Support structure for external charging port in vehicles

Abstract

To provide a vehicular external charging port support structure which suppresses deterioration of rigidity of a bracket supporting a port unit where a connector arranged at an end part of a charging cable is detachable and which hardly incurs the risk of generating abrasion or damage of a power feeding cable when the power feeding cable of the port unit is attached to the bracket.SOLUTION: A vehicular external charging port support structure comprises: a first bracket 35 in which a first mounting recess 45 with a first opening 46 opened to an outer peripheral edge is formed; a second bracket 55 in which a second mounting recess 64 with a second opening 65 opened to the outer peripheral edge is formed; and a port unit 70 with power feeding cables 74, 75 which penetrate a support hole 67 consisting of the first mounting recess and the second mounting recess when the first bracket and the second bracket are overlapped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an external charging port support structure for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] On the side surface of the rear part of the vehicle body disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a rechargeable lid is provided that can be opened and closed. When the rechargeable lid is opened, a charging port (connection terminal) provided at the rear part of the vehicle body is exposed. This charging port is fixed to a bracket (inlet) fixed to the body component. Further, a power supply cable (power supply line) extending from the charging port to the inside of the vehicle penetrates the bracket to the inside of the vehicle. By connecting a connector provided at the end of a charging cable connected to a power source located outside the vehicle to the charging port, the power of the power source can be supplied to a battery provided in the vehicle via the charging cable, the charging port, and the power supply cable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When assembling the integrated body of the power supply cable and the charging port to the bracket, the power supply cable passes through a through hole provided in the bracket. Therefore, there is a possibility that the outer peripheral surface of the power supply cable contacts the inner peripheral surface of the through hole at this time. That is, when connecting the power supply cable to the charging port, the power supply cable may be worn or damaged.

[0005] To solve these problems, one possible solution is to provide a mounting recess in the bracket that penetrates the bracket in its thickness direction and has a portion that opens at the outer edge of the bracket. In this case, a portion of the power supply cable can be inserted into the mounting recess through the opening formed at the outer edge of the bracket. Therefore, there is little risk of the power supply cable being worn or damaged by the mounting recess when inserting it. However, in this case, the rigidity of the bracket may be reduced due to the opening in the mounting recess. If the rigidity of the bracket supporting the power supply port is low, it becomes difficult to smoothly attach and detach the charging cable connector to and from the charging port.

[0006] In consideration of the above facts, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle external charging port support structure that suppresses a decrease in the rigidity of the bracket supporting a port unit to which a connector provided at the end of the charging cable can be attached and detached, while minimizing the risk of wear or damage to the power supply cable when attaching the power supply cable of the port unit to the bracket. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 1 includes a support member provided on a vehicle, a port unit having a main body, a port portion connected to the main body, and a power supply cable, a first bracket supported by the support member, a first mounting recess formed in the first bracket so as to penetrate the first bracket in the axial direction of the port portion and having a first opening in a front view where a portion of it opens at the outer peripheral edge of the first bracket, a second bracket whose lower end is located below the first bracket when a portion of it is superimposed on the first bracket in the axial direction, and a second mounting recess formed in the second bracket so as to penetrate the second bracket in the axial direction and having a second opening in a front view where a portion of it opens at the outer peripheral edge of the second bracket and, when the second bracket is superimposed on the first bracket in the axial direction, forming a support hole through which the power supply cable passes together with the first mounting recess, A cylindrical member is fixed to the main body so as to be located within the support hole, and through which the power supply cable passes; Equipped with, The frontal shape of the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting recess and the second mounting recess is an arc shape of a predetermined diameter, the outer diameter of the cylindrical member is smaller than the predetermined diameter, and the width of the open end formed in the support hole by the first opening and the second opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical member. .

[0008] In the vehicle external charging port support structure of claim 1, when the first bracket and the second bracket are not overlapped in the axial direction of the port portion, the power supply cable can move to the first mounting recess via the first opening and to the second mounting recess via the second opening. Therefore, when the power supply cable is placed inside the first mounting recess and the second mounting recess that constitute the support hole, there is little risk of the power supply cable being worn or damaged by the first bracket or the second bracket. Furthermore, when the first bracket and the second bracket are overlapped in the axial direction of the port portion, the movement of the power supply cable toward the outer edge side via the first opening and the second opening is restricted.

