the first position; Fig. 22 a cross-sectional view of the secondary hinge arrangement according to Fig. 21, wherein the outer fastening structure is raised relative to the inner fastening structure; Fig. 23 a cross-sectional view showing a first position of the secondary hinge arrangement; and Fig. 24 a cross-sectional view showing a second position of the secondary hinge arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely an example. It should be recognized that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference symbols indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0027] A vehicle 10 according to an example is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the vehicle 10, which includes a body 12 supported by several wheels 16. One or more of the wheels 16 are steerable. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20. A steering control 30 is located in the passenger compartment 20 and is operated to control the orientation of the wheels 16.

[0028] The vehicle 10 contains an electric motor 34 connected to a transmission (not shown) that supplies power to one or more of the multiple wheels 16. A rechargeable energy storage system 38 is located in the body 12 and supplies power to the electric motor 34. The side mirrors 50 extend from the lateral sides of the vehicle 10. A charging port flap assembly 100 is located on a side surface of the body 12. Fig. Figure 1 shows the charging port flap assembly 100 in a closed position. While in Fig. Where specific locations for the electric motor 34, the rechargeable energy storage system 38, the side mirrors 50 and the charging port flap arrangement 100 are shown, these locations are merely examples, and the locations of these structures may vary.

[0029] An example of a side mirror 50 and a charging port flap arrangement 100 according to one or more embodiments is shown in the Fig. 2-5 shown. Specifically, the Fig. 2-3 perspective front and rear views of the open charging port flap arrangement 100 according to one or more embodiments in a first position, while the Fig. Figures 4-5 show perspective front and rear views of the open charging port flap assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments in a second position. According to one or more embodiments, the first position can be a normal open position, while the second position can be an unfolded position.

[0030] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a charging port 40 is formed within a charging port frame 45, which is formed in the body 12 and is configured to accommodate a charging station connector for charging the rechargeable energy storage system 38. The charging port flap assembly 100 is configured to open to provide access to the charging port 40. The charging port flap assembly 100 can include a charging port flap cover 110, which is arranged on a charging port flap support structure 200, and a charging port flap hinge pin 300, the first end of which is selectively rotatably attached to the charging port flap support structure 200 and the second end of which is rotatably attached to a charging port frame 45.According to one or more embodiments, the charging port flap support structure 200 is an example of a flap support structure, while the charging port flap hinge pin 300 is an example of a hinge structure. As shown in the . Fig. As shown in Figures 2-3, in the first position the charging port flap hinge pin 300 is rotated outwards around the charging port frame 45, while the charging port flap support structure 200 is not rotated relative to the charging port flap hinge pin 300. As shown in the Fig. As shown in 4-5, the charging port flap hinge pin 300 remains in the second position rotated outwards around the charging port frame 45, while the charging port flap support structure 200 is rotated with respect to the charging port flap hinge pin 300.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the charging port cover 110 can extend laterally further than the side mirror 50 when the charging port cover assembly 100 is in the first position. That is, when the charging port cover assembly 100 is opened to provide access to the charging port 40, the charging port cover 110 can increase the side profile of the vehicle 10. Consequently, depending on the size of the charging station parking spaces, when the vehicle 10 is parked at the charging station, the increased side profile of the vehicle 10 may make it difficult or impossible for another vehicle to park in an adjacent space. Additionally, the increased side profile of the vehicle 10 may cause the charging port cover 110 to be struck by another vehicle.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the charging port flap cover 110 can extend less laterally than in the first position when the charging port flap assembly 100 is in the second position. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port flap cover 110 can extend to a lateral position corresponding to the side mirror 50. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port flap cover 110 can extend laterally less than the side mirror 50. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port flap cover 110 can extend laterally slightly more than the side mirror 50.

