Vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle which can access a release member at an early-stage relative to a case where the release member is positioned at a location which is accessible when an engine hood is opened.SOLUTION: A lid member lock 50 comprises: a lid member lock part 51 which is displaceable between a lock state where a lid member 14 is locked while blocking an inlet opening part 13 and an unlock state where the lid member 14 is unlocked to be capable of opening the inlet opening part 13; and a lid member actuator 52 which displaces the lid member lock part 51 between the lock state and the unlock state. A release member 60 displaces the lid member lock part 51 from the lock state to the unlock state through pulling a second end part 62. A space S is formed between a partition wall 18 and a door 19 in a front-back direction X. A through hole 18h opening to the space S is formed in the partition wall 18. The release member 60 is inserted into the through hole 18h. The second end part 62 is positioned at the space S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles equipped with a charging inlet are known. As described in Patent Document 1, a power supply plug can be connected to the charging inlet. The charging inlet is provided, for example, forward of a door in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, vehicles equipped with an inlet opening and a cover member are known. The charging inlet is open to the outside of the vehicle through the inlet opening. The cover member can close the inlet opening.

[0003] Patent Document 2 also describes a lid member lock and a release member that releases the lock related to the lid member lock. The locking portion of the lid member lock is displaceable between a locked state in which the lid member is locked with the inlet opening closed, and an unlocked state in which the lid member is unlocked so that the inlet opening can be opened. The actuator of the lid member lock displaces the locking portion between the locked state and the unlocked state. The release member that releases the lock related to the lid member lock has a first end connected to the lid member lock and a second end located on the opposite side to the first end. When the actuator malfunctions, the second end is pulled by a person such as a vehicle occupant, and the locking portion of the lid member lock is displaced from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0004] In addition to the above-mentioned release member that releases the lock related to the cover member lock, a release member that releases the lock related to the plug lock is also known. The locking portion of the plug lock is displaceable between a locked state in which the power supply plug is locked when the power supply plug is connected to the charging inlet, and an unlocked state in which the power supply plug is unlocked so that the power supply plug can be removed from the charging inlet. The actuator of the plug lock displaces the locking portion between the locked state and the unlocked state. The release member that releases the lock related to the plug lock has a first end connected to the plug lock and a second end located on the opposite side to the first end. When the actuator malfunctions, the second end is pulled by a person such as a vehicle occupant, and the locking portion of the plug lock is displaced from the locked state to the unlocked state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-119163 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-53198 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The release member may be provided in a position where the second end portion of the release member can be accessed by, for example, opening the hood of the vehicle. In this case, when it becomes necessary to access the release member, the vehicle occupant must open the door, get outside the vehicle, and then open the hood. However, it has been desired to be able to access the release member more quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle for solving the above problem is a vehicle capable of charging an internal battery by connecting an external power supply plug, the vehicle having a door opening that opens in the width direction of the vehicle and allows access to at least one of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, a door that opens and closes the door opening, a charging inlet that is provided forward of the door in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and to which the power supply plug can be connected, a fender that covers the front tires, a pillar to which the door is attached, a partition that closes the gap between the fender and the pillar, an inlet opening that is formed in the fender and opens the charging inlet to the outside of the vehicle, a lid member that is provided in the fender and is capable of closing the inlet opening, and a lock state that locks the lid member with the inlet opening closed and a lock state that locks the lid member with the inlet opening open. a cover member lock having a locking section that is displaceable between a locked state and an unlocked state in which the lock of the cover member is released, and an actuator that displaces the locking section between the locked state and the unlocked state; and a linear release member that has a first end connected to the cover member lock and a second end located opposite the first end, and that displaces the locking section from the locked state to the unlocked state when the second end is pulled in a direction away from the cover member lock, wherein a space is formed between the partition and the door in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle when the door opening is closed, and the space is opened to the outside of the vehicle when the door opening is open, a through hole that opens into the space is formed in the partition, the release member is inserted into the through hole, and the second end is located in the space.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when the actuator malfunctions, the occupant can access the second end of the release member located in the space by opening the door. This allows the occupant to displace the cover member blocking the inlet opening by pulling the second end of the release member in a direction away from the cover member lock. If the release member is located in a position where the release member can be accessed by opening the hood, the occupant needs to open the hood after opening the door and getting outside the vehicle. However, with the above configuration, the release member can be accessed without opening the hood. Therefore, the release member can be accessed earlier than when the release member is located in a position where the release member can be accessed by opening the hood.

[0009] A vehicle for solving the above problem is a vehicle capable of charging an internal battery by connecting an external power supply plug, the vehicle having a door opening that opens in a width direction of the vehicle and allows access to at least one of a driver's seat and a passenger seat, a door that opens and closes the door opening, a charging inlet that is provided forward of the door in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and to which the power supply plug can be connected, a fender that covers the front tires, a pillar to which the door is attached, a partition wall that closes the gap between the fender and the pillar, an inlet opening that is formed in the fender and exposes the charging inlet to the outside of the vehicle, a lid member that is provided in the fender and is capable of closing the inlet opening, and a lock state that locks the power supply plug with the power supply plug connected to the charging inlet and a lock state that locks the power supply plug with the power supply plug connected to the charging inlet and a front state that locks the power supply plug with the power supply plug connected to the charging inlet. the power supply plug is removed; and a linear release member having a first end connected to the plug lock and a second end located opposite the first end, the second end being pulled in a direction away from the plug lock to displace the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state. The power supply plug is provided with a plug lock having a locking portion that is displaceable between a locked state and an unlocked state in which the lock of the power supply plug is released so that the power supply plug can be removed, and an actuator that displaces the locking portion between the locked state and the unlocked state; and