[0009] Furthermore, in the vehicle external charging port support structure of claim 1, the first bracket is provided with a first mounting recess having a first opening that opens at the outer peripheral edge of the first bracket, and the second bracket is provided with a second mounting recess having a second opening that opens at the outer peripheral edge of the second bracket. However, the rigidity of the overlapping first bracket and second bracket is not easily reduced due to the first and second openings. Therefore, the vehicle external charging port support structure of claim 1 can suppress a reduction in the rigidity of the first bracket and second bracket that support the port unit.

[0010] The vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 2 is the vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 1, wherein the first bracket has a supported portion supported by the support member, a base portion connected to the supported portion, and a first projection that extends downward from the base portion in a front view and forms part of the peripheral edge of the first mounting recess, and the second bracket has a lower component portion that is at least partly located below the first bracket when the second bracket is superimposed on the first bracket, and a second projection portion that extends upward from the lower component portion in a front view and forms part of the peripheral edge of the second mounting recess.

[0011] In the vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 2, the reduction in rigidity of the first bracket and the second bracket can be suppressed more effectively.

[0012] The vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in claim 1 or claim 2, the first bracket and the second bracket are fixed at four locations on the outer circumference side of the support hole in a front view.

[0013] In the vehicle external charging port support structure of claim 3, the first bracket and the second bracket are fixed at four locations on the outer circumference of the support hole in a front view, so that a decrease in the rigidity of the first bracket and the second bracket can be suppressed more effectively.

[0014] The vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 4 further comprises a fixing member that secures the main body, the first bracket, and the second bracket together in the manner described in claim 1 or 2.

[0015] In the vehicle external charging port support structure of claim 4, the main body, the first bracket, and the second bracket can be easily integrated into one unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, the vehicle external charging port support structure according to the present invention has the excellent effect of suppressing a decrease in the rigidity of the bracket that supports the port unit to which a connector provided at the end of the charging cable can be attached and detached, while also reducing the risk of wear or damage to the power supply cable when the power supply cable of the port unit is attached to the bracket. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a vehicle external charging port support structure according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the vehicle's external charging port support structure, as seen from the right side of the vehicle. [Figure 3]It is a schematic exploded perspective view of an external charging port support structure for a vehicle. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the left end portion of a radiator support upper, a bracket for a first port, a bracket for a second port, and a port unit. [Figure 5] It is a view when looking at the bracket for the first port, the bracket for the second port, and the port unit from the rear. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow 6-6 in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a front view of an external charging port support structure for a vehicle according to a modification example. [Figure 8] It is a schematic exploded perspective view of an external charging port support structure for a vehicle according to a modification example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an external charging port support structure 10 for a vehicle according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the port support structure 10) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The arrow FR appropriately shown in the figures indicates the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction, the arrow LH indicates the left side in the vehicle left-right direction, and the arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0019] A vehicle (not shown) equipped with the port support structure 10 has a vehicle body 11 (see Fig. 2), which includes a pair of left and right side members (vehicle body skeleton members) 12 (see Fig. 3), a crush box (not shown) provided at the front ends of the left and right side members 12, and a metal bumper reinforcement (frame member) 14 fixed to the front ends of the left and right crush boxes. That is, the bumper reinforcement 14 is supported by the side member 12 via the crush box. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the bumper reinforcement 14 includes a main body portion 15 having a substantially arc-shaped planar shape convex forward, a pair of arm portions 16 extending left and right from the main body portion 15, and a bracket support portion 17 connected to the left arm portion 16. The left and right arm portions 16 are fixed to the left and right side members 12 respectively. Near the upper end of the bracket support portion 17, two through holes 18A and 18B are provided. Further, on the rear surface of the bracket support portion 17, two weld nuts (not shown) located immediately behind the through holes 18A and 18B are fixed.

