Charging input electrical connector for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging input electric connector (1) for a vehicle, wherein the electric connector (1) is configured to accommodate a movable homogeneous connector of a charging station in a coupling direction (A), and the electric connector (1) comprises a connector casing (101), a connector (200) for a rigid monoconductor, and an electric terminal (300), particularly an electric terminal (300) configured for electric currents of at least 100A. The connector (1) clamps at least one part of the connector casing (100) between the electric terminal (300) and the connector (200) for the rigid monoconductor by screwing the electric terminal (300) to the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) of the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200). Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electric terminal for such a vehicle charging input electric connector and a method for assembling such a vehicle charging input electric connector.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging input electrical connector for a vehicle. The present invention also relates to electrical terminals for such a connector configured for electric currents of at least 100A, as well as a method for assembling such a connector. Background Technology

[0002] It is known in the art to provide a charging input electric connector for charging the battery of various types of electric and hybrid vehicles. Typically, such an electric connector comprises a connector casing arranged on the chassis of the vehicle and at least one electric terminal. In particular, the connector is arranged such that a first side is oriented toward the outside of the chassis and a second side is oriented toward the inside of the chassis.

[0003] The electrical connector is configured to accommodate, on a first side, a charging gun belonging to a charging station, a movable connector, for example, to couple the electrical terminal to a movable connector of the same type. On a second side, the electrical connector may be electrically linked to the battery by a set of rigid monoconductors, also referred to as “bus-bars.” The rigid monoconductors are used, in particular, for “rapid” battery charging by direct electrical current (DC) at a high current intensity of, for example, over 100A.

[0004] Increasingly, to account for electrical safety and size constraints, the routing of sets of rigid monoconductors through the interior of the vehicle chassis becomes more complex and longer. This results in difficulties with installation, inspection, and maintenance.

[0005] Furthermore, it is common practice to secure a set of rigid monoconductors to an electrical connector by welding or riveting the ends of the rigid monoconductors to the individual terminals of the electrical connector. Consequently, maintenance difficulties extend to the charging input electrical connector. In particular, it may be necessary to remove the entire set of rigid monoconductors to replace the components of the electrical connector.

[0006] With the above in mind, the present invention aims to provide an improved charging input electrical connector that enables, in particular, faster and simpler maintenance operations.

[0007] The object of the present invention is achieved by a charging input electric connector of a vehicle according to the present disclosure. The electric connector is configured to accommodate a movable homogeneous connector of a charging station in a coupling direction and includes a connector casing, a connector for a rigid monoconductor, and an electric terminal, in particular an electric terminal configured for electric currents of at least 100A.

[0008] The connector casing has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and the connector casing is configured to be arranged on the chassis of a vehicle, the second side being oriented toward the interior of the chassis, the first side including a first coupling structure configured to couple the connector casing with a homogeneous connector, and the second side including a second coupling structure configured to couple the connector casing with a connector for a rigid monoconductor. The connector casing includes a cavity extending in the coupling direction of the first coupling structure to the second coupling structure, and electrical terminals are arranged in the cavity. The connector for a rigid monoconductor includes rigid monoconductor terminals.

[0009] The electrical connector is characterized by being screw-coupled with a rigid monoconductor terminal such that the electrical terminal clamps at least one part of the connector casing between the electrical terminal and the connector for the rigid monoconductor.

[0010] According to this configuration of the electrical connector of the present invention, the fixation of the electrical terminals to the rigid monoconductor and the connector casing is achieved by screw connection. In particular, the electrical terminals are arranged in a cavity, and the electrical terminals can be screwed from inside the chassis to the terminals of the localized rigid monoconductor on the second side of the casing on the first side of the casing on the outside of the chassis through the connector casing. Accordingly, the electrical terminals can be quickly and effectively exchanged by screw release and screw connection operations performed from outside the chassis of the vehicle.

[0011] Electrical terminals are subjected to significant mechanical, thermal, and electrical stresses during battery charging, and the deterioration of the terminals is more frequent and sometimes requires replacement. The present invention improves the maintenance of a charging input connector by facilitating the replacement of electrical terminals.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the electrical connector, the rigid monoconductor terminal may include a screw, and the electrical terminal includes a nut configured to receive the screw, and the electrical terminal is screwed to the rigid monoconductor terminal by screwing the nut onto the screw.

