Connector assembly and vehicle charging device

Abstract

A connector assembly (1) is provided with a female connector (2) and a male connector (3), the female connector (2) forming a cylindrical insertion space (21) into which the male connector (3) is inserted, the connector assembly (1) being provided with an air pump module (4), and when the male connector (3) is inserted into or pulled out of the insertion space (21), the air pump module (4) is inserted into or pulled out of the insertion space (21). An air pump module (4) pumps or inflates an insertion space (21) to change the air pressure of the insertion space (21) so as to provide an assist force for the insertion operation or extraction operation of a male connector (3), and the female connector (2) is provided with: a drain hole (22) that connects the insertion space (21) inside the female connector (2) and the space outside the female connector (2); and a valve (23) that closes the drain hole (22) when the male connector (3) is inserted into or pulled out of the insertion space (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of connectors, and in particular to a connector assembly having a female connector and a male connector that can be engaged with each other, and a vehicle charging device. Background Art

[0002] The connector generally includes a female connector as a socket and a male connector as a plug. By fitting the female connector and the male connector, a wire harness connected to the female connector and a wire harness connected to the male connector can be electrically connected to each other.

[0003] Existing electric vehicles are usually provided with a charging socket in the form of a female connector on the vehicle body, and the battery of the electric vehicle is charged by inserting a charging gun in the form of a male connector of a charging station into the charging socket.

[0004] However, in order to ensure the firmness of the fit between the charging socket (female connector) and the charging gun (male connector) and the reliability of the electrical connection of the terminals, the dimensions of the charging socket and the charging gun are closely matched. The insertion force (extraction force) required when inserting (or removing) the charging gun relative to the charging socket is relatively large, which affects the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly and a vehicle charging device that can ensure that the female connector and the male connector are firmly engaged while reducing the force required for the engagement (disengagement) operation of the female connector and the male connector, and ensure the normal operation of the drainage hole of the female connector.

[0007] Solutions to technical problems

[0008] The present invention provides a connector assembly, comprising a female connector and a male connector, wherein the female connector is formed with a cylindrical insertion space for inserting the male connector, and the connector assembly is provided with an air pump module. When the male connector is inserted into or pulled out relative to the insertion space, the air pump module evacuates or inflates the insertion space to change the air pressure in the insertion space, thereby providing auxiliary force for the insertion or removal of the male connector. The female connector is provided with: a drainage hole, which connects the insertion space inside the female connector with the external space of the female connector; and a valve, which closes the drainage hole when the male connector is inserted into or pulled out relative to the insertion space.

[0009] Thus, the connector assembly of the present invention utilizes the air pump module to change the internal air pressure of the insertion space, thereby utilizing the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the insertion space to provide auxiliary force when mating or unmating the male and female connectors, reducing the insertion and removal force required by the operator and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the connector assembly of this embodiment can change the air pressure of the insertion space while providing a drain hole and valve, thus achieving both drainage and auxiliary force functions.

[0010] In the above-mentioned connector assembly, preferably, the connector assembly is provided with a start / stop button, and the valve and the air pump module are controlled by operating the start / stop button.

[0011] Therefore, only one start-stop button is needed to conveniently control the inflation or exhaustion, thereby providing auxiliary force for the extraction or insertion action. The operation is relatively simple and the user experience is good.

[0012] In the above-mentioned connector assembly, preferably, the connector assembly is provided with a sensor, and the valve and the air pump module are controlled by the detection result of the sensor.

[0013] As a result, the air pump module and valves can be automatically controlled using sensors, making the operation simple.

[0014] In the above-mentioned connector assembly, preferably, the sensor includes: a pressure sensor, which is arranged on the male connector; and a distance sensor, which detects the distance between the bottom surface of the insertion space and the end surface of the male connector. When the pressure sensor detects pressure and the distance detected by the distance sensor expands, the connector assembly controls the valve to close the drainage hole and controls the air pump module to inflate the insertion space, thereby increasing the air pressure in the insertion space to provide auxiliary force for the pulling-out action. When the pressure sensor detects pressure and the distance detected by the distance sensor decreases, the connector assembly controls the valve to close the drainage hole and controls the air pump module to evacuate the insertion space, thereby reducing the air pressure in the insertion space to provide auxiliary force for the insertion action.