[0020] The vehicle has a dash panel (vehicle body skeleton member) (not shown). A pair of left and right upper brackets 20 (see Fig. 3) made of metal are fixed to this dash panel. The cross-sectional shape of the upper bracket 20 is hat-shaped, and a through hole 21 is provided in its front plate portion 20A. On the rear surface of the front plate portion 20A, a weld nut (not shown) located immediately behind the through hole 21 is provided. Further, a pair of upper and lower connection pieces 20B of the upper bracket 20 are fixed to the dash panel.

[0021] Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a metal radiator support upper (support member) 24 extending in the left-right direction. The radiator support upper 24 comprises a base portion 25 that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction and extends in the left-right direction, a front flange portion 26 connected to the front edge of the base portion 25 and substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and a mounting piece 27 extending upward from the rear edge of the left side of the base portion 25. A notch portion 25C is formed on the left side of the front edge of the base portion 25, where the front flange portion 26 is not provided. A through hole 28 is provided in the mounting piece 27. Furthermore, through holes 29A and 29B are provided in the left end portion 25L of the base portion 25. Furthermore, two weld nuts (not shown) are provided on the lower surface of the base portion 25, located directly below the through holes 29A and 29B. Furthermore, a rectangular engagement hole 29C in plan view is provided in the left end portion 25L of the base portion 25, located to the right of the through holes 29A and 29B. The front-to-back dimension of the engagement hole 29C is larger than its left-to-right dimension.

[0022] The left end (mounting piece 27) of the radiator support upper 24 is fixed to the left upper bracket 20 by screwing the male threaded portion of a bolt 22 (see Figure 3), which is inserted from the front into the through hole 28 of the mounting piece 27 and the through hole 21 of the left upper bracket 20, into the weld nut fixed to the rear surface of the left upper bracket 20, and by bringing the head of the bolt 22 into contact with the front surface of the mounting piece 27. Furthermore, the right end of the radiator support upper 24 is fixed to the right upper bracket 20 by screwing the male threaded portion of a bolt 22, which is inserted from the front into the through hole (not shown) provided at the right end of the radiator support upper 24 and the through hole 21 of the right upper bracket 20, into the weld nut fixed to the rear surface of the right upper bracket 20, and by bringing the head of the bolt 22 into contact with the front surface of the right end.

[0023] A radiator support lower (not shown) is provided at the lower front end of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a fan (not shown) located behind the radiator support upper 24 and the radiator support lower.

[0024] A roughly rectangular radiator 30, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, is mounted on the upper surface of the radiator support lower. A fan is located directly behind the radiator 30. As shown in Figure 3, the radiator 30 comprises a core portion 31, a lower tank 32, and an upper tank 33. The lower tank 32 is fixed to the radiator support lower, and the upper tank 33 is fixed to the radiator support portion 25S, which is the portion of the base portion 25 of the radiator support upper 24 excluding both the left and right ends.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a metal first port bracket (first bracket) 35 and a second port bracket (second bracket) 55 are provided between the left end of the radiator support upper 24 and the bracket support portion 17. The first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 can be manufactured, for example, by press forming a metal plate. This metal plate is, for example, a steel plate or an aluminum plate. Alternatively, the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 may be manufactured by casting, for example, using iron. The first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 may also be manufactured from resin or wood.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first port bracket 35 comprises a base portion 36 which is a flat plate substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction, a first projection 36D connected to the right side of the base portion 36, a side flange 36B provided on the right edge of the first projection 36D, a side flange 36C provided on the left edge of the base portion 36, a curved connecting portion 36A provided at the upper end of the base portion 36 which is curved in side view and has a width smaller than that of the base portion 36, a supported portion 37 which extends rearward from the upper end of the curved connecting portion 36A and is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction, an engaging projection 38 provided on the right edge of the supported portion 37, and a side piece portion 42 (see Figure 4) provided on the left edge of the supported portion 37.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the engaging projection 38 comprises a side piece 39 extending to the right from the right edge of the supported portion 37, a hanging portion 40 extending downward from the right edge of the side piece 39, and a retaining portion 41 extending forward from the lower end of the hanging portion 40. The front-to-back dimension of the lower end of the hanging portion 40, including the retaining portion 41, is shorter than the front-to-back dimension of the engaging hole 29C.