[0013] By arranging electrical terminals with nuts and screw-coupled rigid monoconductor terminals, the threads of the screw-nut connection are better protected. In practice, the interchangeable electrical terminals screw-coupled to the outer casing are more likely to experience impacts or dangerous mechanical actions. Therefore, the nut, or tapping of the internal thread, is associated with the electrical terminal, and the more vulnerable external thread is assigned to the rigid monoconductor terminal housed inside the chassis on the second side of the casing.

[0014] The present invention is also based on an electrical terminal for a connector according to one of the embodiments described below. The electrical terminal is configured, in particular, for electric currents of at least 100 A. The electrical terminal comprises a nut, a first part, and a second part, wherein the first part has a first end of the electrical terminal and the second part has a second end of the electrical terminal, the second end being opposite to the first end, the first part of the electrical terminal is configured to make contact with a similar electrical terminal of a similar electrical connector, and the nut is arranged at the second end. Such an electrical terminal makes it possible to be implemented in a vehicle charging input electrical connector according to the present invention and thereby make it possible to bring about the aforementioned advantages.

[0015] The optional technical features and associated advantages described below may be freely combined one by one or configured for specific embodiments, as long as the scope of the invention as described above is expected. In particular, the optional features of the electrical terminals of the invention may also be assigned to the electrical terminals of the charging input electrical connector according to the invention.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical terminal may include a first part having a first end of the electrical terminal and a second part having a second end of the electrical terminal, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end, the first part of the electrical terminal is configured to make contact with an electrical terminal of the same type of electrical connector, and a nut is arranged at the second end.

[0017] In this configuration, the electrical terminals can be screw-coupled through the connector casing. In particular, the screw-coupled action of the first end on the outside of the chassis can achieve a screw-coupled action with a rigid monoconductor terminal at the second end on the inside of the chassis.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical terminal is a male electrical terminal configured to be coupled with a female electrical terminal of a movable connector of the same type. The male electrical terminal is thinner and lighter than the female terminal, and can facilitate the arrangement of the electrical terminal in a vehicle, and in particular, maintenance.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical terminal may include an isolation tip arranged at a first end. The isolation tip can reduce the risk of electric shock to vehicle assemblers and users at the charging input electrical connector.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the screw of the bus terminal may include an isolating socket arranged particularly at the end of the screw. The socket can reduce the risk of electric shock during the installation of a rigid monoconductor and increase the workability of the connector for the rigid monoconductor.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector may include a plurality of, in particular, two electrical terminals, and a connector for a rigid monoconductor may include a plurality of rigid monoconductor terminals equivalent to the plurality of electrical terminals. The two electrical terminals may enable closing a DC electrical circuit. The plurality of electrical terminals may increase deliverable power and battery charging speed.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the smallest outer diameter of the second part may be larger than the maximum outer diameter of the first part, and in particular, may be larger by 20% to 200%. Thus, the second part may be wide enough to accommodate a nut. In particular, the second part is responsible for securing the electrical terminal by screw connection, and the mechanical forces and applied torsion of the interface may be substantial, and a larger diameter may enable improved mechanical stability.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second part may include a protruding part, and the protruding part has a diameter larger than the minimum outer diameter of the second part. The protruding part may create a support portion in the second part, and the support portion enables shape-fit with the connector casing during assembly by screw connection of the electrical terminal with the connector for the rigid monoconductor.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a protruding part may protrude particularly vertically from a second part on a side oriented toward at least a second end in a stage-shaped part. When the protruding part protrudes in a stage-shaped form, the support part is better distinguished and thus increases the mechanical stability of the shape-fit.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one part of the clamped casing may include a shape complementary to a stage-shaped part, the complementary shape protruding into a cavity to establish a connection by shape-fitting with an electrical terminal, in particular, the connection by shape-fitting blocks movement of the electrical terminal in the coupling direction.

