EP3630586A1

EP3630586A1 - Auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports

Info

Publication number: EP3630586A1
Application number: EP18810131.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yinshuang ZHOU; Li Cheng
Original assignee: Yanfeng Plastic Omnium Automotive Exterior Systems Co Ltd; Plastic Omnium SE
Current assignee: Yanfeng Plastic Omnium Automotive Exterior Systems Co Ltd; Plastic Omnium SE
Priority date: 2017-06-01
Filing date: 2018-05-29
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Also published as: CN107042847A; MA49574A; CN107042847B; WO2018219268A1; EP3630586A4

Abstract

An auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports comprises a cover assembly (1) for obstructing a charging port or refueling port, a transmission mechanism (3), an actuating device (4) and a locking and closing mechanism provided on the cover assembly (1). The one end of the transmission mechanism (3) is fixed to the inner side of the cover assembly (1), and the other end of the transmission mechanism (3) cooperates with the actuating device (4). The actuating device (4) is fixed to the inner side of the bodywork (5) of an automobile.

Description

Auto-Sliding Cover System for Refueling Ports and Charging Ports

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the domain of automobiles, and in particular, the present disclosure relates to an auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports.

Background

Currently, the covers of refueling ports or charging ports provided on the bodywork of automobiles are mostly of the outwardly opening hinge type, that is to say, the covers, when in use, are pulled open by rotating towards the exterior so as to expose the refueling ports or charging ports, and when it is finished, are pushed back. This type of outwardly turning structure is prone to damage due to the covers being placed outside.
Regarding this, some improvements have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, the Chinese utility model patent No. 201020169217.2 discloses a hidden sliding cover for automobile refueling port, which is hidden by means of a cover plate and a sliding slot, avoiding damage to the cover by contact. However, this structure does not provide a robust sealing of the refueling port, and its sliding slot structure is prone to fatigue and damage. The Chinese application for invention patent No. 201610430830.7 discloses a protection device for charging ports and an electric vehicle, which achieves a sliding arrangement of the charging port cover by exploiting the cooperation between a locking mechanism and a locking end, the cooperation between a guiding slot and a guiding rib, and the extension-compression principle of springs, but it has the disadvantage of having a complex structure.
Summary of the Invention
The present disclosure provides an auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports, to solve the problems of existing covers that they are prone to damage, the sealing is not robust, and the structure is complex.
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports according to the present disclosure comprises a cover assembly for obstructing a charging port or refueling port, and a transmission mechanism that is fixed to the inner side of the cover assembly at one end, the other end of the transmission mechanism cooperating with an actuating device, the actuating device being fixed to the inner side of the bodywork of an automobile, a locking and closing mechanism being further provided on the cover assembly.
In the auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports according to the present disclosure, preferably, the charging port or refueling port is arranged on the bodywork, and the form of the cover assembly matches that of the charging port or refueling port.
Preferably, the locking and closing mechanism comprises an infrared emitter, an infrared receiver is provided on the bodywork, and the infrared emitter cooperates with the infrared receiver. The infrared emitter advantageously emits infrared detecting signals to detect the presence or movement of a human body or other foreign object.
Preferably, the locking and closing mechanism comprises an armature, an electro-magnet is provided on the bodywork in the proximity of the charging port or refueling port, and the armature cooperates with the electro-magnet.
