CN112026553A

CN112026553A - External connection structure for vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN112026553A
Application number: CN202010473497.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 播田实慎
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-04
Filing date: 2020-05-29
Publication date: 2020-12-04
Also published as: JP2020198236A

Abstract

The present invention provides an external connection structure for a vehicle, which comprises: a first port (31) provided in the bottom wall portion and having a first connection opening (41 a); a second port (32) which is provided adjacent to the first port (31) in the bottom wall portion and has a second connection opening (51 a); a first cover (24) that opens and closes the first connection opening (41 a); and a second lid (25) that opens and closes the second connection opening (51 a). When one of the first cover part (24) and the second cover part (25) is located at the opening position, the one cover part limits the opening action of the other cover part.

Description

External connection structure for vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an external connection structure for a vehicle.

Background

In an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the vehicle travels by driving a motor with electric power charged in a battery. Examples of a method of charging the battery include quick charging (DC charging) performed in a short time at a power supply station or the like, and normal charging (AC charging) performed in a long time at home or the like. Therefore, in the electric vehicle, charging ports are provided corresponding to the quick charging and the ordinary charging, respectively. Each charging port is provided with a lid for opening and closing an opening of the charging port. This can prevent foreign matter and dust from entering the charging port when not in use.

Patent document 1 (japanese patent application laid-open No. 8-31497) discloses a structure provided with a lid fixing mechanism that is slidable between one lid portion and the other lid portion. According to this configuration, when the lid fixing mechanism is positioned on one lid section, the opening operation of the other lid section is permitted (the opening operation of the one lid section is restricted), and when the lid fixing mechanism is positioned on the other lid section, the opening operation of the one lid section is permitted (the opening operation of the other lid section is restricted).

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the above-described conventional technique, since it is necessary to provide a cover fixing mechanism separately from the cover portion, the number of components may increase, and the size may increase.

The invention aims to provide an external connection structure for a vehicle, which can realize reduction of the number of components and miniaturization.

Means for solving the problems

(1) A vehicle external connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention (for example, a vehicle external connection structure 1 in an embodiment) includes: a base portion (e.g., a bottom wall portion 26 in the embodiment) provided in a vehicle (e.g., the electric vehicle 2 in the embodiment); a first port (e.g., first port 31 in the embodiment) provided at the base portion and having a first connection opening (e.g., first connection opening 41a in the embodiment); a second port (e.g., second port 32 in the embodiment) provided adjacent to the first port in the base portion and having a second connection opening (e.g., second connection opening 51a in the embodiment); a first cover (for example, a first cover 24 in the embodiment) that opens and closes the first connection opening; and a second lid (for example, a second lid 25 in the embodiment) that opens and closes the second connection opening, and when one of the first lid and the second lid is located at the open position, the one lid restricts an opening operation of the other lid.

(2) In the vehicular external connection structure relating to the embodiment of (1), the first lid portion may be rotatably supported by the first port via a first hinge portion (for example, a first hinge portion 63 in the embodiment), the second lid portion may be rotatably supported by the second port via a second hinge portion (for example, a second hinge portion 73 in the embodiment), and the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion may be disposed between the first port and the second port.

(3) In the vehicular external connection structure relating to the embodiment (2), when a direction in which the first port and the second port are arranged is set to a first direction (for example, X direction in the embodiment), the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion may be disposed at positions that overlap each other when viewed from a second direction (for example, Y direction in the embodiment) that intersects the first direction.

(4) In the vehicle external connection structure according to the embodiment (2) or (3), the first cover portion may include a first closing portion (for example, a first closing portion 61 in the embodiment) that closes the first connection opening, and a first connection portion (for example, a first connection portion 62 in the embodiment) that connects between the first closing portion and the first hinge portion, the second cover portion may include a second closing portion (for example, a second closing portion 71 in the embodiment) that closes the second connection opening, and a second connection portion (for example, a second connection portion 72 in the embodiment) that connects between the second closing portion and the second hinge portion, and when the one cover portion is located at the open position, the closing portion in the one cover portion may be arranged in an opening direction from the first connection opening and the second connection opening (for example, z direction in the embodiment) to overlap the other lid section when viewed, thereby restricting the opening operation of the other lid section.

