Charging Port Assembly and Vehicle

Abstract

Charging port assembly and vehicle. The charging port assembly includes a charging port base (1) and a charging port sliding inner cover assembly. The charging port sliding inner cover assembly includes a first plate (2) and a second plate (3). The first plate is disposed on the charging port base, and a movement space for the second plate to move is formed between the first plate and the charging port base. A through hole (21) is provided on the first plate, and a first charging port (11) and a second charging port (12) are provided in the through hole. The second plate (3) can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second plate covers the first charging port and exposes the second charging port. In the second position, the second plate covers the second charging port and exposes the first charging port. The charging port assembly in the present application does not occupy space other than the space of the first plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202221664635.8, filed on June 30, 2022, by BYD Co., Ltd., with the title "Charging Port Assembly and Vehicle".

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle charging technology, and more particularly, to a charging port assembly and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0003] In existing vehicle charging port structures, when an open signal is received, the outer cover of the charging port can be automatically opened, and the inner cover of the charging port needs to be manually opened. The opening direction of the inner cover of the charging port is an outward inversion, which occupies external space and particularly hinders the insertion and removal of the charging gun in a special use environment (for example, a storm). When the inner cover of the charging port is inverted outward, the inner cover of the charging port becomes dirty and gets wet by rainwater. In this case, the user experience is not good.

[0004] Currently, there are two types of charging ports in the market: an integrated charging port and a single charging port. The integrated charging port integrates a high - speed charging port and a low - speed charging port. The high - speed charging port cover is arranged on the high - speed charging port. The low - speed charging port cover is arranged on the low - speed charging port. When the high - speed charging port is used, the low - speed charging port cover needs to be manually closed to prevent rainwater and dust from entering the low - speed charging port. Similarly, when the low - speed charging port is used, the high - speed charging port cover needs to be manually closed to prevent rainwater and dust from entering the high - speed charging port.

[0005] From the above, it can be learned that the existing integrated charging port has a fast charging port cover and a slow charging port cover, and the fast charging port cover and the slow charging port cover are reversed outward, which occupies the external space and prevents the charging gun from being inserted and removed. In addition, during charging at the integrated charging port with the fast charging port cover and the slow charging port cover, the operation is more complicated, and the structure becomes more complex due to the addition of components.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This disclosure is intended to solve at least one of the technical problems of the related art to a certain extent.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure provides a charging port assembly.

[0008] The charging port assembly of this disclosure includes a charging port base and a charging port sliding inner cover assembly. The charging port sliding inner cover assembly includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is disposed on the charging port base. A movement space for the second plate to move is formed between the first plate and the charging port base. A through hole is provided on the first plate. A first charging port and a second charging port are provided inside the through hole. The second plate moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second plate covers the first charging port and exposes the second charging port. In the second position, the second plate covers the second charging port and exposes the first charging port.

[0009] According to the charging port assembly in the present disclosure, the second plate is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second plate covers the first charging port and exposes the second charging port. In the second position, the second plate covers the second charging port and exposes the first charging port. In other words, when the first charging port is used, the second charging port is covered by the second plate, and when the second charging port is used, the first charging port is covered by the second plate. The second plate moves between the first position and the second position, and as a result, the first charging port and the second charging port are opened and closed, which does not occupy the space outside the first plate and helps to insert and remove the charging gun compared with the existing manually reversible inner lid of the charging port. In addition, only the second plate is adopted to replace the high-speed charging port lid and the low-speed charging port lid in the related art, which simplifies the process of the charging operation, reduces the components, and results in a simpler structure.

[0010] The present disclosure further discloses a vehicle. The vehicle includes the above-described charging port assembly.

[0011] Some additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure are described in the following description. Some of these are apparent from the following description or learned through the implementation of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

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Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings. Elements having the same or similar elements or the same or similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the description. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation to the present disclosure.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the charging port assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a charging port base 1 and a charging port sliding inner cover assembly. The charging port sliding inner cover assembly includes a first plate 2, a second plate 3, and a driving device 4. The first plate 2 is disposed on the charging port base 1. A movement space 5 for the second plate 3 to move is formed between the first plate 2 and the charging port base 1. A through hole 21 is provided on the first plate 2. The first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are provided inside the through hole 21. The first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are disposed on the bottom wall of the charging port base 1 directly facing the through hole 21. The driving device 4 is configured to drive the second plate 3 to move in a first direction (i.e., direction X in FIGS. 1 and 2) between a first position (see FIG. 1) and a second position (see FIG. 2). In the first position, the second plate 3 covers the first charging port 11 and exposes the second charging port 12. In this case, the charging gun can be inserted into the second charging port 12. In the second position, the second plate 3 covers the second charging port 12 and exposes the first charging port 11. In this case, the charging gun can be inserted into the first charging port 11.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, the charging port base 1 is attached to the sheet metal 100 of the vehicle body.