Preferably, the electro-magnet is connected to an electro-magnet switch to start or shut off the power of the electro-magnet.
Preferably, a position sensor for sensing the position of the armature is provided on the bodywork, and the position sensor is arranged in the proximity of the electro-magnet and connected to the electro-magnet switch, after the position sensor has detected that the armature is in position, it can send a signal to the electro-magnet switch to control it to start the power of the electro-magnet.
Preferably, a positioning plate for delineating the position of the cover assembly is provided on the bodywork in the proximity of the charging port or refueling port.
Preferably, the actuating device is connected to an actuating device switch to control the action of the actuating device through the actuating device switch.
Preferably, the form of movement of the actuating device is transferred to the cover assembly via the transmission mechanism, achieving automatic opening and closing of the cover assembly.
Preferably, when refueling or charging is needed, by means of the actuating device and the transmission mechanism, the cover assembly is moved first in a direction perpendicular to the bodywork then in a direction parallel to the bodywork, until the cover assembly is accommodated on the inner side of the bodywork and the opening of the cover assembly is thus achieved.
Preferably, when refueling or charging is completed, by means of the actuating device and the transmission mechanism, the cover assembly is moved first in a direction parallel to the bodywork then in a direction perpendicular to the bodywork, until the cover assembly returns to its position and the closing of the cover assembly is thus achieved.
Preferably, the actuating device can be realized in mechanical transmission, hydraulic transmission, pneumatic transmission or electrical transmission modes.
Preferably, when the actuating device uses the mode of transmission by gear in mechanical transmission, the transmission mechanism comprises a hinged connecting rod mechanism, a rack, and a fixation base for fixation with the cover assembly, and the hinged connecting rod mechanism connects the fixation base and the rack, the actuating device comprises a gear, and the gear and the rack engage with each other.
Preferably, the hinged connecting rod mechanism comprises a first hinge and a second hinge that have, respectively, a first rotating axe and a second rotating axe, and a connecting rod that is connected between the first hinge and the second hinge, the first hinge being connected to the rack, and the second hinge being connected to the fixation base.
Preferably, a rotation stop rib is provided at the junction between the connecting rod and the first rotating axe, a rotation stop face is provided on the rack, and the rotation stop rib cooperates with the rotation stop face in such a way that: when the cover assembly needs to be opened, the rotation stop rib is rotated counterclockwise along the axial direction and then abuts against the rotation stop face, in this way, the cover assembly can match the movement of the rack; when the cover assembly needs to be closed, an opposite action is performed so that the cover assembly returns to its position.
Compared to the prior art, the auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:
The present disclosure transfers the form of movement of the actuating device to the cover assembly via the transmission mechanism, achieving the automatic opening and closing of the cover assembly, with a simple structure and easy operation, eliminating manual turning, and achieving, to a certain degree, automation.
The present disclosure accommodates the cover assembly on the inner side of the bodywork via the actuating device, avoiding placing the cover assembly outside and avoiding damage by external forces, prolonging the life of the cover assembly, and increasing the overall aesthetics of the automobile, and at the same time, in this way, there is no requirement regarding the form of the cover assembly, which expands its application scenarios.
The present disclosure, by the provision of the infrared emitter, the infrared receiver and the transmission mechanism, allows the cover assembly to be controlled in real time during the course of being opened or closed, avoiding the occurrence of accidents and increasing safety.