[0015] As a result, the air pump module and the valve can be automatically controlled by the pressure sensor and the distance sensor, and the operation is simple.

[0016] In the above connector assembly, preferably, the air pump module communicates with the insertion space via an air passage, and the air passage is formed in the male connector, and an opening is formed on an end surface of the male connector.

[0017] Therefore, the air pump module can be set at the charging station and use the electricity of the charging station to work. Therefore, compared with the situation where the air pump module is set near the charging socket (female connector) of the vehicle, the consumption of vehicle electricity can be reduced. Moreover, since the air duct extends along the connecting pipe of the charging gun (male connector), the air duct can be conveniently constructed using the existing structure. Compared with the situation where the air pump module is set in the vehicle, the space for setting the air duct in the vehicle can be further reduced, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the vehicle body.

[0018] In the above-mentioned connector assembly, preferably, the connector assembly is provided with a seal, and when the male connector is inserted into the insertion space, the seal is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion space and the outer peripheral surface of the male connector, thereby sealing the gap between the insertion space and the male connector.

[0019] Therefore, when the male connector is inserted into the insertion space, the insertion space can be more tightly sealed to form a sealed space, so that the air pump module can more conveniently and effectively change the air pressure in the insertion space to apply auxiliary force to the male connector.

[0020] In the above-mentioned connector assembly, preferably, the air pump module is connected to the insertion space via an air channel, the air channel is formed in the female connector, and the air channel forms an opening in the bottom surface or the inner peripheral surface of the insertion space at a position closer to the bottom surface than the seal.

[0021] As a result, components such as an air pump module can be installed in the vehicle, more structures can be integrated into the vehicle, and components such as valves can be controlled more conveniently.

[0022] In the above-mentioned connector assembly, preferably, the opening is provided at a position different from the drain hole in the circumferential direction in the inner peripheral surface of the insertion space.

[0023] Thus, water entering the insertion space will be discharged from the drainage hole, and the opening connected to the air pump module will not be affected by the water leaking into the insertion space.

[0024] In the above-mentioned connector assembly, preferably, the connector assembly has an air pressure sensor for detecting the air pressure in the insertion space, so as to control the auxiliary force provided by the air pump module to be 50N to 80N.

[0025] This can provide sufficient auxiliary force while retaining the operator's own need to apply force, allowing the operator to have a sense of confirmation of the operation.

[0026] The present invention also provides a vehicle charging device, comprising: a female connector, which is arranged on a vehicle and electrically connected to the battery of the vehicle; and a male connector, which is electrically connected to the power supply of the charging station, the female connector forming a cylindrical insertion space for inserting the male connector, and the vehicle charging device is provided with an air pump module, when the male connector is inserted or pulled out relative to the insertion space, the air pump module evacuates or inflates the insertion space to change the air pressure of the insertion space, thereby providing auxiliary force for the insertion or removal action of the male connector, and the female connector is provided with: a drainage hole, which connects the insertion space inside the female connector with the external space of the female connector; and a valve, when the male connector is inserted or pulled out relative to the insertion space, the valve closes the drainage hole.

[0027] Thus, the vehicle charging device according to the present invention utilizes the air pump module to change the internal air pressure of the insertion space. This allows the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the insertion space to provide auxiliary force when mating or unmating the male and female connectors, reducing the insertion and removal force required by the operator and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the connector assembly of this embodiment can change the air pressure in the insertion space by providing a drain hole and valve, thus achieving both drainage and auxiliary force functions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state before the start of mating or after the release of the mating between the female connector and the male connector;

[0029] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the female connector and the male connector are being engaged or released;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state after the female connector and the male connector are completely mated or before they are released. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which various details of the embodiments of the present invention are included to facilitate understanding. These details should be considered as merely exemplary. Therefore, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Similarly, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0032] It should be pointed out that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the technical features therein may be combined with each other.

[0033] The vehicle involved in the embodiment of the present invention may be a hybrid vehicle using an engine and an electric motor as power sources, or an electric vehicle using an electric motor as power source.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the connector assembly 1 of the present invention includes a female connector 2 and a male connector 3. Female connector 2 is, for example, a charging port installed in a vehicle and electrically connected to the vehicle's battery. Male connector 3 is, for example, a charging gun installed in a charging station and connected to the station's power source. By mating female connector 2 with male connector 3, the vehicle's battery can be charged using the station's power source. In other words, the vehicle charging device of the present invention includes the female connector 2 and male connector 3 described above.