(5) In the vehicular external connection structure relating to any one of the above-described (1) to (4), the first lid portion may include a first protruding portion (for example, the first protruding portion 65 in the embodiment) protruding from an opening edge of the first port, and the second lid portion may include a second protruding portion (for example, the second protruding portion 75 in the embodiment) protruding from an opening edge of the second port.

(6) In the vehicular external connection structure relating to any one of the above-described embodiments (1) to (5), the first port and the second port may be arranged in parallel in a vehicle width direction (for example, X direction in the embodiment) at a center portion in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

Effects of the invention

According to the embodiment of the above (1), when the one lid portion is positioned at the open position and the other lid portion is to be opened, the one lid portion and the other lid portion interfere with each other, thereby restricting the opening operation of the other lid portion. This can prevent both the first lid and the second lid from being in the open position. As a result, when one port is used, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign matter or dust into the other port, suppress the prevention of the bad damage to the other port, and the like, and achieve a long life of the vehicle external connection structure.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the opening operation of the other lid portion is restricted by the one lid portion itself, the number of components can be reduced and the external connection structure for a vehicle can be downsized as compared with a case where a different lid fixing mechanism is separately provided from the lid portion as in the related art. By reducing the size of the vehicle external connection structure, the area occupied by the vehicle external connection structure in the vehicle can be reduced, and the layout and design can be improved.

According to the embodiment of the above (2), in the direction in which the first port and the second port are arranged, the movement amount of each lid portion accompanying the opening and closing operation of each lid portion is suppressed, and the opening operation of one lid portion can be restricted by the other lid portion. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the vehicle external connection structure.

According to the embodiment of the above (3), the ports can be brought close to each other in the first direction by disposing the hinge portion between the ports. This enables further downsizing of the vehicle external connection structure, and improves the layout property and the design property.

According to the embodiment of (4) above, the relative position of the closing portion of one lid and the other lid when one lid is located at the open position can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the connecting portion. Thus, when one lid section is positioned at the open position, the closing section of the one lid section can more reliably restrict the opening operation of the other lid section.

According to the embodiment of (5) described above, the protruding portion can be used as the finger hook portion when the lid portion is opened and closed. Therefore, the opening and closing operation of the lid portion is facilitated.

According to the embodiment of (6) described above, the first port and the second port are easily accessible from both sides in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the vehicular exterior connection structure.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a port module.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the vehicular exterior connection structure with the first lid portion in the open position.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the vehicular exterior connection structure with the second lid portion in the open position.

Description of the reference numerals

1 external connection structure (external connection structure for vehicle)

2 electric vehicle (vehicle)

24 first cover part

25 second cover part

26 bottom wall part (base part)

31 first port

32 second port

41a first connection opening

51a second connection opening

61 first occlusion part

62 first connection part

63 first hinge part

65 first extension

71 second occlusion part

72 second connection part

73 second hinge part

75 second extension

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directions such as front, rear, up, down, left, and right are the same as those of the electric vehicle 2 unless otherwise noted. At this time, arrow FR in the drawing indicates the front of the electric vehicle 2, arrow UP indicates the upper side of the electric vehicle 2, and arrow LH indicates the left side of the electric vehicle 2. In the following description, for example, expressions of relative or absolute arrangement such as "parallel", "orthogonal", "central", "coaxial", and the like indicate not only a strict arrangement of this kind but also a state in which relative displacement occurs with a tolerance, an angle of a degree that can obtain the same function, and a distance.

< electric vehicle >

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle 2.

As shown in fig. 1, a vehicle external connection structure 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as an external connection structure 1) according to the present embodiment is mounted on an electric vehicle 2. In the present embodiment, the electrically powered vehicle 2 is a vehicle in which at least a part of electric power charged in the battery 3 is used as an external power supply, among vehicles driven by electric power of the battery 3, such as an electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

The battery 3 is, for example, a high-voltage battery 3 as a power source of the electric vehicle 2. The battery 3 is connected to the motor 4 and the like via a PCU (not shown). The PCU includes an inverter that performs DC/ac voltage conversion between the motor 4 and the battery 3, a DC/DC converter that performs voltage boosting and stepping-up of ac voltage, and the like.

