Cap mechanism and charging inlet

Abstract

One embodiment provides a cap mechanism and a charging inlet that can reduce the effort required of the operator during charging. [Solution] One embodiment of the cap mechanism is a cap mechanism used in a charging inlet, which is an in-vehicle component, wherein the charging inlet includes a housing having an internal space into which a power supply connector can be fitted, and the cap mechanism includes a holder attached to the housing, a cap that is rotatably held by the holder and movable between a closed position that covers the internal space and an open position that opens the internal space, a first biasing member that biases the cap toward the closed position, and a locking mechanism that locks and holds the cap in the open position when the cap is moved to the open position, and releases the lock when the power supply connector comes into contact with the internal space when the power supply connector is inserted, allowing the cap to move toward the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cap mechanism and a charging inlet.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a charging inlet for a vehicle, which includes an inlet box attached to an outer panel of the vehicle and a cap that is connected to the inlet box via a hinge mechanism and opens and closes an opening of the inlet box.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the charging inlet of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to manually close the cap after charging is completed, it causes trouble for the operator.

[0005] One embodiment is to provide a cap mechanism and a charging inlet that can reduce the labor of the operator during charging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One embodiment of the cap mechanism is a cap mechanism used in a charging inlet which is an in-vehicle component, wherein the charging inlet comprises a housing having an internal space into which a power supply connector can be fitted, and the cap mechanism comprises a holder attached to the housing, a cap rotatably held by the holder and movable between a closed position covering the internal space and an open position opening the internal space, a first biasing member that biases the cap toward the closed position, and a locking mechanism that locks and holds the cap in the open position when the cap is moved to the open position, and releases the lock when the power supply connector comes into contact with the internal space when the power supply connector is inserted, allowing the cap to move toward the closed position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, the effort required of the worker during charging can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the charging inlet of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cap mechanism of the charging inlet in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the cap mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A plan view showing the structure around the holder of the cap mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows the internal space of the first embodiment opened up, with the power supply connector being inserted into the internal space. [Figure 6] This figure shows the internal space of the first embodiment opened up and the power supply connector inserted. [Figure 7] This figure shows the state immediately after the power supply connector of the first embodiment has been pulled out of the internal space. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cap mechanism of the charging inlet in the second embodiment. [Figure 9]A schematic cross-sectional view showing the main parts around the cap mechanism of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. Note that the components described below do not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0010] In this disclosure, terms are defined as follows: “Connection” may include electrical connections, not just mechanical ones. That is, “Connection” may include cases where two elements to be connected are directly connected, not just cases where two elements to be connected are connected with another element in between. “Accommodation” may include cases where only a part of a part is accommodated, not just cases where the rest of the part protrudes. “Facing” means that the virtual projections of two objects overlap when viewed from a particular direction. That is, “Facing” may include cases where two objects face each other with another member present between them, not just cases where two objects face each other. “Parallel,” “orthogonal,” or “same” may include cases where they are “approximately parallel,” “approximately orthogonal,” or “approximately the same,” respectively.

[0011] In this disclosure, the +X direction, -X direction, +Y direction, -Y direction, +Z direction, and -Z direction are defined as follows: The +X direction is the direction from the first end face 41a to the second end face 41b of the holder body 41, which will be described later (see Figure 3). The -X direction is the direction opposite to the +X direction. Hereinafter, when the +X direction and the -X direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "X direction". The +Y direction and the -Y direction are directions that intersect (for example, are orthogonal to) the X direction. The +Y direction is the direction from the third end face 41c to the fourth end face 41d of the holder body 41, which will be described later (see Figure 3). The -Y direction is the direction opposite to the +Y direction. Hereinafter, when the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "Y direction". The +Z direction and the -Z direction are directions that intersect (for example, are orthogonal to) the X direction and the Y direction. The +Z direction is the direction from the fifth end face 41e to the sixth end face 41f of the holder body 41, which will be described later (see Figure 3). The -Z direction is the opposite direction to the +Z direction. Hereafter, if the +Z direction and the -Z direction are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as the "Z direction".

[0012] In the following, when the X and Y directions are not distinguished, they may be referred to as the "horizontal direction." In the following, this embodiment will be described using the case where the X direction is the "front-back direction," the Y direction is the "left-right direction," and the Z direction is the "up-down direction" as an example. In the following, the +Z direction will be referred to as "up," and the -Z direction as "down." However, these expressions do not limit the direction of gravity of the charging inlet 1 (the installation orientation of the charging inlet 1).