[0035] The female connector 2 is formed with a cylindrical insertion space 21, and the male connector 3 can be inserted into the insertion space 21. A female terminal or a male terminal (not shown) is provided in the insertion space 21 of the female connector 2, and a male terminal or a female terminal (not shown) is provided at the end of the male connector 3 inserted into the insertion space 21. When the male connector 3 is inserted into the insertion space 21 of the female connector 2 (i.e., the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 are mated), the female terminal contacts the male terminal, thereby electrically connecting the vehicle battery connected to the female connector 2 and the charging station power supply connected to the male connector 3 ( Figures 1 to 3 , the wires connected to the female terminals and the wires connected to the male terminals are omitted).

[0036] The connector assembly (vehicle charging device) 1 is provided with an air pump module 4, which is in communication with the insertion space 21 via an air passage 41. For example, the air pump module 4 is provided at a charging station, such as Figure 2 As shown, there is an air passage 41 provided along the pipeline between the charging station and the male connector (charging gun) 3 . The air passage 41 passes through the male connector 3 and an opening 42 is provided on the end surface 31 of the male connector 3 .

[0037] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated state, the air channel 41 is in communication with the insertion space 21, and the air pump module 4 can inflate or deflat the insertion space 21 via the air channel 41, thereby changing the internal air pressure of the insertion space 21. For example, when the male connector 3 is inserted into or removed from the insertion space 21, the air pump module 4 inflates or deflates the insertion space 21 to change the air pressure of the insertion space 21, thereby providing an assisting force for the insertion or removal of the male connector 3.

[0038] The female connector 2 is provided with a drainage hole 22, which is provided directly below the female connector 2, and connects the insertion space 21 inside the female connector 2 with the external space of the female connector 2, thereby draining water that enters the insertion space 21 of the female connector 2 due to rain or car washing.

[0039] The female connector 2 is further provided with a valve 23 that can close the drainage hole 22. For example, when the female connector 2 is mated with the male connector 3 (the male connector 3 is inserted into the insertion space 21) or when the female connector 2 is disengaged (the male connector 3 is removed from the insertion space 21), the valve 23 closes the drainage hole 22.

[0040] Thus, according to the connector assembly 1 of this embodiment, the air pump module 4 can be used to change the internal air pressure of the insertion space 21, thereby being able to use the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the insertion space 21 to provide auxiliary force when the male connector 3 and the female connector 2 are mated or unmated, thereby reducing the insertion force or extraction force required by the operator, thereby improving the user experience. Moreover, the connector assembly 1 of this embodiment can change the air pressure of the insertion space 21 when the drain hole 22 and valve 23 are provided, thereby achieving both drainage functions and the function of providing auxiliary force.

[0041] Specifically, Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view showing a state before the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 start to be fitted or after the fitting is released, Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view showing the state of the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 during the mating process or the release process, Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view showing the state after the female connector 2 and the male connector 3 are fitted or before they are released. Figure 1-Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the entire female connector 2 is shown in cross-section, and the portion to the right of the dotted line of the male connector 3 is shown in cross-section.

[0042] When the male connector 3 is inserted into the female connector 2, the male connector 3 is positioned relative to the female connector 2. Figures 1 to 3 Move relative to each other in the order of .

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the state shown, the male connector 3 and the female connector 2 are not in contact. From this state, the operator manually inserts the male connector 3 slightly into the insertion space of the female connector 2, thereby forming a Figure 2 The status shown.

[0044] exist Figure 2In the state shown, the male connector 3 begins to be inserted into the insertion space 21, and the end face 31 of the male connector 3 blocks the opening of the insertion space 21, thereby making the insertion space 21 a closed space. At this time, the connector assembly 1 controls the valve 23 to close the drain hole 22, and controls the air pump module 4 to evacuate the closed insertion space 21 to reduce the air pressure in the insertion space 21. Since the air pressure in the insertion space 21 becomes lower than the air pressure outside the insertion space 21 after evacuation, the male connector 3 is pressed into the interior of the insertion space 21 by the air pressure difference between the inside and the outside, thereby providing auxiliary force for the insertion action of the male connector 3. Thus, the mating state of the male connector 3 relative to the female connector 2 is changed from Figure 2 The status shown becomes Figure 3 In the state shown, the mating of the male connector 2 and the female connector 3 is completed.