The motor 4 is housed in a motor chamber 5 defined in a front portion of the electric vehicle 2. The motor 4 is connected to the wheels via a speed reducer or the like. The motor chamber 5 is partitioned by frame members (not shown) such as a front side frame, a vehicle body bulkhead, and a front sub-frame. The frame member is covered with an exterior member 9 such as a front hood 7 and a front fender 8.

< external connection Structure >

The external connection structure 1 is a connection portion of an external power source and a battery 3 of the electric vehicle 2. The external connection structure 1 of the present embodiment is provided upward at the center portion in the vehicle width direction in the front portion of the front hood 7. However, the position of the external connection structure 1 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the external connection structure 1 may be provided on the side or rear of the electric vehicle 2.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the external connection structure 1. In fig. 2, illustration of the case cover 22 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 2, the external connection structure 1 includes a housing 21, a housing cover 22 (see fig. 1), a port module 23, a first cover 24, and a second cover 25.

The housing 21 is formed in a box shape opened obliquely upward in front. The case 21 is provided at the front portion of the front hood 7 such that an opening surface thereof is smoothly continuous with the upper surface of the front hood. Further, a communication port 26a that opens into the motor chamber 5 is formed in the bottom wall portion (base portion) 26 of the housing 21.

As shown in fig. 1, case lid 22 is configured to be able to open and close the opening of case 21. The case lid 22 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the case 21 via a hinge portion, or may be configured to be slidable along an opening surface of the case 21. In the closed position of the case cover portion 22, the upper surface of the case cover portion 22 smoothly connects with the upper surface of the front hood.

< Port Module >

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the port module 23.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the port module 23 is configured such that the first port 31 and the second port 32 are integrally connected to each other by the port base portion 33. The first port 31 and the second port 32 may be separate from each other.

The port module 23 is fixed to the housing 21 by, for example, the first port 31 and the second port 32 passing through the communication port 26a to face the inside of the motor chamber 5 and the port base portion 33 being assembled to the bottom wall portion 26 of the housing 21. In the following description, the in-plane direction of the bottom wall portion 26 is referred to as an X direction and a Y direction, and a direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction is referred to as a Z direction. In the present embodiment, the X direction is along the vehicle width direction.

The first port 31 is, for example, a charging port for quick charging. The first port 31 includes a first sleeve 41, a first cover support portion 42 (see fig. 4), and a first cable connection portion 43.

The first sleeve 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding from the port base portion 33 to the + Z side (upward). A plurality of terminals are arranged in a predetermined pattern inside the first sleeve 41. The quick-charging connector is mounted in the first sleeve 41 through a first connection opening 41a that opens at the + Z side. The quick-charging connector is connected to a quick charger provided at a power supply station via a charging cable, for example.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the external connection structure 1 with the first lid portion 24 in the open position.

As shown in fig. 4, the first cover supporting portion 42 protrudes to the side of the first sleeve 41. In the present embodiment, the first cover support portion 42 protrudes to the + X side (inside in the vehicle width direction) from a portion of the outer surface of the first sleeve 41 that is located on the + Y side (rear side) relative to the axis C1 of the first sleeve 41.

As shown in fig. 3, the first cable connection portion 43 protrudes from the port base portion 33 toward the-Z side. A cable for quick charging drawn from the battery 3 is connected to the first cable connection portion 43.

The second port 32 is, for example, a charging port for ordinary charging. The second ports 32 are aligned in the X direction with respect to the first ports 31 in the port base portion 33. In the present embodiment, the first port 31 is disposed on the-X side and the second port 32 is disposed on the + X side with respect to the center of the electrically powered vehicle 2 in the vehicle width direction (X direction).

The second port 32 includes a second sleeve 51, a second cover supporting portion 52, and a second cable connecting portion 53.