[0016] A sliding resistance exists at the contact portion between the second plate 3 and the movement space 5 to ensure that the second plate 3 does not move as a result of vehicle acceleration / deceleration.

[0017] The direction X may be the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this case, the first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are arranged from the front to the rear. Alternatively, the direction X may be the vertical direction of the vehicle. In this case, the first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are arranged from the top to the bottom.

[0018] The first plate 2 and the charging port base 1 may be connected by a fastener, a bolt, a rivet, or the like. The outer surface of the first plate 2 may be provided with decorative features such as a leather texture, a spray-coated and laser-engraved pattern, or a light-transmissive pattern.

[0019] The second plate 3 is a member of hard plastic or metal. The outer surface of the second plate 3 may be provided with decorative features such as a leather texture, a spray-coated and laser-engraved pattern, or a light-transmissive pattern.

[0020] In one embodiment, one of the first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 is a high-speed charging interface, and the other is a low-speed charging interface. In this way, the charging switching between the high-speed charging port and the low-speed charging port can be realized by the second plate 3. Specifically, in order to prevent rainwater, dust, etc. from entering the charging port that does not need to be used, when high-speed charging is performed by the high-speed charging port, the low-speed charging port is covered by the second plate 3, and when high-speed charging is performed by the low-speed charging port, the high-speed charging port is covered by the second plate 3.

[0021] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the drive device 4 includes an actuator 41 and a transmission structure. An actuator mounting cavity 13 is provided on the charging port base 1. The actuator 41 is mounted in the actuator mounting cavity 13. The transmission structure is connected between the actuator 41 and the second plate 3. The actuator 41 drives the second plate 3 to move by means of the transmission structure. The actuator 41 includes a motor and a speed reducer. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the input end of the speed reducer. The output end of the speed reducer is connected to the transmission structure. The motor drives the second plate 3 to move, as a result of which the electrical opening and closing of the first charging interface 11 and the second charging interface 12 are achieved, and this can achieve the electrical opening and closing of the inner lid of the charging port (the second plate 3). In this way, the artificial intelligence level is increased, the actual usage needs of the user are satisfied, and the user experience is improved. In addition, by combining with the electrical opening and closing of the outer lid of the charging port, the artificial intelligence and automation of charging can be achieved, which helps to integrate with the charging robot. The command to drive the second plate 3 to move may be derived from a signal output by a detector of the vehicle or from a signal output by the interaction between the charging device and the vehicle.

[0022] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, columns 131 for attaching a large number of screws are arranged in the actuator mounting cavity 13. In this way, the actuator 41 can be mounted in the actuator mounting cavity 13 by means of screws.

[0023] In one embodiment, the speed reducer is a non-automatic locking worm gear type speed reducer. In this way, when the motor is not operating, in order to achieve manual opening and closing of the inner lid of the charging port, the second plate 3 is manually pushed to drive the motor in reverse (this requires a force exceeding a predetermined magnitude). Therefore, the manual opening and closing and the electric opening and closing of the inner lid of the charging port can be ensured, which ensures that there is a backup manual release solution when the motor fails.

[0024] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a first rack 6 extending in a first direction is disposed on the inner surface of the second plate 3. The transmission structure includes a gear transmission member 42. The gear transmission member 42 is drivingly connected to the first rack 6. The gear transmission member 42 includes a first gear 421 and a second gear 422 that mesh with each other. The first gear 421 is connected to the actuator 41. The second gear 422 engages with the first rack 6.

[0025] The first rack 6 and the second plate 3 may be separately disposed and fixedly connected by an adhesive or the like. Of course, the first rack 6 and the second plate 3 may be integrally formed to simplify the mounting process.

[0026] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the gear transmission member further includes a transmission shaft 423 and a third gear. The second gear 422 and the third gear are coaxially connected to two ends of the transmission shaft 423. The diameter of the second gear 423 is equal to the diameter of the third gear. The first rack 6 is disposed on the side of the inner surface of the second plate 3 close to the actuator 41. A second rack 7 parallel to the first rack 6 is disposed on the side of the inner surface of the second plate 3 away from the actuator 41. The third gear engages with the second rack 7. In this way, both sides of the second plate 3 are supported by gears and teeth, and as a result, the movement becomes more stable and does not turn.

[0027] However, in some other embodiments, the second rack 7 may be omitted. For example, the second rack 7, the third gear, and the transmission shaft 423 may be replaced by a sliding assembly (e.g., a sliding rail). In other words, the sliding on the side of the second plate 3 away from the actuator 41 is supported by the sliding assembly.

[0028] Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the second plate 3 may be directly disposed in the movement space 5 so as to slide. The actuator 41 directly drives the second plate 3 to slide. In this case, the gear transmission member 42, the first rack, and the second rack 7 may be eliminated.