[0010] According to the above configuration, when the actuator malfunctions, the occupant can access the second end of the release member located in the space by opening the door. This allows the occupant to pull the second end of the release member in a direction away from the plug lock, thereby making it possible to remove the power supply plug connected to the charging inlet from the charging inlet. If the release member is located in a position where the release member can be accessed by opening the hood, the occupant needs to open the hood after opening the door and getting outside the vehicle. However, with the above configuration, the release member can be accessed without opening the hood. Therefore, the release member can be accessed earlier than when the release member is located in a position where the release member can be accessed by opening the hood.

[0011] In a vehicle, at an end in a width direction of the vehicle, a gap communicating with the space is formed between the fender in a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and the door when the door opening is closed, and a partition portion may be provided located in the space so as to separate the gap from the second end.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the door opening is closed by the door, access to the release member from outside the vehicle through the gap can be restricted. The vehicle may include a locking portion that releasably locks the second end.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when there is no need to access the release member, the second end is engaged with the engaging portion, thereby preventing the portion of the release member including the second end extending from the through hole from being displaced. This makes it easier for an occupant to access the release member because the position of the second end is fixed when the occupant accesses the release member. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to this invention, it is possible to access the release member earlier than in a case where the release member is located at a position where it can be accessed by opening the hood. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the charging inlet and the cover member lock. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle in the first embodiment with the doors closed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cover member lock and a release member in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle in the first embodiment with the door open. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a vehicle will be described below with reference to the drawings. The vehicle is a plug-in hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. In the drawings, the X-axis is an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the Y-axis is an axis extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and the Z-axis is an axis extending in the up-down direction of the vehicle. In the following description, the front-rear direction of the vehicle is also referred to as the front-rear direction X, and the width direction of the vehicle is also referred to as the width direction Y. In addition, the front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom of the vehicle are also simply referred to as the front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom.

[0017] <Vehicle> As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 11, a door opening 12, and a door 19. The door opening 12 opens in the width direction Y of the vehicle 10. In detail, the door opening 12 opens on each of the right and left sides of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y. Note that in the drawing, only the door opening 12 located on the right side of the vehicle 10 in the width direction Y is illustrated, and the door opening 12 located on the left side of the vehicle 10 is omitted from the illustration.

[0018] The door opening 12 provides access to a seat 28. The seat 28 is at least one of a driver's seat and a passenger seat. For example, of the door openings 12 located on both sides of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y, one provides access to the seat 28 as a driver's seat, and the other provides access to the seat 28 as a passenger seat. An occupant can sit in the seat 28 after entering the vehicle 10 from the outside through the door opening 12.

[0019] The door 19 opens and closes the door opening 12. The door 19 is made of, for example, metal. The door 19 is provided at each of the door opening 12 located on the right side of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y and the door opening 12 located on the left side of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y. For example, the door 19 is displaced so that the rear end of the door 19 is displaced toward the outside of the vehicle 10 in the width direction Y, so that the door opening 12 is opened from a state closed by the door 19. For example, the door 19 is displaced so that the rear end of the door 19 is displaced toward the inside of the vehicle 10 in the width direction Y, so that the door opening 12 is closed by the door 19 from an open state. Note that in the drawings, only the door 19 that opens and closes the door opening 12 located on the right side of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y is illustrated, and the door 19 that opens and closes the door opening 12 located on the left side of the vehicle body 11 is omitted from illustration. In addition, the vehicle 10 in this embodiment has a front door 19F and a rear door (not illustrated) as the doors 19. The front door 19F is located forward of the rear door. The front door 19F is located on the right and left sides of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y. The rear door is located on the right and left sides of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y.

[0020] 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 is provided with a fender 15. The fender 15 covers a front tire 29. The vehicle 10 in this embodiment has two front tires 29 and a rear tire (not shown).

[0021] The fender 15 is located forward of a front door 19F as the door 19. A portion of the vehicle body 11 located forward of the front door 19F as the door 19 in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 10 is defined as a vehicle body front portion 11a. In this embodiment, the fender 15 constitutes a part of an end portion 11b in the width direction Y of the vehicle body front portion 11a. The fender 15 is made of, for example, metal.