[0045] When the male connector 3 is pulled out from the female connector 2, the male connector 3 is pulled out relative to the female connector 2 in the same manner as the female connector 2. Figure 3 to Figure 1 Move relative to each other in the order of .

[0046] exist Figure 3 In the state shown, the male connector 3 is fully engaged with the female connector 2. The operator begins to manually pull out the male connector 3 relative to the female connector 2. The connector assembly 1 controls the valve 23 to close the drain hole 22 and controls the air pump module 4 to inflate the sealed insertion space 21 to increase the air pressure in the insertion space 21. Since the air pressure in the insertion space 21 is greater than the air pressure outside the insertion space 21, the male connector 3 is pushed out of the insertion space 21 by the air pressure difference between the inside and outside, thereby providing auxiliary force for the pulling-out action of the male connector 3. Thus, the engaged state of the male connector 3 relative to the female connector 2 is changed from Figure 3 The status shown is via Figure 2 The status shown becomes Figure 1 In the state shown, the male connector 2 is pulled out from the female connector 3 .

[0047] In one embodiment, the connector assembly 1 is further provided with a start / stop button, and the valve 23 and the air pump module 4 are controlled by operating the start / stop button.

[0048] Specifically, in the case where a start / stop button is provided, after the operator presses the start / stop button, the connector assembly 1 needs to determine whether the operator is performing an insertion operation or an extraction operation.

[0049] At this time, if the female connector 2 is in an idle state when the start-stop button is pressed, that is, the male terminal of the male connector 3 is not electrically connected to the female terminal of the female connector 2, it is determined that an insertion operation (charging operation) is being performed. Therefore, the connector assembly 1 controls the valve 23 to close the drain hole 22, and controls the air pump module 4 to evacuate the insertion space 21, thereby reducing the air pressure in the insertion space 21. At this time, the reduced air pressure is lower than the external atmospheric pressure, and the difference in internal and external air pressure generates an auxiliary force that causes the male connector (charging gun) 3 to be further inserted into the female connector (charging socket) 2. Due to the existence of this auxiliary force, the operator can use only a small force when inserting the male connector (charging gun) 3 into the female connector (charging socket) 2.

[0050] On the contrary, if the female connector (charging socket) 2 is in a connected state when the start / stop button is pressed, that is, the male terminal of the male connector 3 is electrically connected to the female terminal of the female connector 2, it is determined that a pull-out operation is being performed.

[0051] At this point, connector assembly 1 controls valve 23 to close drain hole 22 and controls air pump module 4 to inflate insertion space 21, thereby increasing the air pressure within insertion space 21. This increased air pressure is greater than the external atmospheric pressure. This pressure differential generates an auxiliary force that pulls male connector (charging gun) 3 away from female connector (charging inlet) 2. This auxiliary force allows the operator to remove male connector (charging gun) 3 from female connector (charging inlet) 2 with minimal force.

[0052] Therefore, only one start-stop button is needed to conveniently control the inflation or exhaustion, thereby providing auxiliary force for the extraction or insertion action. The operation is relatively simple and the user experience is good.

[0053] However, as another embodiment, a button corresponding to the insertion action and a button corresponding to the removal action can also be set separately. When the operator needs to perform the insertion action, he only needs to press the button corresponding to the insertion action. Accordingly, the connector assembly 1 will control the valve 23 to close the drainage hole 22 and control the air pump module 4 to start pumping air, thereby forming a negative pressure in the insertion space 21 to provide an auxiliary force for the insertion action. When the operator needs to perform the removal action, he only needs to press the button corresponding to the removal action. Accordingly, the connector assembly 1 will control the valve 23 to close the drainage hole 22 and control the air pump module 4 to start inflating air, thereby forming a positive pressure in the insertion space 21 to provide an auxiliary force for the removal action.

[0054] In another embodiment, the connector assembly 1 may also be provided with a sensor 5 , and the detection result of the sensor 5 may be used to determine whether the operator is performing an insertion action or a removal action, thereby controlling the valve 23 and the air pump module 4 .