The second sleeve 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding from the port base portion 33 to the + Z side. The second sleeve 51 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first sleeve 41. In the present embodiment, the axis C2 of the second sleeve 51 is located on the-Y side of the axis C1 of the first sleeve 41. In the illustrated example, the + Z-side end edges of the first sleeve 41 and the second sleeve 51 are arranged at the same position in the Z direction. However, the + Z side edge of the first sleeve 41 and the + Z side edge of the second sleeve 51 may be disposed at different positions.

A plurality of terminals are arranged in a predetermined pattern inside the second sleeve 51. A connector for ordinary charging is attached to the second sleeve 51 through a second connection opening 51a that opens on the + Z side. The connector for ordinary charging is connected to a charging post or the like installed at home or the like via a charging cable, for example.

The second cover supporting portion 52 protrudes to the side of the second sleeve 51. In the present embodiment, the second cover supporting portion 52 protrudes to the-X side (inside in the vehicle width direction) from a portion of the outer surface of the second sleeve 51 located on the-Y side with respect to the axis C2 of the second sleeve 51.

The second cable connection portion 53 protrudes from the port base portion 33 toward the-Z side. A normal charging cable drawn from the battery 3 is connected to the second cable connection portion 53.

< first cover part >

The first lid portion 24 is configured to be able to open and close the first sleeve 41. The first lid portion 24 includes a first closing portion 61, a first connecting portion 62, and a first hinge portion 63 (see fig. 4). The first closing portion 61 closes the first connection opening 41a of the first sleeve 41 in the closed position of the first lid portion 24. The first closing portion 61 is formed in a circular shape having a diameter larger than that of the first sleeve 41 in a plan view seen from the Z direction. The first protruding portion 65 of the first closing portion 61, which protrudes beyond the first sleeve 41, receives a finger or the like when the first lid portion 24 is opened. A finger entry recess 66 is formed in a part of the first projecting portion 65 (an end portion located on the-X side in the present embodiment). The first closing portion 61 is provided with a locking portion (not shown) or the like that is locked to the first sleeve 41 in the closing position of the first lid portion 24.

The first connection portion 62 protrudes laterally from the outer peripheral edge of the first lid portion 24. Specifically, the first connection portion 62 protrudes to the + X side from the portion on the + Y side of the axis C1 of the first sleeve 41. The tip end portion of the first connecting portion 62 is disposed at a position overlapping the first cover supporting portion 42 in a plan view.

The first hinge portion 63 protrudes from the distal end portion of the first connection portion 62 to the-Z side in a state where the first lid portion 24 is located at the closed position. The first hinge 63 is coupled to the first support wall 45 via a rotation shaft. Thereby, the first lid portion 24 is supported by the first port 31 so as to be rotatable about the axis O1 along the Y direction. Further, between the first lid portion 24 and the first port 31, there may be a biasing member that biases the first lid portion 24 in the opening direction.

< second lid portion >

The second lid 25 is configured to be able to open and close the second sleeve 51. The second lid portion 25 includes a second closing portion 71, a second connecting portion 72, and a second hinge portion 73 (see fig. 5). The second closing portion 71 closes the second connection opening 51a of the second sleeve 51 in the closed position of the second lid portion 25. The second closing portion 71 is formed in an oblong shape with the X direction as the short side direction, for example, in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the length in the X direction in the second blocking portion 71 is larger than the outer diameter of the second sleeve 51. The shape of the second closing portion 71 in plan view may be appropriately changed so long as the entire second sleeve 51 is covered at the closed position of the second lid portion 25.

A second projecting portion 75 projecting from the second sleeve 51 in the second closing portion 71 is hooked by a finger or the like during the opening operation of the second lid portion 25. A finger entry recess 76 is formed in a part of the second projecting portion 75 (an end portion located on the + X side in the present embodiment). The second closing portion 71 is provided with an engaging portion or the like that engages with the second sleeve 51 at the closing position of the second cover portion 25.