[0022] 3, the vehicle 10 includes a pillar 16. A front door 19F as a door 19 is attached to the pillar 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 has an inlet opening 13. The inlet opening 13 is formed in a fender 15. The inlet opening 13 connects the inside of the vehicle body 11 to the outside of the vehicle body 11. The inlet opening 13 is formed in an end portion 11b in the width direction Y of the vehicle body front portion 11a. Note that the end portion 11b in this embodiment is the right end portion of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 includes a cover member 14. The cover member 14 is provided on a fender 15. The cover member 14 can close the inlet opening 13. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cover member 14 is provided on an end 11b of the vehicle body 11 as a right end in the width direction Y. The cover member 14 is made of, for example, metal. The cover member 14 is substantially flat and extends so as to intersect with the width direction Y. Of both ends of the cover member 14 in the front-rear direction X, one end is referred to as a first end and the other end is referred to as a second end. For example, the first end of the cover member 14 is fixed to the fender 15 so that the second end is displaceable in the width direction Y with the first end as the center. When the cover member 14 is displaced so that the second end of the cover member 14 is displaced toward the outside of the vehicle 10 in the width direction Y, the inlet opening 13 is changed from a state closed by the cover member 14 to a state opened. For example, when the cover member 14 is displaced so that the second end of the cover member 14 is displaced toward the inside of the vehicle 10 in the width direction Y, the inlet opening 13 goes from an open state to a state closed by the cover member 14.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle 10 includes a partition wall 18. The partition wall 18 is made of, for example, resin. The partition wall 18 has an extension portion 18a extending in the width direction Y between the fender 15 and the pillar 16. In other words, the partition wall 18 is located between the fender 15 and the pillar 16 in the width direction Y of the vehicle body 11. In this way, the partition wall 18 closes the gap between the fender 15 and the pillar 16. The partition wall 18 suppresses water from getting onto the pillar 16 and noise from leaking into the vehicle cabin. The partition wall 18 is a so-called fender side protector. The extension portion 18a is, for example, substantially flat and extends perpendicularly to the front-rear direction X. One end of the partition wall 18 in the width direction Y is fixed to, for example, the fender 15. The other end of the partition wall 18 in the width direction Y is fixed to the pillar 16.

[0025] 3 and 4, a through hole 18h is formed in the partition wall 18. More specifically, the through hole 18h is formed in the extension portion 18a. The through hole 18h is, for example, a hole that penetrates the extension portion 18a in the front-rear direction X. Therefore, the through hole 18h is open to both one end surface and the other end surface of the extension portion 18a in the front-rear direction X.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, at the end 11b in the width direction Y of the vehicle 10, a gap 17 is formed between the fender 15 in the fore-aft direction X of the vehicle 10 and the front door 19F as the door 19 when the door opening 12 is closed.

[0027] <Isolated Area> The vehicle 10 is provided with an isolation portion 40. In this embodiment, the isolation portion 40 is provided in the partition 18. In this embodiment, the isolation portion 40 has a main body portion 41 and a fixed portion 42. The fixed portion 42 is fixed to the partition 18, for example. The fixed portion 42 is located, for example, rearward of the partition 18. The fixed portion 42 may be, for example, a flat plate extending along the rear end surface of the partition 18. The main body portion 41 extends rearward from the fixed portion 42, for example. The main body portion 41 may be, for example, a flat plate perpendicular to the width direction Y. The isolation portion 40 is located in the space S.

[0028] <Latching part> As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle 10 includes a locking portion 43. In this embodiment, the locking portion 43 is provided on the partition wall 18. In this embodiment, the locking portion 43 is located in the partition wall 18 below the through hole 18h. In this embodiment, the locking portion 43 has a protruding portion 44 that protrudes rearward from the partition wall 18, and a notch portion 45. The protruding portion 44 is, for example, in a flat plate shape that extends perpendicular to the width direction Y. The notch portion 45 is formed, for example, by penetrating a part of the rear end of the protruding portion 44 in the width direction Y. The notch portion 45 opens at the rear end of the protruding portion 44.

[0029] <Space> As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a space S is formed between the partition wall 18 and the front door 19F as the door 19 with the door opening 12 closed in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 10. In detail, the space S is partitioned by the front door 19F as the door 19 with the door opening 12 closed, the fender 15, the partition wall 18, and the pillar 16. Due to this space S, the extension portion 18a in which the through hole 18h is formed and the front door 19F are separated from each other in the front-rear direction X. The through hole 18h opens into the space S. The isolating portion 40 and the locking portion 43 are located in the space S. The gap 17 communicates with the space S. Therefore, the space S communicates with the outside of the vehicle body 11 through the gap 17.

[0030] 5, the space S is opened to the outside of the vehicle 10 when the front door 19F as the door 19 is in a state where the door opening 12 is open. This makes it possible to access a portion of the partition wall 18 including the location where the through-hole 18h is formed. For example, an occupant sitting in a seat 28 located at the front and right side of the vehicle 10 can access the above portion while sitting in the seat 28.

[0031] When the front door 19F as the door 19 is displaced to open the door opening 12, the front end of the front door 19F is displaced so as to enter the space S. At this time, the front end of the front door 19F does not interfere with the partition wall 18. When the front door 19F as the door 19 is in a state in which the door opening 12 is opened, the front end of the front door 19F and the portion of the partition wall 18 in which the through hole 18h is formed are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction X. When the front door 19F as the door 19 is in a state in which the door opening 12 is opened, the front end of the front door 19F and the isolating portion 40 and the locking portion 43 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction X.

[0032] <Charging inlet> As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle 10 includes charging inlet 20. Charging inlet 20 is accommodated in vehicle body front portion 11a. Thus, charging inlet 20 is provided forward of front door 19F as door 19 in the front-rear direction X of vehicle 10. Charging inlet 20 faces cover member 14 in the width direction Y when inlet opening 13 is closed. When inlet opening 13 is opened by displacement of cover member 14, charging inlet 20 is exposed to the outside of vehicle body 11 through inlet opening 13. In other words, inlet opening 13 exposes charging inlet 20 to the outside of vehicle 10.