[0013] (First Embodiment) <1. Configuration of the charging inlet> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the charging inlet 1 according to the first embodiment. The charging inlet 1 is an in-vehicle component. The charging inlet 1 is a connector assembled to the vehicle body of a vehicle equipped with a battery such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). A power supply connector 2 (see FIG. 5) on the power supply device (not shown) side is fitted to the charging inlet 1 when charging the vehicle battery. Then, in a state where the power supply connector 2 is fitted to the charging inlet 1, power is supplied from the power supply device to the vehicle side and the battery is charged.

[0014] The charging inlet 1 according to the present embodiment has a first connector portion 3 and a second connector portion 4, and a plurality of signal terminals and power terminals are mounted on these first connector portion 3 and second connector portion 4 from the -X direction side. In the first connector portion 3, for example, a plurality of signal terminals connected to signal lines and a pair of power terminals connected to power lines are inserted and mounted. In the second connector portion 4, for example, a pair of power terminals 5 connected to a power line are inserted and mounted. The charging inlet 1 further includes a housing 10 and a cap mechanism 30.

[0015] <2. Configuration of the housing> The housing 10 includes a front housing 20 and a rear housing 11. The front housing 20 is formed of a synthetic resin. The front housing 20 has an internal space 20a, a storage chamber 20b, a partition wall 21, an AC socket 25a, a DC socket 25b, a partition wall portion 23 (see FIG. 2), a mounting flange 24, and a holding portion 27 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0016] The internal space 20a is formed in the front housing 20. The internal space 20a is open on the +X direction side. The internal space 20a is fitted with a power supply connector 2 (see FIG. 5) inserted from the +X direction side. In the present embodiment, two internal spaces 20a are provided side by side in the vertical direction (Z direction). In the upper (+Z direction side) internal space 20a, a cylindrical AC socket 25a is arranged, and signal terminals and power terminals (not shown) are inserted into the AC socket 25a from the -X direction side. Only one AC socket 25a is arranged in the upper internal space 20a, and the internal space 20a is formed in a cylindrical shape along the outer shape of the AC socket 25a. The upper internal space 20a, the AC socket 25a, the signal terminals and the power terminals constitute the first connector portion 3.

[0017] On the other hand, in the lower (-Z direction side) internal space 20a, a cylindrical DC socket 25b extending in the X direction is arranged, and a power terminal 5 is inserted into the DC socket 25b from the -X direction side. This power terminal 5 is a charging terminal through which a charging current flows and is an example of a "terminal". Two DC sockets 25b adjacent to each other in the Y direction are arranged in the lower internal space 20a, and are formed in an elliptical shape that is long in the Y direction when viewed from the X direction so as to cover the two DC sockets 25b from the outer peripheral side. By inserting the power supply connector 2 into the lower internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 is connected to the power terminal 5. The lower internal space 20a, the DC socket 25b, and the power terminal 5 constitute the second connector portion 4.

[0018] The upper internal space 20a and the lower internal space 20a communicate with each other in the X direction. Hereinafter, the upper internal space 20a in which the AC socket 25a is arranged may be referred to as the "AC-side internal space 20a", and the lower internal space 20a in which the DC socket 25b is arranged may be referred to as the "DC-side internal space 20a". Hereinafter, the lower (DC-side) internal space 20a will be described, and unless otherwise specified, the internal space 20a means the lower (DC-side) internal space 20a.

[0019] Below the internal space 20a, a storage chamber 20b is formed in which a cap mechanism 30, described later, is housed. A partition wall 21 extending in the X and Y directions is formed between the internal space 20a and the storage chamber 20b. The partition wall 21 separates the internal space 20a from the storage chamber 20b. The partition wall 21 has an insertion hole 21b that penetrates the partition wall 21 in the Z direction. The projection 63 of the lever 60, described later, is inserted through this insertion hole 21b. In addition, a partition wall portion 23 (see Figure 2) is provided in the part of the front housing 20 closer to the -X direction. The partition wall portion 23 extends in the Y and Z directions and is located at the rear end of the internal space 20a and the storage chamber 20b. A terminal storage chamber 26 (see Figure 2) is formed in the partition wall portion 23 at a position facing the AC socket 25a and DC socket 25b in the X direction. By inserting terminals such as power terminals 5 into the terminal housing chamber 26 from the -X direction, the terminals are inserted into each socket 25a and 25b. The mounting flange 24 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the front housing 20. The mounting flange 24 has bolt holes 24a, and the charging inlet 1 is attached to the vehicle by screwing mounting bolts (not shown) inserted into these bolt holes 24a into screw holes (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0020] The retaining portion 27 (see Figures 3 and 4) is provided on the surface of the partition wall portion 23 facing the +X direction. The retaining portion 27 protrudes from the partition wall portion 23 in the +X direction and is provided in pairs, separated in the Y direction. The retaining portion 27 has a retaining groove 27a. The retaining groove 27a is open in the +X direction. The retaining groove 27a is formed in a C shape when viewed in the Y direction. The retaining groove 27a holds the shaft 46 to be held by the holder 40, which will be described later.