The second connection portion 72 protrudes laterally from the outer peripheral edge of the second lid portion 25. Specifically, the second connection portion 72 projects from the portion of the second sleeve 51 located on the-Y side of the axis C2 toward the-X side. The distal end of the second connecting portion 72 is disposed at a position overlapping the second cover supporting portion 52 in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the first connection portion 62 and the second connection portion 72 are located at positions shifted from each other in the Y direction and overlap each other in a front view viewed from the Y direction.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the external connection structure 1 showing a state in which the second lid portion 25 is located at the open position.

As shown in fig. 5, the second hinge portion 73 protrudes from the distal end portion of the second connection portion 72 toward the-Z side in a state where the second lid portion 25 is located at the closed position. The second hinge portion 73 is coupled to the second support wall portion 55 via a rotation shaft. Thereby, the second lid portion 25 is supported by the second port 32 so as to be rotatable about the axis O2 along the Y direction. In the illustrated example, the axes O1 and O2 are arranged in parallel in the Y direction while being shifted from each other at least in the X direction. The axes O1 and O2 may be arranged offset in the Z direction or may be arranged coaxially. Further, between the second lid portion 25 and the second port 32, there may be a biasing member that biases the second lid portion 25 in the opening direction.

Here, as shown in fig. 2, 4, and 5, the external connection structure 1 of the present embodiment is configured as follows: when one of the first lid section 24 and the second lid section 25 is in the open position, the opening operation of the other lid section is restricted by the one lid section.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, when the first cover part 24 is located at the closed position, the first cover part 24 is arranged along (e.g., parallel to) the opening surface (XY plane) of the first sleeve 41. Thereby, the first lid portion 24 covers the first connection opening 41a of the first sleeve 41. On the other hand, when the first lid portion 24 is located at the open position, the first lid portion 24 is arranged on the + X side of the first sleeve 41 so as to stand (e.g., orthogonally) with respect to the opening surface of the first sleeve 41. At this time, the first lid 24 overlaps the second lid 25 in a plan view. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the first closing portion 61 approaches or abuts the second connecting portion 72 from the + Z side. Thus, if the second lid portion 25 is to be opened when the first lid portion 24 is positioned at the open position, the second connection portion 72 interferes with the first closing portion 61, and the opening operation of the second lid portion 25 is restricted.

As shown in fig. 2 and 5, when the second cover portion 25 is in the closed position, the second cover portion 25 is arranged along (e.g., parallel to) the opening surface of the second sleeve 51. Thereby, the second lid portion 25 covers the opening portion of the second sleeve 51. On the other hand, when the second lid portion 25 is located at the open position, the second lid portion 25 is arranged in a state of being raised (e.g., orthogonal) with respect to the opening surface of the second sleeve 51 on the-X side of the second sleeve 51. At this time, the second lid 25 overlaps the first lid 24 in a plan view. Specifically, the outer peripheral edge of the second blocking portion 71 approaches or abuts the first connecting portion 62 from the + Z side. Thus, if the first lid portion 24 is intended to be opened when the second lid portion 25 is positioned at the open position, the first connection portion 62 interferes with the second closing portion 71, and the opening operation of the first lid portion 24 is restricted.

In the present embodiment, the open position is a state in which the

lid portions

24 and 25 are able to attach the charging connectors to the sleeves 41 and 51 (the

connection openings

41a and 51 a). That is, in the present embodiment, the open position refers to a state in which the

lid portions

24 and 25 are disposed at positions that do not overlap with the

corresponding connection openings

41a and 51a in a plan view. In addition, the movement of one lid in the opening direction may be restricted by a stopper or the like, not shown, in the fully open position, or may be restricted by contact with the other lid.

< action >

Next, a charging method using the external connection structure 1 will be described. In the following description, the respective operations during the fast charge and the normal charge will be described. In the following description, a state in which the case lid portion 22 is located at the open position and the

lid portions

24 and 25 are located at the closed position after the electric vehicle 2 is stopped will be described as an initial state. That is, in the initial state, both the

lid portions

24 and 25 can be opened.