[0033] The charging inlet 20 has a cylindrical power supply plug fitting portion 21. The power supply plug fitting portion 21 is provided with a plurality of cylindrical terminal insertion holes 22. In this embodiment, the power supply plug fitting portion 21 is provided with five terminal insertion holes 22. A terminal of a power supply plug (not shown) is inserted into each of the plurality of terminal insertion holes 22. This allows the charging inlet 20 to be connected to a power supply plug. Therefore, the vehicle 10 can charge an internal battery (not shown) by connecting an external power supply plug.

[0034] The charging inlet 20 has a generally cylindrical lock module 23. The lock module 23 is located outside the power supplying plug fitting portion 21 in the radial direction of the power supplying plug fitting portion 21.

[0035] Charging inlet 20 has a recess 24. Recess 24 is provided in an upper portion of the outer circumferential surface of lock module 23. Recess 24 opens upward and toward inlet opening 13. When a power supply plug is connected to charging inlet 20, a protrusion that partially protrudes from the power supply plug is inserted into recess 24. This holds the power supply plug in a state where it is connected to charging inlet 20.

[0036] <Plug Lock> As shown in Fig. 3, the vehicle 10 includes a plug lock 30. The plug lock 30 is accommodated in the vehicle body front portion 11a. Thus, the plug lock 30 is provided forward of a front door 19F as one of the doors 19 in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 10. The plug lock 30 includes a plug locking portion 31 and a plug actuator 32. The plug locking portion 31 is displaceable between a locked state in which the power supply plug is locked when the power supply plug is connected to the charging inlet 20, and an unlocked state in which the power supply plug is unlocked so that the power supply plug can be removed from the charging inlet 20.

[0037] 2 and 3 , the plug lock unit 31 includes a plug locking member that is displaceable between a locked position where the plug locks the protruding portion of the power supply plug when the plug is inserted into the recess 24, and an unlocked position where the plug locks the protruding portion of the power supply plug inserted into the recess 24. When the power supply plug is connected to the charging inlet 20, for example, the plug lock unit 31 locks the protruding portion of the power supply plug when the power supply plug is inserted into the recess 24. This causes the plug lock unit 31 to enter a locked state where the power supply plug is locked when the power supply plug is connected to the charging inlet 20. The plug lock unit 31 releases the lock on the protruding portion of the power supply plug inserted into the recess 24, for example. This causes the plug lock unit 31 to enter an unlocked state where the plug locks the power supply plug so that the power supply plug can be removed from the charging inlet 20.

[0038] The plug actuator 32 displaces the plug locking portion 31 between a locked state and an unlocked state. The plug actuator 32 displaces the plug locking member between, for example, a locked position and an unlocked position. For example, when connecting a power supply plug to the charging inlet 20, the plug actuator 32 displaces the plug locking portion 31 so as to lock the protrusion of the power supply plug in a state where the power supply plug is inserted into the recess 24. This brings the plug locking portion 31 into the locked state. For example, the plug actuator 32 displaces the plug locking portion 31 so as to release the lock on the protrusion of the power supply plug inserted into the recess 24. This brings the plug locking portion 31 into the unlocked state. The plug actuator 32 operates by receiving power from, for example, a battery (not shown).

[0039] <Lid lock> As shown in Figure 3, vehicle 10 is equipped with a lid member lock 50. Lid member lock 50 is housed in vehicle body front portion 11a. Therefore, lid member lock 50 is provided forward of front door 19F as one of doors 19 in the fore-aft direction X of vehicle 10. Lid member lock 50 has a lid member locking portion 51 and a lid member actuator 52. In this embodiment, lid member locking portion 51 corresponds to a locking portion, and lid member actuator 52 corresponds to an actuator.

[0040] The lid member locking portion 51 as a locking portion is displaceable between a locked state in which the lid member 14 is locked while blocking the inlet opening 13, and an unlocked state in which the lid member 14 is unlocked so that the inlet opening 13 can be opened.

[0041] The lid member locking portion 51 includes, for example, an extension portion 53 and an engagement portion 54. The extension portion 53 is, for example, cylindrical and extending in the width direction Y. The extension portion 53 is displaceable in the width direction Y while rotating about the axis of the extension portion 53. The engagement portion 54 is rod-shaped and extends radially from the tip of the extension portion 53. When the lid member 14 closes the inlet opening 13, the engagement portion 54 and the lid member 14 face each other in the width direction Y. Note that an engaged portion (not shown) that can engage with the engagement portion 54 is provided on the inner surface of the lid member 14.

[0042] When extension portion 53 is displaced toward cover member 14 and engaging portion 54 is displaced to the locked position, engaging portion 54 engages with the engaged portion. Cover member locking portion 51 locks engaging portion 54 in a state in which engaging portion 54 engages with the engaged portion, thereby entering a locked state in which cover member 14 is locked with inlet opening 13 blocked. When extension portion 53 is displaced away from cover member 14 and engaging portion 54 is displaced to the unlocked position, engaging portion 54 is released from engagement with the engaged portion. Cover member locking portion 51 releases the lock on engaging portion 54 in a state in which it is engaged with the engaged portion, thereby entering an unlocked state in which cover member 14 is unlocked so that inlet opening 13 can be opened.