[0021] The rear housing 11 is attached to the lower (DC side) internal space 20a of the front housing 20 (the part constituting the second connector section 4) from its -X direction side. The rear housing 11 is molded from synthetic resin. Electric wires 6 connected to the power terminals 5 are drawn out from the rear housing 11.

[0022] <3. Cap Mechanism> Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cap mechanism 30 of the charging inlet 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cap mechanism 30 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the structure around the holder 40 of the cap mechanism 30 according to the first embodiment. The cap mechanism 30 is used in the charging inlet 1. The cap mechanism 30 is attached to the -Z direction side portion of the housing 10. The cap mechanism 30 is a component with a structure separate from the housing 10. The cap mechanism 30 comprises a holder 40, a cap 50, a first biasing member 32, and a locking mechanism 35.

[0023] (Holder) The holder 40 is housed within the housing chamber 20b. The holder 40 is attached to the housing 10 so as to face the mounting surface 21c of the partition wall 21 facing the -Z direction from the -Z direction side. The holder 40 is provided separately from the housing 10 and is detachably attached to the housing 10. The holder 40 is supported from the -Z direction side by the lower surface of the housing chamber 20b. The holder 40 comprises a holder body 41, a shaft to be held 46, and an overhanging portion 47.

[0024] The holder body 41 comprises a first body portion 42 and a second body portion 43 aligned in the X direction. Both the first body portion 42 and the second body portion 43 are formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with edges in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The dimensions of the first body portion 42 in the X, Y, and Z directions are designed to be smaller than the dimensions of the second body portion 43 in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The upper surface of the first body portion 42 (the surface facing the +Z direction) and the upper surface of the second body portion 43 are continuously located on the same plane. Also, the surface of the first body portion 42 facing the +Y direction and the surface of the second body portion 43 facing the +Y direction are continuous. In another view, the holder body 41 has a first end face 41a, a second end face 41b, a third end face 41c, a fourth end face 41d, a fifth end face 41e, and a sixth end face 41f. The first end face 41a is the face of the holder body 41 facing the -X direction, and the second end face 41b is the face of the holder body 41 facing the +X direction. The first end face 41a and the second end face 41b are a pair of end faces in the front-rear direction and are separated in the X direction. The third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d are a pair of end faces in the left-right direction and are separated in the Y direction. The third end face 41c is the face of the holder body 41 facing the -Y direction, and the fourth end face 41d is the face of the holder body 41 facing the +Y direction. The fifth end face 41e and the sixth end face 41f are a pair of end faces in the up-down direction and are separated in the Z direction. The fifth end face 41e is the face of the holder body 41 facing the -Z direction, and the sixth end face 41f is the face of the holder body 41 facing the +Z direction. The sixth end face 41f of the holder body 41 faces the mounting surface 21c of the partition wall 21, and the fifth end face 41e of the holder body 41 is in contact with the lower surface of the storage chamber 20b.

[0025] The holder body 41 has a first storage chamber 44 and a second storage chamber 45. The first storage chamber 44 is located on the -X side of the holder body 41. The second storage chamber 45 is located on the +X side of the holder body 41. The first storage chamber 44 extends from the first body portion 42 to the second body portion 43. The first storage chamber 44 penetrates the holder body 41 in the vertical direction. The second storage chamber 45 communicates with the first storage chamber 44 and extends from the first storage chamber 44 in the +Z direction. The second storage chamber 45 penetrates the holder body 41 in the vertical direction and opens to the +X side. Furthermore, the Y-direction dimension of the second storage chamber 45 is larger than the Y-direction dimension of the first storage chamber 44. The first housing chamber 44 houses the -X direction side of the lever 60, which will be described later, and the second housing chamber 45 houses the +X direction side of the lever 60 and the rotating part 51, which will be described later.