[0055] Sensor 5 includes, for example, a pressure sensor 51 and a distance sensor 52. Pressure sensor 51 is provided on male connector (charging gun) 3 and can detect pressure applied to the outer surface of male connector 3. For example, when an operator grips male connector 3, pressure sensor 51 can detect pressure. Distance sensor 52 is provided on male connector 3 and detects the distance from end surface 31 of male connector 3 to bottom surface 24 of insertion space 21.

[0056] When the pressure sensor 51 detects the pressure, the distance sensor 52 detects the distance between the bottom surface 24 of the insertion space 21 and the end surface 31 of the male connector 3 .

[0057] When the pressure sensor 51 detects pressure and the distance detected by the distance sensor 52 increases, the connector assembly 1 determines that a pull-out operation is being performed, so the connector assembly 1 controls the valve 23 to close the drain hole 22, and controls the air pump module 4 to inflate the insertion space 21, thereby increasing the air pressure in the insertion space 21 to provide auxiliary force for the pull-out action.

[0058] When the pressure sensor 51 detects pressure and the distance detected by the distance sensor 52 decreases, the connector assembly 1 determines that an insertion operation is being performed, so the connector assembly 1 controls the valve 23 to close the drainage hole 22, and controls the air pump module 4 to evacuate the insertion space 21, thereby reducing the air pressure in the insertion space 21 to provide auxiliary force for the insertion action.

[0059] After the insertion or removal action is completed, the connector assembly 1 controls the valve 23 to open the drain hole 22. For example, the distance sensor 52 detects the distance between the bottom surface 24 of the insertion space 21 and the end surface 31 of the male connector 3. During the insertion action, if the distance detected by the distance sensor 52 is less than a predetermined value, the insertion action is determined to be completed, and the connector assembly 1 controls the valve 23 to open the drain hole 22. During the removal action, if the distance detected by the distance sensor 52 is greater than a predetermined value, the removal action is determined to be completed, and the connector assembly 1 controls the valve 23 to open the drain hole 22.

[0060] Thus, the air pump module 4 and the valve 23 can be automatically controlled by the sensor 5, and the operation is simple.

[0061] The above description describes a configuration in which the air pump module 4 is disposed at the charging station (i.e., on the charging gun side of the male connector 3), and the air passage 41 connected to the air pump module 4 extends along the male connector 3 and communicates with the insertion space 21 via an opening 42 provided in the end surface 31 of the male connector 3. Here, the communication between the air passage 41 and the insertion space 21 via the opening 42 means that the communication is achieved when the portion of the male connector (charging gun) 3 including the end surface 31 blocks the opening of the insertion space 21.

[0062] By setting up such a structure, the air pump module 4 can use the electricity of the charging station to work, so compared with the situation where the air pump module 4 is set near the charging socket (female connector 2) of the vehicle, the consumption of vehicle electricity can be reduced. Moreover, since the air duct 41 extends along the connecting pipe of the charging gun (male connector) 3, the air duct 41 can be conveniently constructed using the existing structure. Compared with the situation where the air pump module 4 is set in the vehicle, the space for setting the air duct in the vehicle can be further reduced, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the vehicle body.

[0063] However, a structure may also be adopted in which the air pump module 4 is provided near the charging inlet (female connector 2 ) of the vehicle and the air pump module 4 is communicated with the insertion space 21 via the air passage 41 .

[0064] The connector assembly 1 is also equipped with a seal 6. Specifically, a groove is provided on the inner circumference 25 of the insertion space 21. The seal 6, in the form of a sealing ring, is embedded in this groove. When the male connector 3 is inserted into the insertion space 21, the seal 6 is interposed between the inner circumference 25 of the insertion space 21 and the outer circumference of the male connector 3, thereby sealing the gap between the insertion space 21 and the male connector 3.

[0065] Thus, when the male connector 3 is inserted into the insertion space 21 , the insertion space 21 can be more tightly sealed to form a sealed space.

[0066] However, the seal 6 can also be arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the male connector 3, so that when the male connector 3 is inserted into the insertion space 21, the seal 6 is located between the inner surface of the insertion space 21 and the outer surface of the male connector 3, thereby sealing the gap between the insertion space 21 and the male connector 3.