[0028] A first projection 36D extends downward from the right side of the base 36. A side flange 36B protrudes rearward from the right edge of the first projection 36D, and a side flange 36C protrudes rearward from the left edge of the base 36. A side piece 42 extends downward from the left edge of the supported portion 37.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, a first mounting recess 45 is formed in the lower part of the base 36 and the left edge of the first projection 36D. The front shape of the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting recess 45 is an arc shape of a predetermined diameter. The lower end of the first mounting recess 45 is formed by a first opening 46. That is, the lower end of the first mounting recess 45 is open. Furthermore, through holes 49A, 49B, and 49C are provided in the base 36 and the first projection 36D. As shown in Figure 3, in a front view, the through holes 49A, 49B, and 49C are located at positions corresponding to the three corners of a hypothetical square located on the outer circumference of the first mounting recess 45. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, a weld nut 51A is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 49A on the rear surface of the base 36.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second port bracket 55 includes a lower component 56 which is a flat plate that constitutes the lower end of the second port bracket 55 and is substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction, a second projection 57 extending upward from the upper end of the right side of the lower component 56, a side flange 58A connected to the right edge of the lower component 56 and the second projection 57, a side flange 58B provided on the left edge of the lower component 56, and a projection 60 projecting upward from the left side of the lower component 56. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a step 59 is formed between the lower component 56 and the lower end of the second projection 57. That is, the second projection 57 is located one step behind the lower component 56. More specifically, the second projection 57 is located behind the lower component 56 by a distance corresponding to the plate thickness of the base 36 and the first projection 36D. The lower component 56 has through holes 56A and 56B arranged side by side on the left and right.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the bracket 55 for the second port has a second mounting recess 64. The front shape of the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting recess 64 is an arc shape of the predetermined diameter. The upper end of the second mounting recess 64 is formed by the second opening 65. That is, the upper end of the second mounting recess 64 is open. As is clear from Figures 3 and 5, the lower end of the second projection 57 is located below the lower end of the second mounting recess 64, and the upper end of the second projection 57 is located below the upper end of the second mounting recess 64.

[0032] The second projection 57 has through holes 61B and 61C arranged vertically. Furthermore, the projection piece 60 has a through hole 61D. As shown in Figure 3, in a front view, the through holes 69B, 61C, and 61D are located at positions corresponding to the three corners of a hypothetical square on the outer circumference of the second mounting recess 64. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, weld nuts 51B, 51C, and 51D are provided at positions corresponding to the through holes 61B, 61C, and 61D on the rear surfaces of the second projection 57 and projection piece 60, respectively.

[0033] The port unit 70 shown in Figures 3 to 5 can be attached to the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55. The port unit 70 consists of a main body 71, a port section 72 provided on the front of the main body 71, a cover section 73 provided at the front end of the port section 72, and a cable (power supply cable) extending from the rear of the main body 71. 75 And, a protective boot (power cable) fixed to the rear of the main unit 71. 74 The main body portion 71 is made up of a plate-shaped member with a substantially square front shape. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, through holes 71A, 71B, 71C, and 71D are provided at the four corners of the main body portion 71. The port portion 72 is a cylindrical portion with an opening at the front end. The axial direction of the port portion 72 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The cover portion 73 can open and close the front end opening of the port portion 72. When the cover portion 73 is open, a connector for a charging cable (not shown) can be attached to and detached from the front of the port portion 72. The end of the cable 75, which is a flexible elongated member, opposite to the main body portion 71 is connected to a battery provided in the vehicle. Furthermore, the flexible protective boot 74 is a cylindrical member. The outer diameter of the protective boot 74 is slightly smaller than the predetermined diameter of the first mounting recess 45 and the second mounting recess 64, and is smaller than the width of the first opening 46 and the second opening 65. The front end of the protective boot 74 is fixed to the rear surface of the main body 71, and the cable 75 passes through the inside of the protective boot 74. When the connector is connected to the port 72, the cable 75 The charging cable is electrically connected to it.

[0034] The bracket 35 for the first port, the bracket 55 for the second port, and the port unit 70 can be assembled together in the following manner.