[0026] The retained shaft 46 is provided at the -X direction end of the second main body portion 43. The retained shaft 46 is provided on the third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d, respectively, and protrudes in the Y direction. The retained shaft 46 is arranged on the same axis. The retained shaft 46 engages with the retaining groove 27a of the retaining portion 27 formed in the housing 10. The holder 40 is held in a predetermined position within the housing 10 by the engagement between the retained shaft 46 and the retaining portion 27. For example, the holder 40 is fixed to the housing 10 by the retained shaft 46 snap-fitting into the retaining groove 27a. Therefore, the operator can easily remove the retained shaft 46 from the retaining groove 27a and release the engagement between the retained shaft 46 and the retaining portion 27 simply by pulling the holder 40 in the +X direction. Once the engagement between the retained shaft 46 and the retaining portion 27 is released, the holder 40 becomes removable from the housing 10. Through this engagement between the held shaft 46 and the holding portion 27, the holder 40 is detachably attached to the housing 10.

[0027] The protruding portion 47 is provided at the end of the holder body 41 on the +X direction side. The protruding portion 47 extends in the Y direction from the third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d of the holder body 41. The end face of the protruding portion 47 on the +X direction side is continuous with the second end face 41b of the holder body 41 and is located on the same plane as the second end face 41b.

[0028] (1st axis) The first shaft 31 is attached to the holder body 41. The first shaft 31 is housed in the region of the second housing chamber 45 on the +X side. The first shaft 31 extends in the Y direction and penetrates the holder body 41. Both ends of the first shaft 31 are supported by the third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d of the holder body 41.

[0029] (cap) The cap 50 is held in the holder 40 so as to be rotatable around the first shaft 31. The cap 50 is provided to move between a closed position P1 that covers the internal space 20a and an open position P2 that opens the internal space 20a by rotating around the first shaft 31. The cap 50 is molded from synthetic resin. The cap 50 has a cap body 52 and an upright portion 56.

[0030] The cap body 52 is formed in an elongated elliptical shape in the Y direction, which is the same shape as the internal space 20a on the DC side. The cap body 52 is a component that opens and closes the internal space 20a. In the closed position P1, the cap body 52 is positioned to extend in the vertical direction (Z direction) and covers the internal space 20a. In the open position P2, the cap body 52 is positioned to extend in the horizontal direction and opens the internal space 20a. In the open position P2, the cap body 52 is located on the -Z direction side of the internal space 20a and is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that it gradually moves towards the -Z direction as it moves from the first axis 31 toward the +X direction (see Figure 5).

[0031] The upright portion 56 is formed to rise perpendicularly to the cap body 52. ​​The upright portion 56 is formed in an elliptical shape to follow the outer edge of the cap body 52. ​​In the closed position P1, the upright portion 56 is positioned along the internal space 20a.

[0032] (First biasing member) The first biasing member 32 biases the cap 50 toward the closed position P1. In this embodiment, the first biasing member 32 is a torsion spring wound around the first shaft 31. The first biasing member 32 is held by the holder 40 and is housed in the base housing chamber 53 of the rotating part 51, which will be described later. One end of the first biasing member 32 is fixed to the holder 40, and the other end of the first biasing member 32 is fixed to the rotating part 51.

[0033] (Locking mechanism) When the cap 50 is moved to the open position P2, the locking mechanism 35 locks and holds the cap 50 in the open position. Furthermore, when the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the locking mechanism 35 is released when the power supply connector 2 makes contact, allowing the cap 50 to move toward the closed position P1. The structure of the locking mechanism 35 will now be described in detail. The locking mechanism 35 includes a rotating part 51, a second shaft 33, a lever 60, and a second biasing member 34.

[0034] (Rotating part) The rotating part 51 is provided integrally with the cap 50. The rotating part 51 is provided at the -X direction end of the cap body 52. ​​The rotating part 51 is attached to the first shaft 31 and is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the Y direction with the first shaft 31 as the center. The first shaft 31 is inserted through the rotating part 51. The rotating part 51 is an integral part of the first shaft 31 and is rotatable about the first shaft 31. The rotating part 51 has a base housing chamber 53, a closing engagement groove 54, and an opening engagement groove 55. The base housing chamber 53 is formed on the -Y direction side of the rotating part 51. The base housing chamber 53 houses the -Y direction portion of the first shaft 31 and the first biasing member 32. The closing engagement groove 54 and the opening engagement groove 55 are formed on the +Y direction side of the rotating part 51. The closing engagement groove 54 and the opening engagement groove 55 are formed on the outer circumferential surface 51a of the rotating part 51. The closing engagement groove 54 and the opening engagement groove 55 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. In the closed position P1, the closing engagement groove 54 is located on the +Z direction side relative to the opening engagement groove 55 (see Figure 2), and in the open position P2, the closing engagement groove 54 is located on the +X direction side relative to the opening engagement groove 55. The closing engagement groove 54 extends in the extending direction (Y direction) of the first shaft 31. In the closed position P1, the closing engagement groove 54 engages with the engagement claw 64 of the lever 60, which will be described later. The opening engagement groove 55 extends in the extending direction (Y direction) of the first shaft 31. In the open position P2, the opening engagement groove 55 engages with the engagement claw 64 of the lever 60, which will be described later. The opening engagement groove 55 is an example of an engagement groove.

