Charging port assembly and vehicle

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

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

Background Art

[0003] In existing vehicle charging port structures, when an opening signal is received, the outer cover of the charging port can be automatically opened, and the inner cover of the charging port needs to be manually opened. The direction in which the inner cover of the charging port opens is an outward reversal, which occupies external space and particularly hinders the insertion and removal of the charging gun in special usage environments (such as storms). When the inner cover of the charging port reverses outward, the inner cover of the charging port becomes dirty, gets wet in rainwater, etc. In this case, the user experience is not good.

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

[0005] From the above, it can be seen that existing integrated charging ports have a fast-charging port cover and a slow-charging port cover, and these covers flip outwards, occupying external space and preventing the insertion and removal of the charging gun. In addition, charging with an integrated charging port that has a fast-charging port cover and a slow-charging port cover is more cumbersome, and the structure becomes more complex due to the addition of components. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This disclosure is intended to solve, to some extent, at least one of the technical problems of the related technology. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

[0009] According to the charging port assembly in this disclosure, the second plate is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second plate covers the first charging port and exposes the second charging port. In the second position, the second plate covers the second charging port and exposes the first charging port. In other words, when the first charging port is in use, the second charging port is covered by the second plate, and when the second charging port is in use, the first charging port is covered by the second plate. The second plate moves between the first and second positions, and as a result, the first and second charging ports are opened and closed, which does not occupy space outside the first plate and helps in inserting and removing the charging gun compared to existing manually reversible charging port inner covers. In addition, only the second plate is employed to replace the fast charging port cover and slow charging port cover in related technologies, which simplifies the charging operation process, reduces the number of components, and results in a simpler structure.

[0010] This disclosure further discloses a vehicle, which includes the charging port assembly described above.

[0011] Some of the additional aspects and benefits of this disclosure are described below. Some of these are evident from the following description or will be learned through the implementation of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a second plate of a charging port assembly in a first position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a second plate of a charging port assembly in a second position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the charging port base of a charging port assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a charging port sliding inner cover assembly of a charging port assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]This is a schematic diagram of a second plate of the charging port sliding inner cover assembly of a charging port assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a charging port assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, and examples of embodiments are shown in the drawings. Identical or similar elements, or elements having the same or similar function, are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the description. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative and are intended to illustrate this disclosure and should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

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

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

[0016] A sliding resistance exists at the contact point between the second plate 3 and the movement space 5, ensuring that the second plate 3 does not move as a result of the vehicle's acceleration / deceleration.

[0017] Direction X may be the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. In this case, the first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are positioned from front to rear. Alternatively, direction X may be the up-to-down direction of the vehicle. In this case, the first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are positioned from top to bottom.

[0018] The first plate 2 and the charging port base 1 may be connected by fasteners, bolts, rivets, etc. The outer surface of the first plate 2 may have decorative features such as a leather texture, a spray-coated and laser-engraved pattern, or a light-transmitting pattern.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0025] The first rack 6 and the second plate 3 may be arranged separately and fixedly connected by adhesive or the like. Naturally, the first rack 6 and the second plate 3 can be formed as a single unit to simplify the installation process.

[0026] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the gear transmission member further includes a transmission shaft 423 and a third gear. The second gear 422 and the third gear are coaxially connected to the two ends of the transmission shaft 423. The diameter of the second gear 423 is equal to the diameter of the third gear. The first rack 6 is located on the side of the inner surface of the second plate 3 that is close to the actuator 41. A second rack 7, parallel to the first rack 6, is located on the side of the inner surface of the second plate 3 that is away from the actuator 41. The third gear meshes with the second rack 7. In this way, both sides of the second plate 3 are supported by gears and teeth, resulting in more stable movement and preventing deviation.

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

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

[0029] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 3, a projection 14 that protrudes outward is positioned on the bottom wall of the charging port base 1. A partition plate 15 is positioned in the center of the projection 14. The first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are located on both sides of the partition plate 15 in the first direction. When the first charging interface 11 is used, the partition plate 15 can prevent rainwater and dust from entering the second charging port 12. Similarly, when the second charging interface 12 is used, the partition plate 15 can prevent rainwater and dust from entering the first charging port 11.