[0035] For example, first, the protective boot 74 of the port unit 70 is inserted into the first mounting recess 45 of the base 36 through the first opening 46. Next, the lower component 56 of the second port bracket 55 is brought closer to the protective boot 74 from below, with the second projection 57 positioned behind the first projection 36D and the side flange 36B positioned to the right of the side flange 58A, and the protective boot 74 is positioned inside the second mounting recess 64 through the second opening 65. Alternatively, the lower component 56 of the second port bracket 55 may be brought closer to the protective boot 74 from below, with the protective boot 74 positioned inside the second mounting recess 64 through the second opening 65, and then the protective boot 74 may be inserted into the first mounting recess 45 of the first port bracket 35, with the first projection 36D positioned in front of the second projection 57, through the first opening 46.

[0036] Once the protective boot 74 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the first mounting recess 45 and the second mounting recess 64 in this manner, the through hole 49B is positioned directly in front of the through hole 61B and the through hole 49C is positioned directly in front of the through hole 61C. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the first mounting recess 45 and the second mounting recess 64 form a support hole 67 that is open on the left side when viewed from the front, and the protective boot 74 is surrounded by the inner circumference side edge of the support hole 67. Furthermore, the opening end 67X of the support hole 67 is formed by the first opening 46 and the second opening 65. As shown in Figure 5, the width Wd (vertical dimension) of the opening end 67X is smaller than the outer diameter Dm of the protective boot 74.

[0037] Furthermore, the rear surface of the first protrusion 36D is brought into contact with the front surface of the second protrusion 57, so that the front surface of the first protrusion 36D and the front surface of the lower component 56 are substantially on the same plane. In this state, the rear surface of the main body 71 is positioned against the front surface of the first protrusion 36D and the front surface of the lower component 56, and the through holes 71A, 71B, 71C, and 71D are positioned directly in front of the through holes 49A, 49B, 49C, and 61D, respectively.

[0038] Next, bolts 77A, 77B, 77C, and 77D are inserted into the through holes 49A, 49B, 61B, 61C, 49C, and 61D respectively, and screwed into the corresponding weld nuts 51A, 51B, 51C, and 51D, while pressing the heads 78 of bolts 77A, 77B, 77C, and 77D against the front surface of the main body 71. That is, the first port bracket 35, the second port bracket 55, and the main body 71 of the port unit 70 are fastened together by bolts 77B, 77C and weld nuts 51B, 51C. As a result, the first port bracket 35, the second port bracket 55, and the port unit 70 are integrated. At this time, as shown in Figure 4, the lower component 56 of the second port bracket 55 is located below the lower end of the first port bracket 35.

[0039] Next, the procedure for connecting the integrated unit 80, which includes the bracket 35 for the first port, the bracket 55 for the second port, and the port unit 70, to the bumper reinforcement 14 and the radiator support upper 24 will be explained.

[0040] First, the worker grasps the integrated object 80 with their hand, inserts the lower end of the engaging projection 38 into the engaging hole 29C from above, positions the lower component 56 of the second port bracket 55 directly in front of the top of the bracket support 17, and positions the curved connecting portion 36A in the notch 25C of the radiator support upper 24, while placing the supported portion 37 on the upper surface of the left end 25L of the radiator support upper 24. This causes the lower end (retaining portion 41) of the engaging projection 38 to pass downward through the engaging hole 29C.

[0041] With through holes 49A and 29A concentric and through holes 49B and 29B concentric, the bolt 68A shown in Figure 3 is inserted into through holes 49A and 29A and the male threaded portion of the bolt 68A is screwed into the weld nut fixed to the lower surface of the base 25. Furthermore, the bolt 68B is inserted into through holes 49B and 29B and the male threaded portion of the bolt 68B is screwed into the weld nut fixed to the lower surface of the base 25. When the heads of the bolts 68A and 68B are brought into contact with the upper surface of the supported portion 37, the supported portion 37 is fixed to the left end of the base 25.