[0043] Lid member actuator 52 as an actuator displaces lid member locking portion 51 as a locking portion between a locked state and an unlocked state. For example, when lid member 14 is displaced by a person to close inlet opening 13, engaging portion 54 engages with the engaged portion. At this time, lid member actuator 52 displaces lid member locking portion 51 so as to lock engaging portion 54 in a state where it is engaged with the engaged portion. This places lid member locking portion 51 in the locked state. When lid member 14 is displaced by a person to open inlet opening 13, for example, lid member actuator 52 displaces lid member locking portion 51 so as to release the lock on engaging portion 54 in a state where it is engaged with the engaged portion. This places lid member locking portion 51 in the unlocked state. Lid member actuator 52 operates by receiving power from, for example, a battery (not shown). In addition, the displacement of the cover member 14 performed by a person when closing and opening the inlet opening 13 described above is, for example, the displacement of the cover member 14 caused by a person pressing the cover member 14, which is positioned to block the inlet opening 13, from the outside to the inside of the vehicle 10.

[0044] <Release member> The vehicle 10 is equipped with a linear release member 60. In this embodiment, the release member 60 is string-like. The release member 60 has a first end 61 and a second end 62 located on the opposite side to the first end 61. The first end 61 is connected to the cover member lock 50.

[0045] In the release member 60, the second end 62 is pulled in a direction away from the lid member lock 50, thereby displacing the lid member locking portion 51 as a locking portion from a locked state to an unlocked state. The direction away from the lid member lock 50 is, for example, rearward. When the second end 62 is pulled, for example, the lid member actuator 52 is forcibly operated, thereby displacing the lid member locking portion 51 from a locked state to an unlocked state. Therefore, when the release member 60 is pulled by a person such as an occupant, the lid member locking portion 51 is displaced so as to release the lock on the engaging portion 54 in a state engaged with the engaged portion. When the lock on the engaging portion 54 is released, the lid member 14 that has been blocking the inlet opening 13 becomes displaceable. When the lid member 14 is displaced by a person, the inlet opening 13 is opened.

[0046] The release member 60 is inserted through the through hole 18h. The second end 62 is located in the space S. A part of the release member 60 including the second end 62 extends from the through hole 18h into the space S. A grip portion 63 is attached to the second end 62. The grip portion 63 is, for example, an annular member. A person such as an occupant can pull the second end 62 by pulling the grip portion 63 while gripping it.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the locking portion 43 detachably locks the second end 62. In detail, the gripping portion 63 is hooked to the notch 45 of the locking portion 43, so that the locking portion 43 locks the second end 62 to the partition wall 18. Since the locking portion 43 is located below the through hole 18h, when the gripping portion 63 is hooked to the notch 45, a part of the release member 60 including the second end 62 extends downward from the through hole 18h. The gripping portion 63 is hooked to the notch 45 from above the locking portion 43. After removing the second end 62 from the locking portion 43, a person such as an occupant can pull the second end 62 while gripping the gripping portion 63.

[0048] 3, the isolating portion 40 is positioned in the space S to separate the gap 17 and the second end 62. In detail, the main body portion 41 of the isolating portion 40 is positioned in the space S to separate the gap 17 and the second end 62. When viewing the vehicle 10 from above, the isolating portion 40 is positioned on an imaginary line connecting the gap 17 and the second end 62 at the shortest distance. The isolating portion 40 in this embodiment is positioned to separate the gap 17 and the grip portion 63.

[0049] [Operation of the first embodiment] Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. When connecting a power supply plug to charging inlet 20, normally, cover member actuator 52 displaces cover member locking portion 51, which is in a locked state, to an unlocked state. This makes cover member 14 movable from a state in which it blocks inlet opening 13. When cover member 14 is displaced by a person, inlet opening 13 is opened. This makes charging inlet 20 connectable to the power supply plug.

[0050] If the charge level of the battery supplying power to lid member actuator 52 is low or if power is not normally supplied from the battery to lid member actuator 52, lid member actuator 52 may not operate normally. In such a case, lid member locking section 51, which has been set in a locked state, may not be able to be displaced to an unlocked state due to a malfunction of lid member actuator 52. In this case, when connecting a power supply plug to charging inlet 20, lid member 14 cannot be displaced from a state in which it blocks inlet opening 13, and therefore a person cannot displace lid member 14. Because inlet opening 13 is not opened, the power supply plug cannot be connected to charging inlet 20.

[0051] In this embodiment, when the lid member actuator 52 malfunctions, the occupant opens the front door 19F as the door 19. As a result, the space S is opened to the outside of the vehicle 10, and the occupant can access the second end 62 of the release member 60 located in the space S. When the occupant pulls the second end 62 of the release member 60 in a direction away from the lid member lock 50, the lid member lock portion 51 as a lock portion is displaced from a locked state to an unlocked state. As a result, the lid member 14 can be displaced from a state in which it blocks the inlet opening 13. When the lid member 14 is displaced by a person, the inlet opening 13 is opened. As a result, the charging inlet 20 can be connected to a power supply plug.