[0067] As a modified example, if the air pump module 4 is located near the charging port (female connector 2) of the vehicle body, it can communicate with the insertion space 21 via an air duct 41 provided in the vehicle. In this case, the air duct 41 is formed in the female connector 2 and communicates with the insertion space 21 via an opening 42. The opening 42 is provided on the bottom surface 24 or inner peripheral surface 25 of the insertion space 21, closer to the bottom surface 24 of the insertion space 21 than the seal 6.

[0068] Furthermore, when the opening 42 is provided on the inner circumferential surface 25 of the insertion space 21, it is preferably provided at a different circumferential position than the drain hole 22, that is, the opening 42 is preferably provided at a position other than directly below the insertion space 21. Thus, water that has entered the insertion space 21 will be discharged through the drain hole 22, and the function of the opening 42 connected to the air pump module 4 will not be affected by water that has leaked into the insertion space 21.

[0069] When the connector assembly 1 of the present invention is applied to a vehicle charging device, that is, when the charging gun of the charging station is set to the male connector 3 of the present invention and the charging socket of the vehicle is set to the female connector 2 of the present invention, considering the force required for inserting the charging gun, this embodiment sets the auxiliary force provided by the air pump module 4 to 50N to 80N, thereby providing sufficient auxiliary force while retaining the operator's own need to apply force, so that the operator can have a sense of confirmation of the operation.

[0070] To this end, for example, the male connector 2 is provided with an air pressure sensor 7 for detecting the air pressure in the insertion space 21. Specifically, the air pressure sensor 7 is located at the end of the male connector 3 and is capable of detecting the air pressure in the insertion space 21. For example, if the assist force determined by the air pump module 4 is set to 50N, the required air pressure difference can be calculated based on the area of the end surface 31 of the male connector 3 to achieve an assist force of 50N. This allows the determination of the required air pressure in the insertion space 21. This allows the air pressure sensor 7 to precisely control the magnitude of the assist force provided by the air pump module 4.

[0071] Furthermore, while the above description uses an example in which female connector 2 is a charging inlet installed in a vehicle, and male connector 3 is a charging gun installed in a charging station, this is not limiting. The above-described structure can be used in any configuration where female connector 2 and male connector 3 mate with each other, thereby reducing insertion and removal forces. In other words, the connector assembly 1 of the present invention can be used in a variety of scenarios requiring connector mating, thereby reducing connector mating forces.

[0072] In addition, the above description describes an implementation method of controlling the air pump module 4 to provide auxiliary force both during the insertion and removal of the male connector 3. However, the air pump module 4 may also be configured to pump air to provide auxiliary force only during the insertion of the male connector 3, or to be configured to be inflated to provide auxiliary force only during the removal of the male connector 3.

[0073] In addition, in this specification, the connector assembly 1 itself is used to implement the aforementioned determination and control processes. It is understood that the connector assembly 1 may include a control module to implement the aforementioned determination and control processes. Alternatively, the connector assembly 1 may utilize a control module in a vehicle or a control module in a charging station to implement the aforementioned determination and control processes, without affecting the implementation of the present invention.

[0074] Furthermore, the above description describes a case where the air passage 41, sensors 5 (pressure sensor 51, distance sensor 52), and air pressure sensor 7 are all located in the male connector 3. In this case, the valve 23 located in the female connector 2 needs to be controlled by wireless communication or other means. This arrangement allows the air pump module 4 to be driven by the power supply of the charging station, while also simplifying the vehicle-side structure (female connector 2) as much as possible.

[0075] However, the air pump module 4 may be installed in the vehicle, and the air passage 41 , the sensor 5 (the pressure sensor 51 , the distance sensor 52 ), and the air pressure sensor 7 may all be installed in the male connector 2 , thereby enabling more convenient control of the valve 23 .

[0076] For example, the pressure sensor 51 can be disposed below the seal 6 of the insertion space 21. Thus, when the male connector 3 is inserted into the insertion space 21, the pressure sensor 51 can detect the pressure exerted on the seal 6, thereby determining that the male connector 3 is being inserted, and thus closing the valve 23. In addition, a distance sensor can also be disposed on the bottom surface 24 of the insertion space 21, which can also conveniently detect the distance between the end surface 31 of the male connector 3 and the bottom surface 24 of the insertion space 21. The air pressure sensor 7 can also be disposed on the inner surface of the insertion space 21 to detect the air pressure within the insertion space 21. By disposing these sensors and other components on the female connector 2 (i.e., on the vehicle side), the valve 23, which is also disposed on the vehicle side, can be conveniently controlled.