[0042] When the supported portion 37 is fixed to the left end of the base portion 25 in this manner, the through hole 56A of the second port bracket 55 and the through hole 18A of the bracket support portion 17 become perfectly concentric, and the through hole 56B and the through hole 18B become perfectly concentric. In this state, the bolt 69A shown in Figure 3 is inserted into the through holes 56A and 18A, and the male threaded portion of the bolt 69A is screwed into the weld nut fixed to the rear surface of the bracket support portion 17. Furthermore, the bolt 69B is inserted into the through holes 56B and 18B, and the male threaded portion of the bolt 69B is screwed into the weld nut fixed to the rear surface of the bracket support portion 17. When the heads of the bolts 69A and 69B are brought into contact with the front surface of the base portion 36, the lower component 56 is fixed to the bracket support portion 17.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, an opening 11A is formed at the front end of the vehicle body 11, located directly in front of the port portion 72 (cover portion 73). Furthermore, the vehicle body 11 is provided with a cover 11B that can open and close the opening 11A.

[0044] In the configuration described above, the radiator support upper 24, the bracket for the first port 35, the bracket for the second port 55, the bolts 68A, 68B, 69A, 69B, and the port unit 70 are components of the support structure 10.

[0045] (Mechanism of action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0046] In the port support structure 10 of this embodiment, when the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 are not overlapping in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the port unit 70 can move to the first mounting recess 45 through the first opening 46 of the cable 75 protective boot 74 and to the second mounting recess 64 through the second opening 65. Therefore, when the cable 75 and protective boot 74 are placed inside the first mounting recess 45 and the second mounting recess 64 that constitute the support hole 67, there is little risk of the cable 75 and protective boot 74 being worn or damaged by contact with the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55.

[0047] Furthermore, since the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 are fixed with the protective boot 74 positioned within the support hole 67, the movement of the protective boot 74 (cable 75) toward the outer edge of the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 through the first opening 46 and the second opening 65 is restricted.

[0048] Furthermore, as described above, the width Wd of the opening end 67X of the support hole 67 is smaller than the outer diameter Dm of the protective boot 74. Therefore, even if a strong rightward force is applied to the protective boot 74, there is little risk that the protective boot 74 (cable 75) will move to the right of the right edge of the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 through the first opening 46 and the second opening 65.

[0049] Furthermore, in the port support structure 10, the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55, which are stacked on top of each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, are fixed by bolts 77A, 77B, 77C, 77D and weld nuts 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D. Therefore, although the first port bracket 35 is provided with a first mounting recess 45 having a first opening 46 that opens at the outer peripheral edge of the first mounting recess 45, and the second port bracket 55 is provided with a second mounting recess 64 having a second opening 65 that opens at the outer peripheral edge of the second port bracket 55, the rigidity of the joint between the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 is not easily reduced due to the first opening 46 and the second opening 65. In other words, the rigidity (mechanical strength) of the joint between the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 is high. Therefore, the port support structure 10 can suppress a reduction in the rigidity of the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 that support the port unit 70. Therefore, with the cover 11B and the cover portion 73 open, the worker can smoothly attach and detach the connector of the charging cable connected to the power source located outside the vehicle from the port portion 72.

[0050] Furthermore, in the port support structure 10, the first protrusion 36D and the second protrusion 57, which have large vertical dimensions, are fixed using bolts 77B, 77C and weld nuts 51B, 51C. That is, the first protrusion 36D and the second protrusion 57, which have a large area in front view, are fixed using bolts 77B, 77C and weld nuts 51B, 51C. Therefore, a decrease in the rigidity of the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 that support the port unit 70 can be effectively suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, in the port support structure 10, bolts 77A, 77B, 77C, 77D and weld nuts 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D fix the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 at four locations located on the outer circumference of the support hole 67 in a front view. Therefore, a decrease in the rigidity of the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 that support the port unit 70 can be effectively suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, in the port support structure 10, the upper part of the first port bracket 35 is connected to the left end portion 25L of the radiator support upper 24, which supports the upper part of the radiator 30 and is supported by the vehicle body frame member (dash panel), and the lower part of the second port bracket 55 is located below the radiator support upper 24 and is connected to the bracket support portion 17 of the bumper reinforcement 14, which is supported by the vehicle body frame member (side member 12). In this way, the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 that support the port unit 70 for external charging are supported by both the radiator support upper 24, which is supported by the vehicle body frame member, and the bumper reinforcement 14, which is supported by the vehicle body frame member. Therefore, even if the mass of the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55 is small, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55. Accordingly, the attachment and detachment of the charging cable 53 to and from the port portion 52 of the connector can be performed smoothly.