[0035] (2nd axis) The second shaft 33 is attached to the holder body 41. The second shaft 33 is housed in the -X direction region of the second housing chamber 45. The second shaft 33 is positioned further to the -X direction and further to the -Z direction than the first shaft 31. The second shaft 33 extends in the Y direction and penetrates the holder body 41. Both ends of the second shaft 33 are supported by the third end face 41c and the fourth end face 41d of the holder body 41.

[0036] (lever) The lever 60 is provided so as to be able to engage with an opening engagement groove 55 and a closing engagement groove 54. When the cap 50 is opened to the open position P2, the lever 60 engages with the opening engagement groove 55, locking and holding the cap 50 in the open position P2. Also, when the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space, the power supply connector 2 comes into contact with the lever 60, causing the lever 60 to disengage from the opening engagement groove 55, thereby releasing the lock on the cap 50 in the open position P2. The detailed structure of the lever 60 will be described below. The lever 60 is held in the holder 40. The lever 60 is positioned on the -X side with respect to the rotating part 51. The lever 60 is provided so as to be able to rotate around the second axis 33. The lever 60 is molded from synthetic resin. The lever 60 has a lever body 61, a lever mounting part 62, a projection 63, and an engaging claw 64. The lever body 61 extends toward the back side (-X direction) in the insertion direction of the power supply connector 2 and connects the projection 63 and the engaging claw 64. The lever body 61 is an example of the first part of the lever 60. The lever mounting portion 62 is provided at the +X direction end of the lever body 61 and protrudes from the lever body 61 in the -Z direction. The lever mounting portion 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the Y direction with the second shaft 33 as its center. The second shaft 33 is inserted through the lever mounting portion 62. The lever mounting portion 62 is an integral part of the second shaft 33 and is rotatable about the second shaft 33. The outer peripheral surface 62a of the lever mounting portion 62 facing the -Z direction is curved in an arc shape that protrudes outward when viewed in the Y direction.

[0037] The projection 63 is provided at the -X-direction end of the lever body 61. The projection 63 is formed to bend inward from the lever body 61 into the internal space 20a. The projection 63 is an example of the second part of the lever 60. When the lever 60 is biased by the second biasing member 34 (described later), the projection 63 is inserted into the through hole 21b that penetrates the partition wall 21 in the Z direction and protrudes into the internal space 20a. The outer peripheral surface 63a of the projection 63 facing the +Z direction is curved in an arc shape that protrudes outward when viewed in the Y direction. When the power supply connector 2 (see Figure 5) is inserted into the internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 comes into contact with the projection 63.

[0038] The engaging claw 64 is provided at the +X direction end of the lever body 61. When the cap 50 is moved from the closed position P1 to the open position P2, the engaging claw 64 engages with the open engagement groove 55, locking the cap 50 in the open position P2. When the cap 50 is moved from the open position P2 to the closed position P1, the engaging claw 64 engages with the close engagement groove 54, locking the cap 50 in the closed position P1. Thus, the cap mechanism 30 of this embodiment is equipped with a cam structure that engages and disengages the engaging claw 64 and the open engagement groove 55 (or close engagement groove 54) as the cap 50 moves. The outer peripheral surface 64a of the engaging claw 64 facing the +X direction is curved in an arc shape that protrudes outward when viewed in the Y direction.

[0039] (Second biasing member) When the lever 60 engages with the opening engagement groove 55, the second biasing member 34 biases the lever 60 to maintain its position. Specifically, the second biasing member 34 biases the lever 60 in a rotational direction toward the internal space 20a. In this embodiment, the second biasing member 34 is a torsion spring wound around the second shaft 33. The second biasing member 34 is held by the holder 40 and housed inside the lever 60. One end of the second biasing member 34 is fixed to the holder 40, and the other end of the second biasing member 34 is fixed to the lever 60.