[0033] The Fig. Figures 6-9 each show a front view, a rear view, a top view, and a bottom view of the charging port flap assembly 100 without the charging port flap cover 110 according to one or more embodiments. The directions to which the Fig. Reference is made to 6-9, the directions are those relating to the charging port flap assembly 100. The charging port flap assembly 100 may include a charging port flap support structure 200 and a charging port flap hinge pin 300.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments, the charging port flap support structure 200 can include a main body 210 with multiple mounting structures 211 configured to attach the main body 210 to a charging port flap cover 110. Fig. Figure 7 shows six fastening structures 211; more or fewer than six fastening structures 211 may be provided. The charging port flap support structure 200 may further include a first abutment plate 201 that abuts a second abutment plate 301 of the charging port flap hinge pin 300. The charging port flap support structure 200 may further include an outer fastening structure 250 configured to be selectively rotatably attached to an inner fastening structure 350 of the charging port flap hinge pin 300 about a second axis Ax2. According to one or more embodiments, the outer fastening structure 250 may be an example of a first fastening structure, and the inner fastening structure 350 may be an example of a second fastening structure. The outer fastening structure 250 may include an outer body 251.A fastening element 401, which is described below, is arranged inside the outer body 251.

[0035] According to one or more embodiments, the loading port flap hinge pin 300 can 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 the first abutment plate 201. The pin main body 303 extends from the second abutment plate 301 to the angle 305. The angle 305 can be a U-shaped section extending from the pin main body 303 to the main hinge 307. The main hinge 307 is a cylindrical structure defining a first axis Ax1 through it. The main hinge 307 is structured to accommodate a corresponding shaft (not shown) located on the loading port frame 45, such that the main hinge 307 is offset from the loading port frame 45 about the first axis Ax1. Fig. 1 shown closed position to the one in the Fig. The first position shown in 2-3 is rotatable. According to one or more embodiments, the charging port flap hinge pin 300n can further comprise an inner mounting structure 350, which is arranged within the outer mounting structure 250 of the charging port flap support structure 200. The outer mounting structure 250, the inner mounting structure 350, the fastening element 401 (see Fig. 11) and an elastic structure 403 can be jointly referred to as a secondary hinge arrangement 150.

[0036] The first axis Ax1 and the second axis Ax2 extend in different directions. According to one or more embodiments, the first axis Ax1 extends in a direction perpendicular to the second axis Ax2.

[0037] The directions to which the following points refer in the Fig. Reference is made to 10-24, and for the sake of simplicity, the secondary hinge arrangement 150 with the outer mounting structure 250 above the inner mounting structure 350 is indicated. However, it is recognized that, as in the Fig. 2-5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 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.

[0038] Fig. Figure 10 shows a top view of a secondary hinge arrangement 150 according to one or more embodiments. The secondary hinge arrangement 150 can include the outer mounting structure 250 with an outer body 251 that surrounds a mounting element 401. Fig. Figure 11 shows the secondary hinge arrangement 150 according to Fig. 10 without the fastening element 401. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, a first cylindrical space 253 is located beneath the fastening element 401, into which an inner cylindrical body 351 of the inner fastening structure 350 extends from below. The inner cylindrical body 351 surrounds an interior space 352 that accommodates the fastening element 401. An elastic structure 403 is arranged 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 can be a compression spring. According to one or more embodiments, the elastic structure 403 can be another structure known in the art, configured to exert an upward force when the fastening element 401 is pressed downward against the elastic structure 403.

[0039] Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective top view of the internal fastening structure 350 according to one or more embodiments. Fig. Figure 15 shows a top view of the internal fastening structure 350 according to one or more embodiments. Fig. 16 shows one on line 16-16 in Fig. 15. Cross-sectional view of the inner fastening structure 350 and Fig. 17 shows one on line 17-17 in Fig. 15. Cross-sectional view of the internal fastening structure 350.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the inner fastening structure 350 includes an inner cylindrical body 351, which defines an interior space 352. The second axis Ax2 is defined by a center point of the inner cylindrical body 351. A stop projection 361, a first wall segment 365, a short projection 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 stop 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 stop projection 361.According to one or more embodiments, the stop projection 361, the first recess 371, the first wall segment 365, the second recess 373, the short projection 367, the third recess 375, the second wall segment 366, and the fourth recess 377 are substantially equidistant from the second axis Ax2. An annular channel 353 can be defined between the inner cylindrical body 351 and the stop projection 361, the first wall segment 365, the short projection 367, and the second wall segment 366.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments, the stop projection 361 is larger than the short projection 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 projection 367 may be larger than the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366. According to one or more embodiments, the short projection 367 may have a height equal to that of the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366.