[0053] The port support structure 10 according to the embodiment has been described above, but these can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0054] The present invention may also be implemented in modified forms shown in Figures 7 and 8. The modified port support structure 10A differs from the embodiment in the structure of the bracket support portion 17A and the second port bracket (second bracket) 55A, and further includes a port unit 90.

[0055] The vertical dimension of the modified bracket support portion 17A is shorter than that of the bracket support portion 17 in the embodiment.

[0056] The modified bracket 55A for the second port has the same structure as the bracket 55 for the second port, but also includes a lower extension 56X located below the lower component 56. The lower extension 56X is provided with a lower support hole 56X1 that is approximately circular in front view, and a lateral opening 56X2 provided on the left edge of the lower extension 56X. Furthermore, the lower extension 56X is provided with four through holes 56X3 located on the outer circumference of the lower support hole 56X1, and a pair of left and right through holes 56X4 located at the lower end of the lower extension 56X. Weld nuts (not shown) are provided on the rear surface of the lower extension 56X at the locations corresponding to each through hole 56X3.

[0057] The port unit 90 comprises a main body 91, a port portion 92 provided on the front of the main body 91, a cover portion 93 provided at the front end of the port portion 92, a cable 94 extending from the rear surface of the main body 91, and a protective boot 95 fixed to the rear surface of the main body 91. The main body 91 is made of a plate-shaped member with a substantially square front shape. Through holes 91A, 91B, 91C, and 91D are provided at the four corners of the main body 91. Although the through hole 91D is provided at the lower left corner of the main body 91, it is not shown in Figures 7 and 8. The port portion 92 is a cylindrical portion with an opening at the front end. The axial direction of the port portion 92 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The cover portion 93 can open and close the front end opening of the port portion 92. When the cover portion 93 is open, a connector for a charging cable (not shown) can be attached to and detached from the front of the port portion 92. The cable 94, a long, flexible member, has its end opposite the main body 91 connected to the battery. The protective boot 95, also flexible, is a cylindrical member. The outer diameter of the protective boot 95 is approximately the same as the diameter of the lower support hole 56X1. The front end of the protective boot 95 is fixed to the rear surface of the main body 91, and the cable 94 passes through the inside of the protective boot 95. When the connector is connected to the port 92, the cable 94 and the charging cable are electrically connected.

[0058] The protective boot 95 of the port unit 90 is inserted into the lower support hole 56X1 through the side opening 56X2, and the rear surface of the main body 91 is brought into contact with the front surface of the lower extension 56X. Furthermore, bolts 97A, 97B, 97C, and 97D, which are inserted from the front into the through holes 91A, 91B, 91C, and 91D, are inserted into each of the through holes 56X3 and screwed into the corresponding weld nuts provided on the rear surface of the lower extension 56X, and the heads 98 of the bolts 97A, 97B, 97C, and 97D are pressed against the front surface of the main body 91. As a result, the first port bracket 35, the second port bracket 55A, the port unit 70, and the port unit 90 are integrated.

[0059] The first port bracket 35, which is an integrated unit comprising the first port bracket 35, the second port bracket 55A, the port unit 70, and the port unit 90, is fixed to the left end of the base 25 by inserting the engaging projection 38 into the engaging hole 29C and screwing the bolts 68A and 68B, which are inserted into the through holes 49A, 49B, 29A, and 29B, into the weld nuts fixed to the lower surface of the base 25. Furthermore, the second port bracket 55A is fixed to the bracket support 17A by inserting the bolts 69A and 69B into the through holes 56X4, 18A, and 18B and screwing them into the weld nuts fixed to the rear surface of the bracket support 17A.

[0060] The shapes (structures) of port section 52 and port section 92 are different. Therefore, the types of connectors for charging cables that can be attached to and detached from port section 52 and the types of connectors for charging cables that can be attached to and detached from port section 92 are different. In other words, the types of power sources that can supply power to the battery via port section 52 and the types of power sources that can supply power to the battery via port section 92 are different. That is, in addition to the same effects as the port support structure 10 of the embodiment, this modified port support structure 10A can also provide the effect of being able to supply power from multiple types of power sources to the battery.