[0040] <4. Operation of the cap mechanism during charging> Next, the operation of the cap mechanism 30 during charging will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 5 to 7. Figure 5 shows the state in which the internal space 20a of the first embodiment is opened and the power supply connector 2 is being inserted into the internal space 20a. Figure 6 shows the state in which the internal space 20a of the first embodiment is opened and the insertion of the power supply connector 2 is completed. Figure 7 shows the state immediately after the power supply connector 2 of the first embodiment has been withdrawn from the internal space 20a. In each drawing, the insertion position of the power supply connector 2 is schematically illustrated. The operator grasps the cap body 52 in the closed position P1 shown in Figure 2 and moves it in the -Z direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the cap 50 rotates counterclockwise around the first axis 31 when viewed from the +Y direction, moving from the closed position P1 to the open position P2. Due to this movement, the rotating part 51 rotates counterclockwise around the first axis 31, and the opening engagement groove 55 moves in the +Z direction. Due to this movement, in the open position P2, the engaging claw 64 of the lever 60 enters the opening engagement groove 55, and the engaging claw 64 and the opening engagement groove 55 engage. The engagement of the engaging claw 64 and the opening engagement groove 55 locks the cap 50 in the open position P2.

[0041] Subsequently, when the operator inserts the power supply connector 2 into the internal space 20a in the -X direction, when the power supply connector 2 reaches the -X end of the internal space 20a, as shown in Figure 6, the projection 63 of the lever 60 moves in the direction (-Z direction) that pushes it out of the insertion hole 21b by the power supply connector 2. This movement of the projection 63 in the -Z direction causes the lever 60 to rotate clockwise around the second axis 33 when viewed from the +Y direction. That is, the lever 60 rotates around the second axis 33 in the direction that the projection 63 moves away from the internal space 20a in the -Z direction. Due to this rotation of the lever 60, the engaging claw 64 moves in the +Z direction into the internal space 20a, opposite to the projection 63. This movement of the engaging claw 64 causes the engaging claw 64 to open and disengage from the engaging groove 55, releasing the engagement between the engaging claw 64 and the open engaging groove 55. The engagement between the engaging claw 64 and the opening engaging groove 55 is released, thereby releasing the lock on the cap 50. The cap 50 then begins to rotate around the first axis 31 from the open position P2 to the closed position P1 due to the biasing force of the first biasing member 32. Subsequently, the +X side end of the cap 50 comes into contact with the power supply connector 2 from the -Z direction, temporarily stopping the rotation of the cap 50.

[0042] Once charging is complete and the power connector 2 is completely withdrawn from the internal space 20a, as shown in Figure 7, the cap 50 is again rotated by the first biasing member 32 around the first axis 31 from the open position P2 to the closed position P1. Then, as shown in Figure 2, when the cap 50 moves to the closed position P1, the internal space 20a is covered by the cap 50. At this time, the engaging claw 64 of the lever 60 enters the closing engagement groove 54, and the engaging claw 64 and the closing engagement groove 54 engage. The engagement of the engaging claw 64 and the closing engagement groove 54 locks the cap 50 in the closed position P1. Also, in the closed position P1, the cap body 52 and the protruding portion 47 of the holder 40 are in contact. Furthermore, as the cap 50 returns to the closed position P1, the projection 63 of the lever 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 21b of the partition wall 21 by the biasing force of the second biasing member 34 and returns to a position where it protrudes into the internal space 20a. In this way, after charging is complete, the power supply connector 2 is withdrawn from the internal space 20a of the charging inlet 1, and the charging inlet 1 is automatically returned to the state before the start of the charging operation. With the above procedure, the operation of the cap mechanism 30 during the charging operation is completed.

[0043] <5. Advantages> In this embodiment, the cap mechanism 30 comprises a holder 40, a cap 50, a first biasing member 32, and a locking mechanism 35. The holder 40 is attached to the housing 10. The cap 50 is rotatably held in the holder 40. The cap 50 is movable between a closed position P1 that covers the internal space 20a of the front housing 20 and an open position P2 that opens the internal space 20a. The first biasing member 32 biases the cap 50 toward the closed position P1. When the cap 50 is moved to the open position P2, the locking mechanism 35 locks and holds the cap 50 in the open position P2. Furthermore, when the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the locking mechanism 35 is released when the power supply connector 2 makes contact, allowing the cap 50 to move toward the closed position P1.