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

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

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

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

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

[0035] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the charging port assembly is driven by a drive unit 4 to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second plate 3 covers the first charging port 11 and exposes the second charging port 12. In the second position, the second plate 3 covers the second charging port 12 and exposes the first charging port 11. In other words, when the first charging port 11 is in use, the second charging port 12 is covered by the second plate 3, and when the second charging port 12 is in use, the first charging port 11 is covered by the second plate 3. The first charging port 11 and the second charging port 12 are made to slide open and closed, which does not occupy space outside the first plate and helps in inserting and removing the charging gun compared to existing manually reversible charging port inner covers. In addition, only the second plate 3 is used to replace the fast and slow charging ports in the related technology, which simplifies the charging process, reduces the number of components, and results in a simpler structure.

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

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

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

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

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

[0041] In addition, in some implementations, the drive mechanism 4 may be omitted. The second plate 3 can be moved between the first and second positions by manually pushing it. In this way, the structure becomes simpler and the cost is lower.

[0042] In addition, one embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a vehicle, the vehicle including the charging port assembly described above.

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

[0044] In the description of this disclosure, directions or positional relationships indicated by words such as “center,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inside,” “outside,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “peripheral” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings and should be understood as being used simply to easily and concisely describe and explain this disclosure, rather than indicating or implying that the referred device or component has a particular direction or needs to be configured and operated in a particular direction. Accordingly, such words should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0045] In addition, the terms “first” and “second” are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the technical feature being referred to. Therefore, the features limited by “first” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the descriptions of this disclosure, “multiple” means more than two unless otherwise explicitly and specifically defined.

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

[0047] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly designated or defined, "on" or "under" a first feature may mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. In addition, "over," "above," and "on" a first feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal position than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "beneath" a first feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal position than the second feature.

[0048] In this specification, any description referring to a “one embodiment,” “several embodiments,” “one example,” “a specific example,” or “several examples” means that the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described with reference to that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In the specification, the exemplary descriptions of the above words do not necessarily apply to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in an appropriate manner with any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can integrate or combine different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described herein, provided that they are not contradictory.

[0049] Although embodiments of the Disclosure have been shown and described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limitations on the Disclosure. Those skilled in the art can modify, alter, replace, or change the above embodiments within the scope of the Disclosure.

Claims

1. A charging port assembly comprising a charging port base and a charging port sliding inner cover assembly, wherein the charging port sliding inner cover assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate, the first plate being positioned on the charging port base, a space for movement of the second plate being formed between the first plate and the charging port base, a through hole being provided on the first plate, and a first charging port and a second charging port being provided inside the through hole. The second plate is movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the second plate covers the first charging port and exposes the second charging port, and in the second position the second plate covers the second charging port and exposes the first charging port. A charging port assembly comprising a protruding portion that extends outward, positioned on the bottom wall of the charging port base, a partition plate positioned at the center of the protruding portion, and the first charging port and the second charging port installed on both sides of the partition plate in a first direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. The charging port assembly according to claim 7, wherein the gear transmission member further comprises a transmission shaft and a third gear, the second gear and the third gear being coaxially connected to two ends of the transmission shaft, the diameter of the second gear being equal to the diameter of the third gear, the first rack being positioned on the side of the inner surface of the second plate closer to the actuator, the second rack being positioned on the side of the inner surface of the second plate further away from the actuator, and the third gear meshing with the second rack.

9. The charging port assembly according to claim 6, wherein the gear transmission member comprises a first output gear, the first output gear is connected to the actuator, and the first output gear meshes with the first rack.

10. The charging port assembly according to claim 9, wherein the gear transmission member further comprises a transmission shaft and a second output gear, the first output gear and the second output gear being coaxially connected to two ends of the transmission shaft, the diameter of the first output gear being equal to the diameter of the second output gear, the first rack being positioned on the side of the inner surface of the second plate closer to the actuator, the second rack being positioned on the side of the inner surface of the second plate further away from the actuator, and the second output gear meshing with the second rack.

11. A first locking hole is provided on the bottom wall of the charging port base, below the first charging port, and the first locking hole is used to lock the charging gun inserted into the first charging port. A second locking hole is provided on the bottom wall of the charging port base, below the second charging port, and the second locking hole is used to lock a charging gun inserted into the second charging port. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. The first limiting member is positioned on the side wall of the charging port base away from the second charging port, and the second limiting member is positioned on the bottom wall of the charging port base away from the first charging port. The first limiting member is configured to contact the second plate and limit the second plate when the second plate reaches the first position, and the second limiting member is configured to contact the second plate and limit the second plate when the second plate reaches the second position. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. The charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the first charging port and the second charging port is a fast charging interface and the other is a slow charging interface.

14. A vehicle comprising the charging port assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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