CN116323299A

CN116323299A - Two-wheeled vehicle with charging portal assembly

Info

Publication number: CN116323299A
Application number: CN202080106415.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·阿马尔迪普; J·D·萨姆拉杰; M·迪潘詹; J·威
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-29
Filing date: 2020-12-31
Publication date: 2023-06-23
Also published as: WO2022091110A1

Abstract

The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle (100). The present subject matter relates specifically to a charging inlet assembly (200), the charging inlet assembly (200) including one or more structural members that are removably mounted on each other such that if one of the structural members fails, the charging inlet does not need to be removed from the vehicle (100) and the failed structural member can be removed and replaced with a new part.

Description

Two-wheeled vehicle with charging portal assembly

Technical Field

The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle. The present subject matter relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a charging inlet assembly for a vehicle.

Background

In the automotive industry, electric vehicles have been introduced to control air pollution due to internal combustion engine powered vehicles. Currently, electric vehicles are divided into two categories, namely, pure electric vehicles and extended electric vehicles (also referred to as hybrid vehicles). An electric vehicle has a main electric drive with an associated energy storage device. In recent years, electric vehicles have become quite popular due to the environmental impact of high oil price and pure gasoline fuel consumption vehicles.

Drawings

The detailed description will be described with reference to embodiments of saddle-type scooter and accompanying drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 3 illustrates a charging inlet assembly in an open state according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a charging inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;

fig. 5 illustrates a charging inlet assembly when the cover member is in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 6 illustrates an open state of a cover member of the charging inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 7 illustrates an open state of a cover member of a charging inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a charging inlet assembly on a rear portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Detailed Description

An electric vehicle is provided with a power source, such as a battery, to provide power to a prime mover, such as an electric motor, to operate the vehicle. The battery in an electric vehicle requires a charging system for charging purposes, which may be an on-board charging system or an off-board charging system. When the battery is discharged after being consumed and needs to be recharged, an on-board charging system or an off-board charging system may be used. The battery can be charged at a charging station or at home with a power source. Most charging stations suffer from problems associated with slow charging processes, non-standardized charging portals, size and weight of charging portals, customizing charging portals for specific models of electric vehicles, etc.

Furthermore, two-wheeled vehicles are more compact in size than three-or four-wheeled vehicles, and mean that more than two riders face the challenges of removing the battery and reinstalling as required for charging. Therefore, there is a need for an in-vehicle charging system that can be housed inside the body of a two-wheeled vehicle together with a battery.

An on-board charging system in a two-wheeled vehicle requires a charging port to charge an on-board battery. The in-vehicle charging system may use alternating current or direct current, or a combination of both alternating current and direct current. The charge inlet provided in the vehicle to facilitate the battery charging process is also referred to as a charge inlet. The charging gun is engaged to the charging inlet to initiate the charging process. In order to protect the charging inlet from any environmental factors such as dust or water, the charging inlet needs to be covered. It is also important that the charging inlet be protected from any unauthorized entry to eliminate the possibility of damaging the charging inlet.

In three-or four-wheeled vehicles accommodating three or more commuters, the most advanced technology provides a hinged or rubber cover that closes the charging inlet, and a separate body panel rotatably mounted therewith to cover the charging inlet. However, in the case of two-wheeled vehicles, the charging inlet has only one snap-in plastic cover, which is easily opened and damaged during unauthorized access or over time.

Further, during the clogging and extraction process of the charging inlet, the charging inlet is still exposed to dust and water, and thus it is necessary to provide a prevention mechanism that prevents dust and water from entering even during the charging process. Furthermore, at the same time, the preventive mechanism should be serviceable, since frequent charging processes involve plug-in processes, which ultimately lead to wear and tear of the device used as the preventive mechanism. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved solution to overcome all of the above problems and other problems of the prior art.

The present subject matter provides a charging inlet assembly in a two-wheeled vehicle to address the above-described problems. The charging inlet assembly according to the present invention is capable of receiving a power source connector to an external power source, such as a power station. The charging inlet assembly includes one or more structural members that are removably mounted on each other such that if one of the structural members fails, the charging inlet need not be removed from the vehicle and the failed structural member can be removed and replaced with a new part.

Further, another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a charging inlet assembly having a closable lid member rotatably mounted to one of the structural members by a spring-loaded hinge. The closable lid member is locked by a mechanical lock or an electronic lock.

Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides one or more structural members removably arranged in a layered manner. The structural members are an upper member and a lower member, wherein the upper member is provided with a pair of protrusions to lock with a rear access panel of the vehicle.

Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter provides an entry prevention device housed between an upper member and a lower member to prevent water intrusion into the charging inlet assembly. The entry preventing means is received in a recess formed around the periphery on the lower surface of the upper member.

Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a cover member rotatably mounted on the upper member by a hinge, and the cover member may be locked by mechanical or electronic means. The cover member is locked by a mechanical latch. The locking means for the cover member may be operated manually with a physical key or electronically by an electronic key such as a key fob.

Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a switching unit disposed on an upper region of a charging inlet assembly. The switching unit constantly senses an opened or closed state of the cover member. When the cover member is in the closed state, the switch unit gives an instruction to the driver by an indication lamp using an LED lamp or an audio instruction such as a buzzer.

Exemplary embodiments of features relating to the foregoing and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments of a two-wheeled saddle-type motorcycle and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of the different embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description set forth below. Rather, the following description provides convenient illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, incorporate the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Further, it is noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", "forward", "rearward", "downward", "upward", "top", "bottom", "exterior", "interior" and the like are used herein based on the illustrated state or standing state of the two-wheeled vehicle on which the driver is riding. Further, an arrow in the upper right corner of the drawing in the drawing depicts a direction relative to the vehicle, where an arrow F indicates a front direction, an arrow R indicates a rear direction, an arrow T indicates an upward direction, an arrow D indicates a downward direction, an arrow R indicates a right side, and an arrow L indicates a left side. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) is shown with a frame assembly (105) shown schematically. In this embodiment, the frame assembly (105) is stepped, comprising a head pipe (105A) and a main frame (105B) extending rearwardly and downwardly from a front portion of the head pipe (105A). The main frame (105B) extends obliquely rearward to a rear portion of the vehicle (100).

The vehicle (100) includes one or more prime movers, such as electric traction motors, coupled to the frame assembly (105). In a preferred embodiment, an electric motor (not shown) is hub mounted to one wheel of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, more than one electric motor is mounted to a wheel of the vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes at least two wheels, and the electric motor hub is mounted to the rear wheel (125) of the vehicle. The front wheel (110) is rotatably supported by the frame assembly (105) and is connected to a handlebar assembly (130) that enables steering of the vehicle (100).

Further, the vehicle (100) includes a high-capacity in-vehicle battery (8) that drives the electric motor (120). The high-capacity battery may include one or more high-capacity battery packs or one or more low-capacity unit cells. The high-capacity battery may be provided at a front portion, a rear portion, or a center of the vehicle (100). The high-capacity battery is supported by a frame assembly (105), and the vehicle (100) includes a plurality of body panels mounted to the frame assembly (105) for covering various components of the vehicle (100). The plurality of panels includes a front panel (140A), a leg shield (140B), a seat bottom cover (140C), and left and right side panels (not shown). The glove box may be mounted to the leg shield (140 b). The battery (8) forms part of a charging circuit which further comprises a relay box (7), a vehicle control unit VCU (4), a charging inlet assembly (200). The charging gun (1) is inserted into the charging inlet assembly (200) to charge the battery (8). The VCU (4) is a main control unit that controls the overall operation of the vehicle (100), including normal operation of the electric motor, charging of the battery (8), driving of the load by the battery (8), charging of the high-capacity battery (8) by the electric motor, and charging of the charging gun (1) by an external power source such as a power station. The battery (8) may be fitted with a hinge mechanism to allow easy access and maintenance. The vehicle control unit VCU (4) may be mounted under the seat assembly (150) or beside a side rail (not shown) of the seat assembly (150), or between a utility box (not shown) and a side panel (not shown), or in front of a rear shock absorber (not shown). The vehicle control unit VCU (4) may be mounted using a U-shaped metal bracket. Further, the battery (8) is placed inside a battery case (not shown), and flexible lugs are used on the battery case to suppress noise and vibration during movement of the vehicle.

The floor (145) is provided at a stride portion defined by the main frame (105B). A seat assembly (150) is disposed rearward of the stride section and mounted to the main frame (105B). A main frame (105B) mount is provided in the rear portion, which can be used as a common mount for a battery (8) or an engine (in the case of a hybrid vehicle). The seat assembly (150) being elongated in the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle (100) enables a user to operate the vehicle in a saddle riding posture. One or more suspensions connect the wheels (110), (125) to the vehicle (100) and provide a comfortable ride. The vehicle (100) includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components including a head lamp (155A), a tail lamp (155B), a starter motor (not shown), a horn, and the like, which are movably supported on a head pipe (105A). The housing of the head lamp (155A) and the housing of the instrument cluster may be plastic welded to achieve seamless finish. The vehicle (100) may be a two-wheeled saddle-type vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear portion includes a seat assembly (150), a grab handle (160) disposed rearward of the seat assembly (150), the grab handle (160) being capable of supporting a rear seat rider when the vehicle is in a riding condition. The charging inlet assembly (200) has been disposed below the handgrip (160). The charging inlet assembly (200) is arranged underneath a rear inlet panel (201), the rear inlet panel 201 being provided with a cut-out (cut out) for accessing the charging inlet assembly (200).