[0061] Furthermore, in the embodiment and the above modified examples, the first port bracket 35 and the second port bracket 55(55A) may be fixed together using bolts 77A, 77B, 77C, 77D and weld nuts 51A, 51B, 51C, 51D, with the first projection 36D of the first port bracket 35 positioned immediately behind the second projection 57 of the second port bracket 55(55A). In this case, the front-rear positions of the lower component 56 and the second projection 57 are aligned, and the portion of the first port bracket 35 with the through hole 49A is positioned one step forward from the portions of the base 36 and the first projection 36D with the through holes 49B and 49C. As a result, the areas on the front of the second port bracket 55(55A) where the through holes 61B, 61C, and 61D are provided and the area on the front of the base 36 of the first port bracket 35 where the through hole 49A is provided are located on the same plane. Therefore, the first port bracket 35, the second port bracket 55(55A), and the port unit 70 can be integrated by bringing the four rear surfaces of the main body 71 of the port unit 70 into contact with the areas on the front of the second port bracket 55(55A) where the through holes 61B, 61C, and 61D are provided and the area on the front of the base 36 of the first port bracket 35 where the through hole 49A is provided.

[0062] Furthermore, in the embodiment and the above modified examples, the first protrusion 36D of the first port bracket 35 may be located to the left of the first mounting recess 45, and the second protrusion 57 of the second port bracket 55 (55A) may be located to the left of the second mounting recess 64.

[0063] Port unit 70 does not need to have a protective boot 74. Similarly, port unit 90 does not need to have a protective boot 95.

[0064] The axial direction of the port portions 72 and 92 does not have to be parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. For example, the axial direction of the port portions 72 and 92 may be parallel to the vehicle's lateral direction.

[0065] The port unit (main body), the first bracket, and the second bracket may be fixed to each other by means other than bolts and nuts (weld nuts). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 10 10A Vehicle External Charging Port Support Structure (Port Support Structure) 24. Radiator support upper (support member) 35. Bracket for the first port (first bracket) 36D 1st protrusion 37 Supported part 45 First mounting recess 46 First opening 55 55A Bracket for 2nd port (2nd bracket) 56 Lower component 57 Second protrusion 64 Second mounting recess 65 Second opening 67 Support hole 70 Port Unit 74. Protective boot (power cable) 75 Cable (Power supply cable) 77A 77B 77C 77D Bolts (fixing members)

Claims

1. Support members provided on the vehicle, A port unit having a main body, a port connected to the main body, and a power supply cable, The first bracket is supported by the support member, The first bracket has a first mounting recess formed so as to penetrate the first bracket in the axial direction of the port portion, and having a first opening in a front view that opens at the outer peripheral edge of the first bracket, A second bracket whose lower end is located below the first bracket when a portion of it is overlapped with the first bracket in the axial direction, The second bracket has a second mounting recess formed so as to penetrate the second bracket in the axial direction, having a second opening in a front view that is partially open at the outer edge of the second bracket, and which, together with the first mounting recess, constitutes a support hole through which the power supply cable passes when the second bracket is superimposed with the first bracket in the axial direction. A cylindrical member is fixed to the main body so as to be located within the support hole, and through which the power supply cable passes; Equipped with, The frontal shape of the inner circumferential surface of the first mounting recess and the second mounting recess is an arc shape of a predetermined diameter. The outer diameter of the cylindrical member is smaller than the predetermined diameter, An external charging port support structure for a vehicle, wherein the width of the opening end formed in the support hole by the first opening and the second opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical member.

2. The first bracket has a supported portion supported by the support member, a base portion connected to the supported portion, and a first projection that extends downward from the base portion in a front view and forms part of the peripheral edge of the first mounting recess, The vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 1, comprising: a lower component which is at least a portion of which is located below the first bracket when the second bracket is superimposed on the first bracket; and a second projection which extends upward from the lower component in a front view and constitutes a part of the peripheral edge of the second mounting recess.

3. The vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are fixed at four locations on the outer circumference side of the support hole in a front view.

4. The vehicle external charging port support structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a fixing member for fixing the main body, the first bracket, and the second bracket together with the main body.

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