First, when the quick charge is performed, the first lid portion 24 is set to the open position. Specifically, the first lid 24 is pulled by hooking a finger on the first protruding portion 65 or the finger-entering recess 66. Then, the first lid portion 24 is moved to the open position by rotating about the axis O1 with respect to the first port 31. By the first lid portion 24 moving to the open position, the first connection opening 41a is opened.

In a state where the first lid portion 24 is located at the open position, the quick-charging connector is inserted into the first sleeve 41 through the first connection opening 41 a. Thereby, the battery 3 of the electric vehicle 2 is quickly charged.

Here, when the first lid portion 24 is located at the open position, the first lid portion 24 overlaps the second lid portion 25 in plan view as described above. Therefore, if the second lid portion 25 is intended to perform the opening operation, the second connection portion 72 interferes with the first closing portion 61, and the opening operation of the second lid portion 25 is restricted. Thus, the second sleeve 51 is not opened when the first lid portion 24 is in the open position.

When the quick charging is completed, the quick charging connector is pulled out from the first sleeve 41. Then, the first lid portion 24 is rotated about the axis O1, and the first lid portion 24 is moved to the closed position. Then, by moving the case lid portion 22 to the closed position, the quick charging is ended.

On the other hand, when normal charging is performed, the second lid portion 25 is set to the open position. Specifically, a finger is hooked on the second protruding portion 75 or the finger entering recess 76, and the second lid portion 25 is pulled up. Then, the second lid portion 25 is moved to the open position by rotating about the axis O2 with respect to the second port 32. By the second lid portion 25 being moved to the open position, the second connection opening 51a is opened.

In a state where the second lid portion 25 is in the open position, a normal charging connector is inserted into the second sleeve 51 through the second connection opening 51 a. Thereby, the battery 3 of the electric vehicle 2 is charged.

Here, when the second lid portion 25 is in the open position, the second lid portion 25 overlaps the first lid portion 24 in plan view as described above. Therefore, if the first lid portion 24 is to be opened, the first connection portion 62 interferes with the second closing portion 71, and the opening operation of the first lid portion 24 is restricted. Thus, the first sleeve 41 is not opened when the second lid portion 25 is in the open position.

When the normal charging is completed, the connector for the normal charging is pulled out from the second socket 51. Then, the second lid portion 25 is rotated about the axis O2, and the second lid portion 25 is moved to the closed position. Then, by moving the case lid portion 22 to the closed position, charging is completed.

In this way, in the present embodiment, when one lid portion is located at the open position, the one lid portion is configured to restrict the opening operation of the other lid portion.

According to this configuration, when one lid section is located at the open position and the other lid section is to be opened, the one lid section and the other lid section interfere with each other, thereby restricting the opening operation of the other lid section. This can prevent both the first lid 24 and the second lid 25 from being in the open position. As a result, in the charging using one port, it is possible to suppress entry of foreign matter or dust into the other port, suppress damage to the other port, and the like, and realize a long life of the external connection structure 1.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the opening operation of the other lid portion is restricted by the lid portion itself, the number of components can be reduced and the external connection structure 1 can be made smaller as compared with a case where a lid fixing mechanism is separately provided from the lid portion as in the related art. By reducing the size of the external connection structure 1, the area occupied by the external connection structure 1 in the electric vehicle 2 can be reduced, and layout and design properties can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the

lid portions

24 and 25 are configured to be rotatable, and the

hinge portions

63 and 73 of the

lid portions

24 and 25 are disposed between the

ports

31 and 32.

According to this configuration, while the movement amount in the X direction accompanying the opening and closing operation of each

lid

24, 25 is suppressed, the opening operation of the other lid can be restricted by one lid. This enables the external connection structure 1 to be reduced in size.

In the present embodiment, the first hinge portion 63 and the second hinge portion 73 overlap each other when viewed from the Y direction.

According to this configuration, the

hinge portions

63 and 73 are disposed between the

ports

31 and 32, and the

ports

31 and 41 can be brought close to each other in the X direction. This enables further miniaturization of the external connection structure 1, and improves the layout and design properties.