[0042] According to one or more embodiments, the stop projection 361 and the short projection 367 can be diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the second axis Ax2. According to one or more embodiments, the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366 can be diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the second axis Ax2. According to one or more embodiments, the first recess 371 and the third recess 375 can be diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the second axis Ax2. According to one or more embodiments, the second recess 373 and the fourth recess 377 can be diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the second axis Ax2.

[0043] Fig. Figure 13 shows the secondary hinge arrangement 150 according to Fig. 10 without the fastening element 401 and the elastic structure 403, while Fig. 14 one at 14-14 in Fig. Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the secondary hinge arrangement 150. The inner cylindrical body 351 extends upwards 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.

[0044] Fig. Figure 18 shows a bottom view of the outer fastening structure 250 according to one or more embodiments. Fig. 19 shows one on line 19-19 in Fig. 18. Cross-sectional view of the outer fastening structure 250, while Fig. 20 one on line 20-20 in Fig. Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer fastening structure 250.

[0045] According to one or more embodiments, the outer mounting structure 250 comprises an outer body 251 defining a first cylindrical space 253, a side wall 255 with an opening 256 formed below the first cylindrical space 253, and a second cylindrical space 257 arranged below the side wall 255. The second axis Ax2 extends through the 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 projection 265 and a second projection 267 can extend downwards from an underside of the side wall 255, wherein a first recess 261 can be arranged adjacent to the first projection 265 and a second recess 263 can be arranged adjacent to the second projection 267. According to one or more embodiments, the first projection 265 and the second projection 267 can be round guide projections. According to one or more embodiments, the first projection 265 and the second projection 267 can be arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the second axis Ax2. According to one or more embodiments, the first recess 261 and the second recess 263 are shaped to correspond to the stop projection 361 and the short projection 367 of the inner fastening structure 350.According to one or more embodiments, the first recess 261, the second recess 263, the first projection 265 and the second projection 267 can be substantially equidistant from the second axis Ax2.

[0046] According to one or more embodiments, the first recess 261, the second recess 263, the first projection 265, the second projection 267, the stop projection 361, the first notch 371, the first wall segment 365, the second notch 373, the short projection 367, the third notch 375, the second wall segment 366 and the fourth notch 377 can be substantially equidistant from the second axis Ax2.

[0047] Fig. 21 shows a 21-21 in Fig. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the secondary hinge assembly 150 in the first position. According to one or more embodiments, a lower section of the fastening element 401 is inserted into the interior 352 of the inner cylindrical body 351. According to one or more embodiments, the fastening element 401 can be a threaded bolt that engages with an internal threaded surface of the inner cylindrical body 351, thus being fastened to the inner cylindrical body 351. The elastic structure 403 can extend between a bottom surface of the upper section of the fastening element 401 and a top surface of the side wall 255. In the first position of the secondary hinge assembly 150, the first projection 265 is inserted into the first recess 371, the second projection 267 is inserted into the third recess 375, and the stop projection 361 is inserted into the first depression 261.According to one or more embodiments, the short projection 367 can be inserted into the second recess 263. According to one or more embodiments, the short projection 367 can slide over the second recess 263 without being inserted into it.

[0048] Fig. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the in Fig. 21 secondary hinge arrangement 150 shown, wherein the outer mounting structure 250 is raised relative to the inner mounting structure 350. Fig. Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view showing a first position of the secondary hinge arrangement 150, where the stop projection 361 is inserted into the first recess 261, while Fig. Figure 24 shows a cross-sectional view showing a second position of the secondary hinge arrangement 150, where the stop projection 361 is inserted into the second recess 263.