[0029] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, a protruding portion 14 protruding outward is disposed on the bottom wall of the charging port base 1. A partition plate 15 is disposed at the central position of the protruding portion 14. The first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are present on both sides of the partition plate 15 in the first direction. When the first charging interface 11 is used, the partition plate 15 can prevent rainwater, dust, etc. from entering the second charging port 12. Similarly, when the second charging interface 12 is used, the partition plate 15 can prevent rainwater, dust, etc. from entering the first charging port 11.

[0030] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, the first locking hole 16 is provided on the bottom wall of the charging port base 1 below the first charging port 11. The first locking hole 16 is used to lock the charging gun inserted into the first charging port 11. The second locking hole 17 is provided on the bottom wall of the charging port base 1 below the second charging port 12. The second locking hole 17 is used to lock the charging gun inserted into the second charging port 12.

[0031] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, a first accommodation cavity 141 is provided on the side of the protrusion 14 close to the actuator 41. A second accommodation cavity 142 is provided on the side of the protrusion 14 away from the actuator 41. The first gear 421 and the second gear 422 are accommodated in the first accommodation cavity 141. The third gear is accommodated in the second accommodation cavity 142. A first through hole 143 for the transmission shaft 423 to pass through is provided on the first accommodation cavity 141. A second through hole for the transmission shaft 423 to pass through is provided on the second accommodation cavity 142. The first through hole 141 is coaxial with the second through hole. In this way, the transmission shaft 423 is rotatably attached to the charging port base 1.

[0032] However, it is also conceivable that the mounting base is mounted on the inner surface of the second plate 3 and the transmission shaft 423 is rotatably attached to the mounting base of the second plate 3.

[0033] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, a first limiting member 18 is arranged on the side wall of the charging port base 1 away from the second charging port 12. A second limiting member 19 is arranged on the side of the bottom wall of the charging port base 1 away from the first charging port 11. The first limiting member 18 is configured to contact the second plate 3 and limit the second plate 3 when the second plate reaches the first position. The second limiting member 19 is configured to contact the second plate 3 and limit the second plate 3 when the second plate reaches the second position.

[0034] However, it is also conceivable that the first limiting member 18 and the second limiting member 19 are arranged on the second plate 3.

[0035] In the charging port assembly according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving device 4 can drive the second plate 3 to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second plate 3 covers the first charging port 11 and exposes the second charging port 12. In the second position, the second plate 3 covers the second charging port 12 and exposes the first charging port 11. In other words, when the first charging port 11 is used, the second charging port 12 is covered by the second plate 3, and when the second charging port 12 is used, the first charging port 11 is covered by the second plate 3. The first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are opened and closed in a sliding manner, and this does not occupy the space outside the first plate, which helps to insert and remove the charging gun as compared with the existing manually reversible inner lid of the charging port. In addition, only the second plate 3 is adopted to replace the fast charging port and the slow charging port in the related art, which simplifies the process of the charging operation, reduces the components, and results in a simpler structure.

[0036] In addition, in another embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, the gear transmission member 42 includes a first output gear 424. The first output gear 424 is connected to the actuator 41. The first output gear 424 is engaged with the first rack 6.

[0037] In one embodiment, the gear transmission member 42 further includes a transmission shaft 423 and a second output gear. The first output gear 424 and the second output gear are coaxially connected to two ends of the transmission shaft 423. The diameter of the first output gear 424 is equal to the diameter of the second output gear. The first rack 6 is disposed on the side of the inner surface of the second plate 3 close to the actuator 41. A second rack (not shown in FIG. 6) parallel to the first rack is disposed on the side of the inner surface of the second plate 3 away from the actuator 41. The second output gear is engaged with the second rack.

[0038] The first output gear 424 is adopted to replace the first gear and the second gear shown in FIG. 4. The first output gear 424 is directly connected between the actuator 41 and the first rack 6, resulting in a simpler transmission structure.

[0039] However, in some other embodiments, the second rack may be omitted. For example, the second rack and the second output gear may be replaced by a sliding component (e.g., a sliding rail). In other words, the sliding on the side of the second plate 3 away from the actuator 41 is supported by a sliding assembly.

[0040] Furthermore, in some other embodiments, the second plate 3 may be directly disposed in the movement space 5 so as to slide. The actuator 41 directly drives the second plate 3 to slide. In this case, the gear transmission member 42, the first rack 6, and the second rack may be omitted.

[0041] In addition, in some implementation stagnations, the driving device 4 may be omitted. The second plate 3 can be moved between the first position and the second position by manually pushing. In this way, the structure becomes simpler and the cost becomes lower.

[0042] In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes the above charging port assembly.

[0043] The vehicle further includes a charging port outer cover. The charging port outer cover is disposed outside the first plate so as to slide or reverse.