[0052] [Effects of the first embodiment] According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1-1) When the second end 62 of the release member 60 is pulled in a direction away from the cover member lock 50, the cover member lock portion 51 as a lock portion is displaced from a locked state to an unlocked state. A space S is formed in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle body 11 between the partition wall 18 and the front door 19F as the door 19 with the door opening 12 closed. The space S is opened to the outside of the vehicle 10 when the front door 19F as the door 19 is in a state where the door opening 12 is open. The partition wall 18 is formed with a through hole 18h that opens into the space S. The release member 60 is inserted through the through hole 18h. The second end 62 is located in the space S. Therefore, when the cover member actuator 52 malfunctions, the occupant can access the second end 62 of the release member 60 located in the space S by opening the front door 19F as the door 19. This allows an occupant to displace the lid member 14 that is blocking the inlet opening 13 by pulling the second end 62 of the release member 60 in a direction away from the lid member lock 50. If the release member 60 were located in a position where it could be accessed by opening the hood, the occupant would need to open the hood after opening the door 19 and getting outside the vehicle 10, but in this embodiment, the release member 60 can be accessed without opening the hood. Therefore, it is possible to access the release member 60 earlier than when the release member 60 is located in a position where it can be accessed by opening the hood.

[0053] (1-2) At the end 11b in the width direction Y of the vehicle 10, a gap 17 communicating with the space S is formed between the partition wall 18 in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 10 and the front door 19F as the door 19 with the door opening 12 closed. The isolating portion 40 is positioned in the space S so as to separate the gap 17 from the second end 62. Therefore, with the door opening 12 closed by the front door 19F as the door 19, access to the release member 60 from outside the vehicle 10 through the gap 17 can be restricted.

[0054] (1-3) The locking portion 43 removably locks the second end 62. Therefore, when there is no need to access the release member 60, the second end 62 is locked to the locking portion 43, thereby preventing the portion of the release member 60 including the second end 62 extending from the through hole 18h from being displaced. This makes it easier for an occupant to access the release member 60 because the position of the second end 62 is fixed.

[0055] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of a vehicle will be described below with reference to the drawings. The vehicle in the second embodiment is different from the vehicle in the first embodiment in terms of the release member 60. The following description will focus on the configurations that are different from the first embodiment. Descriptions of the same configurations as the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle 10 in this embodiment includes a plug lock 30 similar to that in the first embodiment. That is, the plug lock 30 is accommodated in the vehicle body front portion 11a. Therefore, the plug lock 30 is provided forward of the front door 19F as the door 19 in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 10. The plug lock 30 includes a plug lock portion 31 and a plug actuator 32. The plug lock portion 31 is displaceable between a locked state in which the power supply plug is locked when the power supply plug is connected to the charging inlet 20, and an unlocked state in which the power supply plug is unlocked so that the power supply plug can be removed from the charging inlet 20. The plug actuator 32 displaces the plug lock portion 31 between the locked state and the unlocked state. In this embodiment, the plug lock portion 31 corresponds to a lock portion, and the plug actuator 32 corresponds to an actuator.

[0057] <Release member> The vehicle 10 is equipped with a linear release member 60. In this embodiment, the release member 60 is string-like. The release member 60 has a first end 61 and a second end 62 located on the opposite side to the first end 61. The first end 61 is connected to the plug lock 30.

[0058] In the release member 60, the second end 62 is pulled in a direction away from the plug lock 30, thereby displacing the plug lock portion 31, which serves as a lock portion, from a locked state to an unlocked state. The direction away from the plug lock 30 is, for example, rearward. When the second end 62 is pulled, for example, the plug actuator 32 is forcibly operated, thereby displacing the plug lock portion 31 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Therefore, when the release member 60 is pulled by a person such as an occupant, the lock on the convex portion of the power supply plug inserted into the concave portion 24 is released. As a result, the power supply plug inserted into the charging inlet 20 can be removed from the charging inlet 20. After the power supply plug is removed from the charging inlet 20 by a person, the inlet opening 13 is closed by the cover member 14.

[0059] The other configuration of the release member 60 is the same as that of the release member 60 in the first embodiment. That is, the release member 60 is inserted through the through hole 18h. The second end 62 is located in the space S. A gripping portion 63 is attached to the second end 62. The isolating portion 40 is located in the space S so as to separate the gap 17 and the second end 62. As shown in FIG. 4, the locking portion 43 removably locks the second end 62.

[0060] [Operation of the second embodiment] Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. When the power supply plug connected to charging inlet 20 is to be removed from charging inlet 20, plug actuator 32 normally displaces plug lock portion 31, which is in a locked state, to an unlocked state. This makes it possible for the power supply plug connected to charging inlet 20 to be removed from charging inlet 20.

[0061] If the charge level of the battery supplying power to the plug actuator 32 is low or if power is not normally supplied from the battery to the plug actuator 32, the plug actuator 32 may not operate normally. In such a case, the plug lock section 31, which has been in a locked state, may not be able to be displaced to an unlocked state due to a malfunction of the plug actuator 32. In this case, the power supply plug connected to the charging inlet 20 cannot be removed from the charging inlet 20.