[0044] With this configuration, when the cap 50 is moved to the open position P2, the cap 50 is locked in the open position P2 by the locking mechanism 35. Therefore, the operator can insert the power supply connector 2 into the internal space 20a without having to manually support the cap 50 in the open position P2. Furthermore, once the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the lock is released when the power supply connector 2 comes into contact with the locking mechanism 35. After charging is complete, when the power supply connector 2 is completely withdrawn from the internal space 20a, the biasing force of the first biasing member 32 returns the cap 50 to the closed position P1. Therefore, after charging is complete, the operator does not need to manually close the cap 50, reducing the operator's workload.

[0045] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 35 includes a rotating part 51 and a lever 60. The rotating part 51 is integrally provided with the cap 50. The rotating part 51 has an opening engagement groove 55 on its outer peripheral surface 51a. The lever 60 is designed to engage with the opening engagement groove 55. When the cap 50 is opened to the open position P2, the lever 60 engages with the opening engagement groove 55, holding the cap 50 locked in the open position P2. When the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 comes into contact with the lever 60, causing the lever 60 to disengage from the opening engagement groove 55, thereby releasing the lock on the cap 50 in the open position P2.

[0046] With this configuration, when the cap 50 is moved to the open position P2, the opening engagement groove 55 of the cap 50 and the lever 60 engage, locking the cap 50 in the open position P2. Furthermore, when the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 disengages the lever 60 from the opening engagement groove 55, releasing the lock on the cap 50 in the open position P2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 35 has a second biasing member 34. When the lever 60 engages with the opening engagement groove 55, the second biasing member 34 biases the lever 60 to maintain its position.

[0048] With this configuration, the biasing force of the second biasing member 34 firmly maintains the engagement between the lever 60 and the opening engagement groove 55. Furthermore, after charging is complete, when the power supply connector 2 is completely withdrawn from the internal space 20a, the biasing force of the second biasing member 34 returns the lever 60 to a state where the projection 63 protrudes into the internal space 20a. In this way, after charging is complete, simply by withdrawing the power supply connector 2, the lever 60 automatically returns to its pre-charging position.

[0049] In this embodiment, the lever 60 has a lever body 61 and a projection 63. The lever body 61 extends toward the back in the direction of insertion of the power supply connector 2. The projection 63 is bent inward from the lever body 61 into the internal space 20a. When the power supply connector 2 is inserted into the internal space 20a, the power supply connector 2 comes into contact with the projection 63.

[0050] With this configuration, the contact point 65 between the power supply connector 2 and the projection 63 can be positioned on the -Z direction side (rear side). Therefore, the timing of contact between the power supply connector 2 and the projection 63 can be delayed. Consequently, the timing of disengagement between the engaging claw 64 and the opening engaging groove 55 is delayed, preventing the cap 50 and the power supply connector 2 from coming into contact and rubbing against each other.

[0051] In this embodiment, a closing engagement groove 54 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 51a of the rotating part 51. When the cap 50 is moved from the open position P2 to the closed position P1, the engaging claw 64 engages with the closing engagement groove 54.

[0052] With this configuration, when the cap 50 is returned from the open position P2 to the closed position P1, the engaging claw 64 is less likely to catch on the rotating part 51 of the cap 50, making it easier for the lever 60 to return to the state before charging started. Furthermore, the engaging claw 64 engages with the closing engaging groove 54, locking the cap 50 in the closed position P1. Therefore, unless the operator performs an operation to open the cap 50, the internal space 20a is prevented from being opened at an unintended time by the operator.

[0053] In this embodiment, the holder 40, which holds components other than the holder 40 that constitute the cap mechanism 30, is provided separately from the housing 10 and is detachably attached to the housing 10. With this configuration, the cap mechanism 30 is separate from the housing 10 and can be easily attached to and detached from the housing 10. For example, when it is necessary to replace the cap 50, the cap 50 can be removed from the housing 10 without using any special tools. For example, in this embodiment, the housing 10 has a holding portion 27 in which a holding groove 27a is formed, and the holder 40 has a holding shaft 46 that snaps into the holding groove 27a. As a result, the operator can release the holder 40 and remove the cap mechanism 30 from the housing 10 simply by pulling the holder 40 in the +X direction. In this embodiment, the mechanism for attaching and detaching the cap mechanism 30 and the housing 10 is described as a snap-fitting holding shaft 46 and a holding groove 27a, but it is not limited to this. A mechanism other than snap-fit ​​may be used for attaching and detaching the cap mechanism 30 and the housing 10.