[0044] In the description of the present disclosure, directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "central", "vertical", "horizontal", "length", "width", "thickness", "above", "below", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial direction", "radial direction", and "outer circumferential direction" are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are used merely to facilitate and concisely explain and describe the present disclosure, rather than to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific direction or be configured and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limitations on the present disclosure.

[0045] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for the purpose of description, and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the technical features being referred to. Therefore, the features defined by "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the present disclosure, "multiple" means more than two unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

[0046] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly specified or defined, terms such as "attach", "connect", "join", and "fix" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the connection may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, or may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, or may be a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, an internal communication between two elements, or a relationship of interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure based on specific examples.

[0047] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly specified or defined, for a first feature to be "on" or "under" a second feature may mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature via an intermediate medium. In addition, for a first feature to be "over", "above", or "on" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or may simply refer to the first feature being at a higher horizontal position than the second feature. For a first feature to be "below", "under", or "beneath" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or may simply refer to the first feature being at a lower horizontal position than the second feature.

[0048] In the description of this specification, a description referring to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "one example", "a specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described while referring to the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In the specification, exemplary descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily target the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined with any one or more embodiments or examples in an appropriate manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can integrate or combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification, and the features of different embodiments or examples, as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be construed as limitations on the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, or variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A charging port assembly comprising a charging port base and a sliding inner cover assembly for the charging port, wherein the sliding inner cover assembly for the charging port comprises a first plate and a second plate, the first plate is disposed on the charging port base, a movement space for the second plate to move is formed between the first plate and the charging port base, a through hole is provided on the first plate, and a first charging port and a second charging port are provided inside the through hole. The second plate is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second plate covers the first charging port and exposes the second charging port. In the second position, the second plate covers the second charging port and exposes the first charging port.

2. The charging port assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a driving device configured to drive the second plate to move between the first position and the second position.

3. The driving device comprises an actuator and a transmission structure. An actuator mounting cavity is provided on the charging port base. The actuator is mounted in the actuator mounting cavity. The transmission structure is connected between the actuator and the second plate. The actuator drives the second plate to move by the transmission structure. The charging port assembly according to claim 2.

4. The charging port assembly according to claim 3, wherein the actuator comprises a motor and a speed reducer. An output shaft of the motor is connected to an input end of the speed reducer, and an output end of the speed reducer is connected to the transmission structure.

5. The charging port assembly according to claim 4, wherein the speed reducer is a non-automatically locking worm gear type speed reducer.

6. A first rack extending in a first direction is disposed on an inner surface of the second plate. The transmission structure comprises a gear transmission member, and the gear transmission member is drivingly connected to the first rack. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The charging port assembly according to claim 6, wherein the gear transmission member comprises a first gear and a second gear meshing with each other. The first gear is connected to the actuator, and the second gear meshes with the first rack.

8. The gear transmission member further includes a transmission shaft and a third gear. The second gear and the third gear are coaxially connected to two ends of the transmission shaft. The diameter of the second gear is equal to the diameter of the third gear. The first rack is disposed on a side of the inner surface of the second plate close to the actuator. A second rack parallel to the first rack is disposed on a side of the inner surface of the second plate away from the actuator. The third gear meshes with the second rack. The charging port assembly according to claim 7.

9. The gear transmission member includes a first output gear. The first output gear is connected to the actuator. The first output gear meshes with the first rack. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. The gear transmission member further includes the transmission shaft and a second output gear. The first output gear and the second output gear are coaxially connected to two ends of the transmission shaft. The diameter of the first output gear is equal to the diameter of the second output gear. The first rack is disposed on a side of the inner surface of the second plate close to the actuator. The second rack parallel to the first rack is disposed on a side of the inner surface of the second plate away from the actuator. The second output gear meshes with the second rack. The charging port assembly according to claim 9.

11. A protruding portion protruding outward is disposed on the bottom wall of the charging port base. A partition plate is disposed at a central position of the protruding portion. The first charging port and the second charging port are installed in a first direction on both sides of the partition plate. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A first locking hole is provided on the bottom wall of the charging port base below the first charging port. The first locking hole is used to lock a charging gun inserted into the first charging port. A second locking hole is provided on the bottom wall of the charging port base below the second charging port. The second locking hole is used to lock a charging gun inserted into the second charging port. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The first limiting member is disposed on a side wall of the charging port base away from the second charging port, and the second limiting member is disposed on a side of the bottom wall of the charging port base away from the first charging port. The first limiting member is configured to abut against the second plate and limit the second plate when the second plate reaches the first position, and the second limiting member is configured to abut against the second plate and limit the second plate when the second plate reaches the second position. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein one of the first charging port and the second charging port is a fast charging interface and the other is a slow charging interface.

15. A vehicle comprising the charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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