[0049] Specifically shows Fig. 22 the outer mounting structure 250, which is raised by a distance D relative to the inner mounting structure 350. According to one or more embodiments, the distance D can be a height of the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366 (see the Fig. 14-17) correspond to or be larger than these, but smaller than the height of the stop projection 361. Consequently, a lower end of the first projection 265 or the second projection 267 releases the first wall segment 365 and the second wall segment 366, so that the outer fastening structure 250 can be rotated counterclockwise with respect to the inner fastening structure 350. Since the distance D is smaller than the height of the stop projection 361, the first projection 265 cannot release the stop projection 361, so that from the first position the outer fastening structure 250 can only be rotated counterclockwise with respect to the inner fastening structure 350. Similarly, in the second position the second projection 267 cannot release the stop projection 361, so that from the second position the outer fastening structure 250 can only be rotated clockwise with respect to the inner fastening structure 350.That is, in the first position, the first projection 265 abuts the first stop surface 362 (see . Fig. 12) of the stop projection 361 to prevent further clockwise rotation, while in the second position the second projection 267 is attached to the second stop surface 363 (see Fig. 12) of the stop projection 361 to prevent further counterclockwise rotation.

[0050] According to one or more embodiments, the elastic structure 403 has a radius larger than the opening 256 formed in the side wall 255, such that when the outer fastening structure 250 is raised relative to the inner fastening structure 350, an upper surface of the side wall 255 abuts a lower surface of the elastic structure 403, compressing the elastic structure 403 against a lower surface of an upper section of the fastening element 401. The compression of the elastic structure 403 causes a downward force on the outer fastening structure 250 to return the first projection 265 and the second projection 267 to the first recess 371 and the third recess 375, as shown in the Fig. 21 and Fig.23, or, after rotating the outer mounting structure 250 relative to the inner mounting structure 350, insert the first projection 265 and the second projection 267 into the second recess 373 and the fourth recess 377. During the rotation between the first and second positions, the first projection 265 slides over the first wall segment 365, while the second projection 267 slides over the second wall segment 366.

Claims

[1] Vehicle charging port flap assembly (100) comprising: a flap support structure (200); and a hinge structure (300) comprising a main hinge rotatable about a first axis (Ax1), wherein the flap support structure (200) comprises a first fastening structure (250), wherein the hinge structure (300) comprises a second fastening structure (350) and wherein the first fastening structure (250) and the second fastening structure (350) form a secondary hinge arrangement (150) in which the first fastening structure (250) is selectively rotatable about a second axis (Ax2) with respect to the second fastening structure (350); characterized by , that the second axis (Ax2) extends in a different direction than the first axis (Ax1). [2] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second axis (Ax2) is perpendicular to the first axis (Ax1). [3] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the secondary hinge arrangement (150) has a first position in which the flap support structure (200) is unfolded, and a second position in which the flap support structure (200) is folded in, and wherein the first mounting structure (250) is selectively rotatable about the second axis (Ax2) from the first position to the second position relative to the second mounting structure (350). [4] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first mounting structure (250) is configured to be lifted away from the second mounting structure (350) in order to rotate the first mounting structure (250) relative to the second mounting structure (350) between the first position and the second position. [5] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first fastening structure (250) comprises a first projection (265), wherein the second fastening structure (350) comprises a first recess (371) and a second recess (373), and where the first lead (265) in the first position is placed in the first recess (371) and the first lead (265) in the second position is placed in the second recess (373). [6] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 5, wherein the second fastening structure (350) of the first recess (371) comprises a stop projection (361) adjacent to a stop projection configured to prevent the first projection (265) of the first fastening structure (250) from moving from the first position in a direction towards the stop projection (361). [7] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 4, wherein the secondary hinge arrangement (150) comprises an elastic structure (403) which preloads the first mounting structure (250) in the direction of the second mounting structure (350) when the first mounting structure (250) is lifted away from the second mounting structure (350). [8] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first fastening structure (250) comprises an outer body (251) defining a cylindrical space (253) therein, and a side wall with an opening formed therein, and wherein the second fastening structure (350) comprises an inner cylindrical body (351) which passes through the opening and extends at least partially into the cylindrical space (253). [9] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 8, wherein the elastic structure (403) is arranged within the cylindrical space (253) around the inner cylindrical body (351). [10] Vehicle charging port flap arrangement (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first fastening structure (250) further comprises a second projection (267), wherein the second fastening structure (350) further comprises a third recess (375) and a fourth recess (377), and where the second lead (267) in the first position is placed in the third recess (375) and the second lead (267) in the second position is placed in the fourth recess (377).

Images