Brief description of the drawings

The above and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and easy to understand from the description below of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, among which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of the overall assembly structure of an auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 is a schematic view of the cover structure of the cover system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of the bodywork arrangement structure of the cover system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the structure of the transmission mechanism of the cover system shown in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is an enlarged schematic view of the structure at A in Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the structure of cooperating between the gear and the rack of the transmission mechanism shown in Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a schematic view of a first state in the course of the opening of the cover of an auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 is a schematic view of a second state in the course of the opening of the cover of an auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 9 is schematic view of a third state in the course of the opening of the cover of an auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Here is description of the reference numbers in the figures:
1: cover assembly; 11: infrared emitter; 12: armature;
2: bodywork hole; 21: infrared receiver; 22: electro-magnet; 23: position sensor; 24: positioning plate;
3: transmission mechanism; 31: fixation base; 35: rack; 34: first rotating axe: 32: second rotating axe; 33: connecting rod: 331: rotation stop rib; 351: rotation stop face;
4: actuating device; 41: gear;
5: bodywork.
Detailed Description of Embodiments
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements or elements that have the same or similar functions are always designated by the same or similar reference numbers throughout. The embodiments described below in reference to the accompanying drawings are illustrative and merely used to explain the present disclosure, and cannot be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure. For example, a refueling port can be changed to be a charging port according to the needs of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.
In reference to Figures 1 to 3, an auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a cover assembly 1 for obstructing a refueling port or charging port, and a transmission mechanism 3 that is fixed to the inner side of the cover assembly 1 at one end, the other end of the transmission mechanism 3 being connected to an actuating device 4, the actuating device 4 being fixed to the inner side of the bodywork 5 of an automobile, a locking and closing mechanism being further provided on the cover assembly 1.
In the present embodiment, the locking and closing mechanism comprises an armature 12 and an infrared emitter 11 for emitting infrared detecting signals to detect the presence or movement of a human body or other foreign object, in which the infrared emitter 11 and the armature 12 are arranged side by side on the side opposite to the transmission mechanism 3 of the cover assembly 1.
In a matching way, a bodywork hole 2 is provided on the bodywork 5 as a refueling port or charging port. The bodywork hole 2 matches in form with the cover assembly 1, on which an infrared receiver 21 and an electro-magnet 22 are provided respectively at the positions corresponding to the infrared emitter 11 and the armature 12, with a positioning plate 24 further provided between the infrared receiver 21 and the electro-magnet 22 to delineate the position of the cover assembly 1. In addition, a position sensor 23 for sensing the position of the armature 12 is further provided side by side with the electro-magnet 22. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the electro-magnet 22 is connected to an electro-magnet switch (not shown) to start or shut off the power of the electro-magnet 22. At the same time, the electro-magnet switch is also connected to the position sensor 23. After the position sensor 23 has detected that the armature 12 is in position, it can send a signal to the electro-magnet switch to control it to start the power of the electro-magnet 22. It should be understood that other than the cooperation between the armature and the electro-magnet, the locking and closing mechanism can also use other appropriate means to achieve the locking and closing of the cover assembly at a refueling port or charging port.
In reference to Figures 4 to 5, the transmission mechanism 3 comprises a fixation base 31 for fixation with the cover assembly 1, and further comprises a rack 35 and a hinged connecting rod mechanism that connecting the fixation base 31 and the rack 35. The hinged connecting rod mechanism comprises a first hinge and a second hinge that have respectively a first rotating axe 34 and a second rotating axe 32, and a connecting rod 33 that is connected between the two hinges, in which the first hinge is connected to one end of the rack 35, and the second hinge is connected to the fixation base 31; the connecting rod 33 is provided with a rotation stop rib 331 at its junction with the first rotation axe 34, a rotation stop face 351 that cooperates with the rotation stop rib 331 is provided on the rack 35, and the cooperation between the two is shown in detail in Figure 5. In actual use, when the cover assembly 1 needs to be opened, the rotation stop rib 331 is rotated counterclockwise along the axial direction and then abuts against the rotation stop face 351. In this way, the cover assembly 1 can match the movement of the rack 35. When the cover assembly 1 needs to be closed, an opposite action is performed so that the cover assembly 1 returns to its position.