[0062] In this embodiment, when the plug actuator 32 malfunctions, the occupant opens the front door 19F as the door 19. This opens the space S to the outside of the vehicle 10, allowing the occupant to access the second end 62 of the release member 60 located in the space S. When the occupant pulls the second end 62 of the release member 60 in a direction away from the plug lock 30, the plug lock portion 31 as a lock portion is displaced from the locked state to the unlocked state. This allows the power plug connected to the charging inlet 20 to be removed from the charging inlet 20.

[0063] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-2) and (1-3) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0064] (2-1) The second end 62 of the release member 60 is pulled in a direction away from the plug lock 30, and thus the plug lock portion 31 as a lock portion is displaced from a locked state to an unlocked state. A space S is formed in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle body 11 between the partition wall 18 and the front door 19F as the door 19 with the door opening 12 closed. The space S is opened to the outside of the vehicle 10 with the front door 19F as the door 19 opening the door opening 12. The partition wall 18 is formed with a through hole 18h that opens into the space S. The release member 60 is inserted through the through hole 18h. The second end 62 is located in the space S. Therefore, when the plug actuator 32 malfunctions, the occupant can access the second end 62 of the release member 60 located in the space S by opening the front door 19F as the door 19. This allows an occupant to pull the second end 62 of the release member 60 in a direction away from the plug lock 30, thereby enabling the power supply plug connected to the charging inlet 20 to be removed from the charging inlet 20. If the release member 60 were located at a position where it could be accessed by opening the hood, the occupant would need to open the hood after opening the door 19 and getting outside the vehicle 10, but in this embodiment, the release member 60 can be accessed without opening the hood. Therefore, it is possible to access the release member 60 earlier than when the release member 60 is located at a position where it can be accessed by opening the hood.

[0065] [Example of change] The embodiment can be modified as follows: The embodiment and the following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle 10 may include a support member 35. The vehicle 10 may include one support member 35 or a plurality of support members 35. The support member 35 supports, for example, a portion of the release member 60 exposed to the space S through the through hole 18h so as to extend rearward from the through hole 18h. In detail, the support member 35 is fixed to, for example, the pillar 16. The support member 35 is made of, for example, resin. A groove 36 is formed in the support member 35. The groove 36 opens, for example, toward the upper portion and penetrates the support member 35 in the front-rear direction X. By inserting the release member 60 into the groove 36, the support member 35 supports the release member 60 in a manner extending in the front-rear direction X. The support member 35 supports the release member 60 so that the second end 62 of the release member 60 is located rearward from the partition wall 18. This makes it easier for an occupant to access the second end 62 of the release member 60.

[0067] The shape and installation position of the locking portion 43 are not limited to those described in the embodiment. In short, the shape and installation position of the locking portion 43 can be changed as long as it can detachably lock the second end 62. The locking portion 43 may directly lock the second end 62 so that the locking portion 43 and the second end 62 are in contact with each other without locking the grip portion 63.

[0068] The locking portion 43 may be omitted from the vehicle 10. The shape of the grip portion 63 is not limited to the embodiment described above. In other words, the shape of the grip portion 63 can be changed as long as it can be gripped by a person.

[0069] The grip portion 63 may be omitted from the release member 60. The releasing member 60 is not limited to being string-like. For example, the releasing member 60 may be cord-like. In short, the releasing member 60 may be a linear member having a first end 61 and a second end 62.

[0070] The shape and installation position of the isolating portion 40 are not limited to those described in the embodiment. In short, the shape and installation position of the isolating portion 40 can be changed as long as the isolating portion 40 is positioned in the space S so as to separate the gap 17 and the second end portion 62. The isolating portion 40 may be integrated with a member that configures the vehicle body front portion 11a. For example, when the isolating portion 40 is provided in the partition wall 18, the partition wall 18 and the isolating portion 40 may be integrated.

[0071] The isolation portion 40 may be omitted from the vehicle 10. The plug lock 30 may be omitted from the vehicle 10 in the first embodiment. In this case, the recess 24 may be omitted from the charging inlet 20.

[0072] The cover member lock 50 may be omitted from the vehicle 10 in the second embodiment. Both the release member 60 associated with the cover member lock 50 in the first embodiment and the release member 60 associated with the plug lock 30 in the second embodiment may be provided in the vehicle 10. In this case, for example, a first through hole and a second through hole may be formed in the partition wall 18 as two through holes 18h that open into the space S. The release member 60 associated with the cover member lock 50 may be inserted through the first through hole. The release member 60 associated with the plug lock 30 may be inserted through the second through hole. As a result, both the second end 62 of the release member 60 associated with the cover member lock 50 and the second end 62 of the release member 60 associated with the plug lock 30 are located in the space S.

[0073] The shape of the partition wall 18 may be changed as long as a portion of the partition wall 18 closes the gap between the fender 15 and the pillar 16 . The vehicle 10 is not limited to having the front door 19F and a rear door (not shown) as the doors 19. For example, the vehicle 10 may have one door 19 on each of the right and left sides of the vehicle body 11 in the width direction Y. Even in this case, the door opening 12 opens in the width direction Y of the vehicle 10 and allows access to at least one of a driver's seat and a passenger seat 28. The door 19 is attached to the pillar 16. A space S is formed in the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 10 between the partition wall 18 and the door 19 with the door opening 12 closed. The space S is open to the outside of the vehicle 10 when the door 19 opens the door opening 12.