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the charging inlet assembly (200) assembled on a vehicle, and shown in an open state. According to alternative embodiments, the location of the charging inlet assembly (200) may be conveniently provided on the left or right side of the vehicle, regardless of the problems associated with charging inlets provided in existing vehicles, while overcoming the problems of the prior art.

Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the charging inlet assembly (200), the charging inlet assembly (200) comprising one or more structural members that are removably arranged and layered one after the other. The charging inlet assembly (200) is an in-vehicle charger socket that is capable of operating on alternating current or direct current or a combination of both. The charging inlet assembly (200) is connected to the battery (8) and for charging purposes, the battery (8) need not be removed. The structural members are an upper member (14) and a lower member (12). This allows for easy maintenance when any of the structural members of the charging inlet assembly (200) are damaged. The entire charging inlet assembly (200) need not be removed and only the damaged components need be removed or replaced. The upper member (14) and the lower member (12) are removably mounted on each other such that the entry blocking device (16) (ingress resistance means) is received between the upper member (14) and the lower member (12). The entry prevention device (16) may be an annular seal to prevent water from entering the charge inlet assembly (200) when the charge gun is in the plugged-in state during the charging state. The entry preventing means (16) is received in a recess formed around the periphery on the lower surface of the upper member (14). The charging inlet assembly (200) may be accessed through a cutout (202) provided in the rear inlet panel (201) shown in fig. 3. The cut-out may be circular or polygonal, such as square or rectangular.

The upper member (14) is provided with a pair of protrusions (14 a, 14 b) on its outer circumferential periphery which engages with the rear inlet panel (201) to be locked. Furthermore, the cover member (15) is rotatably mounted on the upper member (14) by means of a hinge pin (20) loaded by a spring (18) on the hinge joint (19). The cover member (15) is provided with an insert member (17), which insert member (17) is provided on a closing surface of the cover member so as to block any entry of dust or water when the cover member (15) is in a closed state. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, the cover member (15) may be locked by mechanical or electronic means. According to the present embodiment, the cover member (15) is locked by a mechanical latch (5 a). The lever (22) is actuated by the locking means (9). The locking device (9) may be operated manually with a physical key or electronically by means of an electronic key such as a key fob (keyfob). The mechanical latch (5 a) is engaged or disengaged by the lock (5). The mechanical latch (5 a) is connected to the lock (5) by a locking cable (5 b). The lock (5) may be provided separately or the lock (5) may be integrated with a seat lock (not shown) of the vehicle (100). If the lock (5) is not operable due to loss of power or a key, a mechanical control cable (9 a) may be used to disengage the lock (5). The terminal unit (13) is firmly provided with the lower member (12). During the charging process, a charging gun (1) is inserted over the terminal unit (13).

Fig. 5 shows the charging inlet assembly (200) with the cover member (15) in a closed state. The cover member (15) according to the present embodiment is complementary to the rear inlet panel (201). The charging inlet assembly (200) according to the invention does not require a separate panel, but forms an integrated part of the rear inlet panel (201) to close the charging inlet assembly (200). The cover member (15) eliminates the problem of having multiple covers for the charging inlet assembly (200) while it does not detract from the aesthetics of the vehicle (100).

Fig. 6 shows an open state of the cover member (15) of the charging inlet assembly (200).

Fig. 7 shows a top view of the charging inlet assembly (200) with the cover member (15) in an open state. According to one embodiment, the upper member (14) is additionally provided with one or more LED modules (40 a, 40b, 40c and 40 d) located in each corner of the upper member (14) to illuminate the charging inlet assembly (200) during the charging process to indicate whether the battery is being charged. Further, according to the present embodiment, the terminal unit (13) is a multi-phase connector, which is a three-phase charging connector also referred to as a second type connector. During charging of a battery in a vehicle (100), a terminal unit (13) is mated with a charging gun (1). A combo connector (combo connector) is compatible with both ac and dc currents for charging the battery. The terminal unit (13) has two other phases including ground. Further, the terminal unit (13) according to another embodiment additionally has an approach guide pin (P3) and a control guide pin (P1). The proximity guide pin (P3) is used to detect when the charging cable is connected and helps prevent any unintended movement of the vehicle by stopping the power supply to the vehicle's drive system. The control guide pin (P1) monitors the ground wire, and if there is any failure in the ground wire, the control pin disconnects the power supply to the power source and prevents any accident that may occur due to the lack of a ground (protective ground) function. Pins P5 and P6 of the terminal unit (13) are dc lines (positive and negative lines, respectively), pin P4 is an ac line, pin P2 is a power ground, and pin P7 is a neutral pin.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the switching unit (400) is additionally provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper member (14) of the charging inlet assembly (200) and close to the hinge of the cover member (15). The switch unit (400) constantly senses the open or closed state of the cover member (15). When the cover member (15) is in the closed state, the switch unit (400) is configured to trigger an audio and/or visual indication to the driver by an indicator light such as an LED light or a buzzer on an instrument cluster (not shown) of the vehicle (100) to sound a beep indicating a safe closing of the charging port opening. When the switch unit (400) senses the open state of the cover member (15), the indication unit or alarm is actuated.

Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of the charging inlet assembly (200) on the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The charging inlet assembly (200) is disposed below the rear inlet panel (201) and a gasket (203) surrounding the charging inlet assembly (200).

List of reference numerals

Vehicle (100)

Frame member (105)

Head pipe (105A)

Main frame (105B)

Engine (115)

Structural member (135)

Rear wheel (125)

Handle bar assembly (130)

Front panel (140A)

Leg shield (140B)

Armchair lower cover (140C)

Armchair assembly (150)

Wheels (110), (125)

Front shining lamp (155A)

Tail light (155B)

Charging inlet component (200)

Gasket (203)

Rear inlet panel (201)

Cover member (15)

Switch unit (400)

Zero line pin (P7)

AC line (P4)

DC line (P5, P6)

Control guide pin (P1)

Approach guide pin (P3)

Terminal unit (13)

Charging gun (1)

Upper component (14)

Lower component (12)

LED module (40 a, 40b, 40c and 40 d)

Cover member (15)

Mechanical control cable (9 a)

Lock (5)

Mechanical latch (5 a)

Locking device (9)

Rod (22)

Insert member (17)

Hinge joint (19)

Hinge pin (20)

Spring (18)

A pair of protrusions (14 a, 14 b)

Entry preventing device (16)

Grab handle (160)

Battery (8)

Vehicle control unit VCU (4)

Relay box (7)

Automobile charger OBC (3)

Claims

1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100), the two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:

a rear portion including a seat assembly (150);

a grab handle (160), the grab handle (160) being disposed at a rear end of the seat assembly (150) to provide support for a rear seat rider;

a charging inlet assembly (200), the charging inlet assembly (200) being located on the rear portion.

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said charging inlet assembly (200) is located below said grab handle (160).

3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said charging inlet assembly (200) is securely disposed under a rear inlet panel (201),

wherein the charging inlet assembly (200) is accessible through a cutout (202) provided in the rear inlet panel (201).

4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said charging inlet assembly (200) includes

5. One or more structural members removably arranged in a layered fashion,

wherein the one or more structural members are an upper member (14) and a lower member (12);

wherein the upper member (14) is provided with one or more protrusions (14 a, 14 b) on an outer peripheral surface to lock with the rear inlet panel (201);

an entry prevention device (16), the entry prevention device (16) being disposed between the upper member (14) and the lower member (12) to prevent water from entering the charging inlet assembly (200);

wherein the entry preventing means (16) is received in a recess formed around the periphery on the lower surface of the upper member (14);

a cover member (15), the cover member (15) being rotatably mounted on the upper member (14) by a hinge (19); and

a terminal unit (13), the terminal unit (13) being provided at the lower side to be mated with the charging gun (1).

6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 2, wherein the cover member (15) is locked by mechanical means,

wherein the mechanical device is a mechanical latch (5 a) of a locking member (5) and the locking member is integrated into a seat lock of the vehicle (100).

7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 2, wherein the cover member (15) is locked by electronic means,

wherein the electronic device is a key fob for actuating a mechanical latch (5 a) of a locking member (5).

8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 2, wherein the upper member (14) is provided with one or more LED modules (40 a, 40b, 40c and 40 d) for visually indicating the state of charge of the vehicle

Wherein the LED modules (40 a, 40b, 40c and 40 d) are provided at each corner of the upper member (14).

9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 2, wherein a switch unit (400) is provided on the upper member (14) to detect a closed state or an open state of the cover member (15),

wherein when the opening state of the cover member is sensed by the switching unit (400), an indicating unit is actuated,

wherein the indication unit is an LED or a buzzer on the instrument cluster.

10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 2, wherein a switch unit (400) is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the upper member (14) and in proximity to the hinge member.

11. A charging inlet assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), the charging inlet assembly (200) comprising:

one or more structural members removably arranged in a layered fashion,

wherein the upper member (14) is provided with a pair of protrusions (14 a, 14 b) on an outer peripheral surface to lock with the rear inlet panel (201);

an entry prevention device (16), the entry prevention device (16) being accommodated between the upper member (14) and the lower member (12) to prevent water from entering the charging inlet assembly (200);