In the present embodiment, the first closing portion 61 and the first hinge portion 63 are connected to each other by the first connecting portion 62, the second closing portion 71 and the second hinge portion 73 are connected to each other by the second connecting portion 72, and the closing portion of one lid portion and the other lid portion overlap each other in a plan view, thereby restricting the opening operation of the other lid portion.

According to this configuration, the relative position of the closing portion of one lid and the other lid when one lid is in the open position can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the connecting

portions

62 and 72. Thus, when one lid section is positioned at the open position, the closing section of the one lid section can more reliably restrict the opening operation of the other lid section.

In the present embodiment, each of the

caps

24 and 25 includes an

extension portion

65 or 75 extending from the corresponding port 31 or 32 (sleeve 41 or 51).

According to this configuration, the protruding

portions

65 and 75 can be used as finger hook portions when the

lid portions

24 and 25 are opened and closed. Therefore, the opening and closing operations of the

lid portions

24 and 25 are facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the first port 31 and the second port 32 are arranged in parallel in the X direction at the center portion of the electric vehicle 2 in the X direction.

With this configuration, the first port 31 and the second port 32 are easily accessible from both sides of the electric vehicle 2 in the X direction.

In particular, when the

hinge portions

63 and 73 are disposed between the

ports

31 and 32, the

lid portions

24 and 25 are disposed on the inside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the

ports

31 and 32 at the open position. Therefore, by approaching the

open ports

31 and 32 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, interference between the connector and the cover portion can be suppressed when the charging connector is attached and detached. As a result, the charging operation can be efficiently performed.

(other modification examples)

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes in the structure can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is not limited by the above description but is only limited by the scope of the corresponding claims.

For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration in which the

lid portions

24 and 25 are rotatable via the

hinge portions

63 and 73 has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The

lid portions

24 and 25 may be configured to be slidable, for example.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the structure in which the ports 31 and 32 (the sleeves 41 and 51) are opened upward (obliquely upward and forward), respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. The opening direction of the

sleeves

41, 51 can be changed as appropriate.

In the above-described embodiment, the external connection structure is described by taking a port for charging as an example, but the external connection structure is not limited to this configuration. The port may be for power supply (discharge), oil supply, or the like, for example. In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the closing portion of one lid restricts the opening operation of the other lid has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the external connection structure has two ports has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. The external connection structure may also have more than 3 ports.

In addition, the components in the above embodiments may be replaced with known components as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the above modifications may be combined as appropriate.

Claims

1. An external connection structure for a vehicle, comprising:

a base portion provided to a vehicle;

a first port provided in the base portion and having a first connection opening;

a second port provided adjacent to the first port at the base portion and having a second connection opening;

a first cover that opens and closes the first connection opening; and

a second lid section that opens and closes the second connection opening,

when one of the first cover part and the second cover part is located at the open position, the one cover part restricts the opening action of the other cover part.

2. The vehicular exterior connection structure according to claim 1,

the first lid is rotatably supported by the first port via a first hinge,

the second lid is rotatably supported by the second port via a second hinge,

the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are disposed between the first port and the second port.

3. The vehicular exterior connection structure according to claim 2,

if the direction in which the first port and the second port are juxtaposed is set as the first direction,

the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are disposed at positions that overlap each other when viewed from a second direction that intersects the first direction.

4. The vehicular exterior connection structure according to claim 2 or 3,

the first cover portion has:

a first blocking portion that blocks the first connection opening; and

a first connecting portion connecting between the first closing portion and the first hinge portion,

the second cover portion has:

a second closing portion that closes the second connection opening; and

a second connecting portion connecting between the second blocking portion and the second hinge portion,

when the one cover is positioned at the open position, the closing portion of the one cover is positioned at a position overlapping the other cover when viewed from the opening direction of the first connection opening and the second connection opening, thereby restricting the opening operation of the other cover.

5. The vehicular exterior connection structure according to claim 2 or 3,

the first cover portion is provided with a first projecting portion projecting from an opening edge of the first port,

the second cover portion includes a second protruding portion protruding from an opening edge of the second port.

6. The vehicular exterior connection structure according to claim 2 or 3,

the first port and the second port are arranged in parallel in the vehicle width direction at a center portion in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.