[0074] The door 19 is not limited to a door that displaces such that the front end of the door 19 enters the space S when displacing to open the door opening 12. For example, the door 19 may be a sliding door in which the front end of the door 19 displaces rearward when displacing to open the door opening 12. In short, it is sufficient that the door 19 operates in such a way that the space S is opened to the outside of the vehicle 10 when the door 19 opens the door opening 12.

[0075] The inlet opening 13 may be formed in the left end portion of the vehicle body front portion 11a in the width direction Y of the vehicle body 11. The positions of the charging inlet 20, the plug lock 30, and the cover member lock 50 in the vehicle body 11 may be changed in accordance with the change in the position of the inlet opening 13. The end portion 11b in this modified example is the left end portion of the vehicle 10 in the width direction Y. The cover member 14 in this modified example is provided on a fender 15 provided at the left end portion of the vehicle 10 in the width direction Y. In this modified example, the partition wall 18 in which the through hole 18h is formed is located between the fender 15 provided at the left end portion of the vehicle 10 as the end portion 11b and the pillar 16.

[0076] The inlet opening 13 may be formed at both the right end and the left end in the width direction Y of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle body front portion 11a. In this modified example, the charging inlet 20, the plug lock 30, and the lid member lock 50 are provided at both ends in the width direction Y of the vehicle 10 so as to be exposed to the outside of the vehicle body 11 from each of the two inlet openings 13. The ends 11b in this modified example are both the right end and the left end in the width direction Y of the vehicle 10. The lid members 14 in this modified example are provided in the fenders 15 at both ends in the width direction Y of the vehicle 10. In this modified example, the partition wall 18 in which the through hole 18h is formed is located between the fender 15 and the pillar 16 provided at the right end of the vehicle 10 as the end 11b, and between the fender 15 and the pillar 16 provided at the left end of the vehicle 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] S...space, X...front-rear direction, Y...width direction, 10...vehicle, 11b...end, 12...door opening, 13...inlet opening, 14...cover member, 15...fender, 16...pillar, 17...gap, 18...partition, 18h...through hole, 19...door, 20...charging inlet, 28...seat (as driver's seat and passenger seat), 29...front tire, 30...plug lock, 31...plug lock portion (as lock portion), 32...plug actuator (as actuator), 40...isolation portion, 43...engagement portion, 50...cover member lock, 51...cover member lock portion (as lock portion), 52...cover member actuator (as actuator), 60...release member, 61...first end, 62...second end.

Claims

1. A vehicle capable of charging an internal battery by connecting an external power supply plug, a door opening that opens in a width direction of the vehicle and allows access to at least one of a driver's seat and a passenger seat; a door for opening and closing the door opening; a charging inlet that is provided forward of the door in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and to which the power supply plug can be connected; Fenders covering the front tires, a pillar to which the door is attached; a partition wall that closes a gap between the fender and the pillar; an inlet opening formed in the fender for opening the charging inlet to the outside of the vehicle; a cover member provided on the fender and capable of closing the inlet opening; a lid member lock provided forward of the door in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle and including a locking portion displaceable between a locked state for locking the lid member with the inlet opening closed and an unlocked state for unlocking the lid member so that the inlet opening can be opened, and an actuator for displacing the locking portion between the locked state and the unlocked state; a linear release member having a first end connected to the lid member lock and a second end located opposite to the first end, the second end being pulled in a direction away from the lid member lock to displace the locking portion from the locked state to the unlocked state, a space is formed between the partition wall and the door in a front-rear direction of the vehicle when the door opening is closed, The space is opened to the outside of the vehicle when the door is in a state where the door opening is open, The partition wall has a through hole that opens into the space, The release member is inserted into the through hole, The vehicle, wherein the second end is located in the space.

2. A vehicle capable of charging an internal battery by connecting an external power supply plug, a door opening that opens in a width direction of the vehicle and allows access to at least one of a driver's seat and a passenger seat; a door for opening and closing the door opening; a charging inlet that is provided forward of the door in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and to which the power supply plug can be connected; Fenders covering the front tires, a pillar to which the door is attached; a partition wall that closes a gap between the fender and the pillar; an inlet opening formed in the fender for opening the charging inlet to the outside of the vehicle; a cover member provided on the fender and capable of closing the inlet opening; a plug lock, the plug lock being provided forward of the door in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle and including a locking portion displaceable between a locked state that locks the power supply plug when the power supply plug is connected to the charging inlet and an unlocked state that unlocks the power supply plug so that the power supply plug can be removed from the charging inlet, and an actuator that displaces the locking portion between the locked state and the unlocked state; a linear release member having a first end connected to the plug lock and a second end located opposite to the first end, and displacing the locking portion from the locked state to the unlocked state by pulling the second end in a direction away from the plug lock; a space is formed between the partition wall and the door in a front-rear direction of the vehicle when the door opening is closed, The space is opened to the outside of the vehicle when the door is in a state where the door opening is open, The partition wall has a through hole that opens into the space, The release member is inserted into the through hole, The vehicle, wherein the second end is located in the space.

3. a gap communicating with the space is formed between the fender in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and the door in a state in which the door opening is closed, at an end in a width direction of the vehicle, The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a separator located in the space so as to separate the gap from the second end.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fastening portion that removably fastens the second end portion.

Images