[0054] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a damper portion 70 is provided on the first shaft 31. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure around the cap mechanism 30 of the charging inlet 1 in the second embodiment. The cap mechanism 30 includes a damper section 70. When the cap 50 is moved from the closed position P1, a biasing force F1 is applied to the cap 50 by the first biasing member 32 in the direction from the open position P2 to the closed position P1. The damper section 70 exerts a force F2 in the opposite direction to the biasing force F1 of the first biasing member 32, thereby reducing the biasing force of the first biasing member 32. In this embodiment, the damper section 70 is attached to the first shaft 31.

[0056] In this embodiment, the cap mechanism 30 includes a damper section 70 that reduces the biasing force F1 of the first biasing member 32. With this configuration, when the cap 50 is automatically closed by the first biasing member 32 after the power supply connector 2 is unplugged, the damper section 70 applies a brake to the cap 50, reducing the speed at which the cap 50 closes. This reduces the collision noise caused by the collision between the cap 50 and the front housing 20. Furthermore, by adjusting the force F2 of the damper section 70, the speed at which the cap 50 closes can be adjusted, giving it a more premium feel.

[0057] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the projection 63 is formed to extend inclined relative to the lever body 61. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the main parts around the cap mechanism 30 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the lever 60 has a lever body 61 (an example of a first part) and a projection 63 (an example of a second part), similar to the first embodiment. The lever body 61 extends toward the back side (-X direction side) in the insertion direction of the power supply connector 2 and connects the projection 63 and the engaging claw 64. Furthermore, the projection 63 is provided so as to bend inward from the lever body 61 into the internal space 20a. The projection 63 extends toward the internal space 20a in the Z direction from the lever body 61. The projection 63 is inclined with respect to the lever body 61 such that it is located toward the -X direction side as it approaches the internal space 20a in the Z direction. When the power supply connector 2 is inserted to the deepest part of the internal space, the power supply connector 2 comes into contact with the projection 63.

[0059] With this configuration, the contact point 65 between the power supply connector 2 and the projection 63 can be positioned on the -X direction side (rear side). Therefore, the distance A in the X direction between the contact point 65 and the first axis 31 becomes longer. This longer distance A allows the timing of contact between the power supply connector 2 and the projection 63 to be further delayed. Therefore, the timing of disengagement between the engaging claw 64 and the opening engaging groove 55 is further delayed, and contact between the cap 50 and the power supply connector 2, and friction between the cap 50 and the power supply connector 2, can be further suppressed.

[0060] Several embodiments and modifications have been described above. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1 Charging Inlet 2 Power supply connector 10 Housing 20a interior space 30 Cap mechanism 32 First biasing member 34 Second biasing member 35 Locking mechanism 40 holders 50 caps 51 Rotating part 51a Outer surface 52 Cap body 55 Opening engagement groove (engagement groove) 60 Lever 61 Lever body (first part) 63 Protrusion (second part) 70 Damper section P1 Closing position P2 Opening position

Claims

1. A cap mechanism used in a charging inlet, which is an in-vehicle component, The charging inlet comprises a housing having an internal space into which a power supply connector can be mated. The aforementioned cap mechanism is A holder attached to the housing, A cap is rotatably held in the holder and movable between a closed position that covers the internal space and an open position that opens the internal space, A first biasing member that biases the cap toward the closed position, A locking mechanism that locks and holds the cap in the open position when the cap is moved to the open position, and releases the lock when the power connector is inserted into the internal space and the power connector comes into contact with it, allowing the cap to move toward the closed position, A cap mechanism equipped with a cap.

2. The locking mechanism comprises a rotating part provided integrally with the cap and having an engagement groove on its outer surface, and a lever that can engage with the engagement groove. When the cap is opened to the open position, the lever engages with the engagement groove, locking and holding the cap in the open position. When the power supply connector is inserted into the internal space, the power supply connector comes into contact with the lever, causing the lever to disengage from the engagement groove, thereby releasing the lock of the cap in the open position. The cap mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The locking mechanism includes a second biasing member that biases the lever to maintain its position when the lever engages with the engagement groove. The cap mechanism according to claim 2.

4. The lever has a first portion extending toward the back in the insertion direction of the power supply connector, and a second portion that bends inward from the first portion into the internal space, and which the power supply connector contacts when the power supply connector is inserted into the internal space. The cap mechanism according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The system further includes a damper section that reduces the biasing force of the first biasing member, The cap mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A cap mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The housing and, A charging inlet equipped with a charging port.

Images