In reference to Figure 6, one end of the rack 35 cooperates with the hinged connecting rod mechanism, and the other end engages with the gear 41 in the actuating device 4. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the mode of transmission by gear in mechanical transmission. In reality, the actuating device 4 can be realized by hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical transmission modes. It should be understood that the explanation in the specification is merely to facilitate the understanding of the operating principle of the transmission mechanism 3 and the actuating device 4, and should not be taken as limiting the present disclosure. In the embodiment, the actuating device 4 is connected to an actuating device switch (not shown) to control the action of the actuating device 4 through the actuating device switch.
In reference to Figures 7 to 9, to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the operating principle of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described briefly in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Considering the cover assembly 1 can be in an opening state and a closing state, the description is made in two situations:
The first situation: opening the cover assembly 1.
When refueling or charging is needed, the power of the electro-magnet 22 is shut off by opening the electro-magnet switch, thus removing the attractive force between the armature 12 and the electro-magnet 22. At this point, the position relationships of the cover assembly 1, the bodywork 5, the rotation stop rib 331 and the rotation stop face 351 are as shown in Figure 7;
Then, the actuating device 4 is started through the actuating device switch, so as to make its gear 41 rotate towards the left, thus driving the rack 35 to move towards the right through the rotation of the gear 41. As the right side of the cover assembly 1 is obstructed by the bodywork 5, the rotation stop rib 331 on the connecting rod 33 rotates counterclockwise, making the cover assembly 1 move in a direction perpendicular to the refueling port or charging port, until the right side of the cover assembly 1 is not obstructed by the bodywork 5. At this point, the rotation stop rib 331 and the rotation stop face 351 abut against each other. At this point, the connecting rod 33 and the rack 35 remain fixed angularly. The position relationships of the cover assembly 1, the bodywork 5, the rotation stop rib 331, and the rotation stop face 351 in this state are as shown in Figure 8;
Finally, the rack 35 continues to move towards the right, making the connecting rod 33 drive the cover assembly 1 to move in a direction parallel to the bodywork 5, accommodating the cover assembly 1 on the inner side of the bodywork 5 and finally achieving the opening of the cover assembly 1. This completely opened state is as shown in Figure 9.
The second situation: closing the cover assembly 1.
When refueling or charging is completed and the cover assembly 1 needs to be closed, the gear 41 in the actuating device 4 is controlled through the actuating device switch to move towards the right, making the rack 35 that engages with the gear 41 move towards the left, thus making the cover assembly 1 first move in a direction parallel to the bodywork 5 and then in a direction perpendicular to the bodywork 5 to achieve the closing of the cover assembly 1.
When the cover assembly 1 has moved to the closed position and after the position sensor 23 has sensed the armature 12, it is confirmed that the cover assembly 1 has been closed in position. Then, the electro-magnet switch is controlled to start the power of the electro-magnet 22, and the locking and closing of the cover assembly 1 on the refueling port or charging port is achieved through the attractive force between the armature 12 and the electro-magnet 22.
In addition, in the course of the closing of the cover assembly 1, if a foreign object (e.g., a human hand) invades, it will interrupt the emission of infrared detecting signals by the infrared emitter 11 to the infrared receiver 21. At this point, the actuating device 4 stops working, and the cover assembly 1 stops moving, thus avoiding damage to the foreign object.
Compared to the prior art, the present disclosure has the following beneficial effects:
The present disclosure transfers the form of movement of the actuating device 4 to the cover assembly 1 via the transmission mechanism 3, achieving the automatic opening and closing of the cover assembly 1, with a simple structure and easy operation, eliminating manual turning, and achieving, to a certain degree, automation.
The present disclosure accommodates the cover assembly 1 on the inner side of the bodywork 5 via the actuating device 4, avoiding placing the cover assembly 1 outside and avoiding damage by external forces, prolonging the life of the cover assembly 1, and increasing the overall aesthetics of the automobile, and at the same time, in this way, there is no requirement regarding the form of the cover assembly 1, which expands its application scenarios.
The present disclosure, by the provision of the infrared emitter 11, the infrared receiver 21, and the transmission mechanism 3, allows the cover assembly 1 to be controlled in real time during the course of being opened or closed, avoiding the occurrence of accidents and increasing safety.
What have been described are merely some of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that to an ordinary person skilled in the art, modifications and embellishments can be made without departing from the principle of the present disclosure, and those modifications and embellishments should also be considered as within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

An auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports, characterized in that, it comprises: a cover assembly (1) for obstructing a charging port or refueling port, and a transmission mechanism (3) that is fixed to the inner side of the cover assembly (1) at one end, the other end of the transmission mechanism (3) cooperating with an actuating device (4) , the actuating device (4) being fixed to the inner side of the bodywork (5) of an automobile, a locking and closing mechanism being further provided on the cover assembly (1) .
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 1, characterized in that, the charging port or refueling port is arranged on the bodywork (5) , and the form of the cover assembly (1) matches that of the charging port or refueling port.
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 1, characterized in that, the locking and closing mechanism comprises an infrared emitter (11) , an infrared receiver (21) is provided on the bodywork (5) , and the infrared emitter (11) cooperates with the infrared receiver (21) .
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 1, characterized in that, the locking and closing mechanism comprises an armature (12) , an electro-magnet (22) is provided on the bodywork (5) in the proximity of the charging port or refueling port, and the armature (12) cooperates with the electro-magnet (22) .
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 4, characterized in that, the electro-magnet (22) is connected to an electro-magnet switch to start or shut off the power of the electro-magnet (22) .
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 5, characterized in that, a position sensor (23) for sensing the position of the armature (12) is provided on the bodywork (5) , and the position sensor (23) is arranged in the proximity of the electro-magnet (22) and connected to the electro-magnet switch, after the position sensor 23 has detected that the armature 12 is in position, it can send a signal to the electro-magnet switch to control it to start the power of the electro-magnet (22) .
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 4, characterized in that, a positioning plate (24) for delineating the position of the cover assembly (1) is provided on the bodywork (5) in the proximity of the charging port or refueling port.
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 1, characterized in that, the actuating device (4) is connected to an actuating device switch to control the action of the actuating device (4) through the actuating device switch.
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of any one of Claims 1-8, characterized in that, the form of movement of the actuating device (4) is transferred to the cover assembly (1) via the transmission mechanism (3) , achieving automatic opening and closing of the cover assembly (1) .
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of any one of Claims 1-9, characterized in that, when refueling or charging is needed, by means of the actuating device (4) and the transmission mechanism (3) , the cover assembly (1) is moved first in a direction perpendicular to the bodywork (5) then in a direction parallel to the bodywork (5) , until the cover assembly (1) is accommodated on the inner side of the bodywork (5) and the opening of the cover assembly (1) is thus achieved.
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 10, characterized in that, when refueling or charging is completed, by means of the actuating device (4) and the transmission mechanism (3) , the cover assembly (1) is moved first in a direction parallel to the bodywork (5) then in a direction perpendicular to the bodywork (5) , until the cover assembly (1) returns to its position and the closing of the cover assembly (1) is thus achieved.
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of any one of Claims 1-11, characterized in that, the actuating device (4) can be realized in mechanical transmission, hydraulic transmission, pneumatic transmission or electrical transmission modes.
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 12, characterized in that, when the actuating device (4) uses the mode of transmission by gear in mechanical transmission, the transmission mechanism (3) comprises a hinged connecting rod mechanism, a rack (35) , and a fixation base (31) for fixation with the cover assembly (1) , and the hinged connecting rod mechanism connects the fixation base (31) and the rack (35) , the actuating device (4) comprises a gear (41) , and the gear (41) and the rack (35) engage with each other.
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 13, characterized in that, the hinged connecting rod mechanism comprises a first hinge and a second hinge that have, respectively, a first rotating axe (34) and a second rotating axe (32) , and a connecting rod (33) that is connected between the first hinge and the second hinge, the first hinge being connected to the rack (35) , and the second hinge being connected to the fixation base (31) .
The auto-sliding cover system for refueling ports and charging ports of Claim 14, characterized in that, a rotation stop rib (331) is provided at the junction between the connecting rod (33) and the first rotating axe (34) , a rotation stop face (351) is provided on the rack (35) , and the rotation stop rib (331) cooperates with the rotation stop face (351) in such a way that: when the cover assembly (1) needs to be opened, the rotation stop rib (331) is rotated counterclockwise along the axial direction and then abuts against the rotation stop face (351) , in this way, the cover assembly (1) can match the movement of the rack (35) ; when the cover assembly (1) needs to be closed, an opposite action is performed so that the cover assembly (1) returns to its position.