[0077] The above components can also be respectively arranged on the female connector 2 side or the male connector 3 side as needed.

[0078] The above specific embodiments do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly (1), characterized in that: The invention comprises a female connector (2) and a male connector (3), wherein the female connector (2) is provided with a cylindrical insertion space (21) for inserting the male connector (3). The connector assembly (1) is provided with an air pump module (4). When the male connector (3) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (21), the air pump module (4) evacuates or inflates the insertion space (21) to change the air pressure of the insertion space (21), thereby providing auxiliary force for the insertion or removal of the male connector (3). The female connector (2) is provided with: a drainage hole (22) which connects the insertion space (21) inside the female connector (2) with the external space of the female connector (2); and a valve (23) which closes the drainage hole (22) when the male connector (3) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (21).

2. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connector assembly (1) is provided with a start / stop button, and the valve (23) and the air pump module (4) are controlled by operating the start / stop button.

3. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connector assembly (1) is provided with a sensor (5), and the valve (23) and the air pump module (4) are controlled by the detection result of the sensor (5).

4. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The sensor (5) includes: a pressure sensor (51), the pressure sensor (51) being provided on the male connector (3); and a distance sensor (52), the distance sensor (52) detecting the distance between the bottom surface (24) of the insertion space (21) and the end surface (31) of the male connector (3). When the pressure sensor (51) detects pressure and the distance detected by the distance sensor (52) increases, the connector assembly (1) controls the valve (23) to close the drainage hole (22) and controls the air pump module (4) to inflate the insertion space (21), thereby increasing the air pressure in the insertion space (21) to provide auxiliary force for the extraction action. When the pressure sensor (51) detects pressure and the distance detected by the distance sensor (52) decreases, the connector assembly (1) controls the valve (23) to close the drainage hole (22) and controls the air pump module (4) to evacuate the insertion space (21), thereby reducing the air pressure in the insertion space (21) to provide auxiliary force for the insertion action.

5. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The air pump module (4) is in communication with the insertion space (21) via an air passage (41), the air passage (41) is formed in the male connector (3), and an opening (42) is formed on the end surface (31) of the male connector (3).

6. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The connector assembly (1) is provided with a sealing member (6). When the male connector (3) is inserted into the insertion space (21), the sealing member (6) is interposed between the inner peripheral surface (25) of the insertion space (21) and the outer peripheral surface of the male connector (3), thereby sealing the gap between the insertion space (21) and the male connector (3).

7. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The air pump module (4) is in communication with the insertion space (21) via an air passage (41), wherein the air passage (41) is formed in the female connector (2). The air passage (41) forms an opening (42) in the bottom surface (24) or the inner peripheral surface (25) of the insertion space (21) at a position closer to the bottom surface (24) than the sealing member (6).

8. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The opening (42) is provided in the inner peripheral surface (25) of the insertion space (21) at a position different from the drainage hole (22) in the circumferential direction.

9. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connector assembly (1) has an air pressure sensor (7) for detecting the air pressure of the insertion space (21) to control the auxiliary force provided by the air pump module (4) to be 50N to 80N.

10. A vehicle charging device, characterized in that: include: A female connector (2), the female connector (2) being arranged on a vehicle and electrically connected to a battery of the vehicle; as well as a male connector (3), said male connector (3) being electrically connected to a power source of the charging station, The female connector (2) is formed with a cylindrical insertion space (21) for inserting the male connector (3). The vehicle charging device is provided with an air pump module (4). When the male connector (3) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (21), the air pump module (4) evacuates or inflates the insertion space (21) to change the air pressure of the insertion space (21), thereby providing auxiliary force for the insertion or removal of the male connector (3). The female connector (2) is provided with: a drainage hole (22) which connects the insertion space (21) inside the female connector (2) with the external space of the female connector (2); and a valve (23) which closes the drainage hole (22) when the male connector (3) is inserted into or removed from the insertion space (21).

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