[0026] Therefore, the electrical terminal can come into contact with the connector casing during screw coupling. In particular, when the electrical terminal is inserted into the cavity and screwed onto the rigid monoconductor terminal, the protruding part can come into contact with the complementary shape of the connector casing, thereby establishing a connection by a shape-fit. By screwing the electrical terminal closer to the rigid monoconductor terminal and moving it, at least one part of the connector casing can be clamped between the electrical terminal and the connector for the rigid monoconductor.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a protruding part may be arranged in a zone for connecting a second part to a first part. Thus, the protruding part is moved away from the nut at the second end and at the first end, and the risk of interference with coupling with a rigid monoconductor terminal and / or coupling with a homogeneous connector is reduced.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical terminal may include a sealing portion disposed on a protruding part, in particular, an O-ring disposed along the circumference of the electrical terminal on the protruding part. The sealing portion enables improved sealing in the cavity and thus creates a seal between the inner and outer sides of the vehicle.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first component comprises a clamping element, and in particular, a shape element configured for coupling with a clamping tool comprising a complementary shape. In particular, the clamping element may be a triangular, pentagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal element centered on the axis of the electrical terminal. The clamping element may enable operators having a tool complementary to the clamping element to restrict the screwing and unscrewing of the electrical terminal with the rigid monoconductor terminal. Thus, the clamping element may serve to facilitate the clamping of the electrical terminal and, at the same time, provide foolproofing against unintended handling.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention is based on a method for assembling a charging input electric connector for a vehicle according to one of the embodiments described above. The assembly method comprises: a) assembling a connector casing; b) mounting the connector casing on a vehicle chassis such that a second side is oriented toward the interior of the chassis; c) coupling a connector for a rigid monoconductor with a second coupling structure; and d) screwing an electric terminal with a rigid monoconductor terminal so as to clamp at least one part of the connector casing between the electric terminal and the connector for the rigid monoconductor. As already mentioned above, this is a faster, more convenient, and less expensive method than the assembly methods of the prior art.

[0031] The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention as outlined above will be more thoroughly understood and acknowledged by studying below a more detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention using the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a connector and a connector casing for a rigid monoconductor for a vehicle charging input electric connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an electrical terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a charging input electric connector for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the steps of an assembly method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0036] Below, reference numerals for identical drawings are used to refer to elements of the same characteristics.

[0037] An electric connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The electric connector (1) described and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a charging input connector of an electric vehicle. In this embodiment, the electric connector (1) is a connector referred to as a CCS (Combined Charging System) type, specifically a "CCS Combo 2" or "FF" type connector as defined by the standard IEC 62196. Accordingly, the electric connector (1) includes a slow recharge terminal, specifically referred to as "Type 2," and two electric terminals for rapid DC current charging. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the electric connector may be of the "EE" (or "CCS Combo 1"), "AA", "BB", or "ChaoJi" type or any other type that follows the terms of the present invention as described above and includes at least one electric terminal, particularly an electric terminal configured for electric currents of at least 100A.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an electrical connector (1) during assembly. The electrical connector (1) includes a connector casing (100), a connector (200) for a rigid monoconductor, and two electrical terminals (300). The electrical terminals (300) are not visible in FIG. 1 and will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The electrical connector (1) is configured to accommodate a charging station, i.e., a charging gun of "FF" or a homogeneous connector of the CCS Combo 2 type, in a coupling direction (A) parallel to the Cartesian direction (x).

[0039] The connector casing (100) has a first side (101) that is concealed in FIG. 1, and a second side (103) that is visible in FIG. 1 and may be opposite the first side (101) in the coupling direction (A). The surface (105) of the first side (101) is oriented with respect to the coupling direction (A), and the surface (107) of the second side (103) is oriented with respect to the coupling direction (A).

[0040] On the first side (101), the connector casing (100) includes a mounting frame (109) comprising a plurality of, in particular four, fixing holes (109a) for securing the connector casing (100) to the chassis of an electric vehicle. The connector casing (100) is configured to be arranged on the chassis such that the second side (103) and, in particular, the surface (107) are oriented toward the interior of the chassis, i.e., toward the interior space of the vehicle. Correspondingly, the connector casing (100) is configured to be arranged on the chassis such that the first side (101) and, in particular, the surface (105) are oriented toward the exterior of the chassis, i.e., toward the surrounding environment where the vehicle is located.

[0041] The second side (103) includes an internal coupling area (111) for the aforementioned slow charging terminal and a second coupling structure (113) formed on the surface (107). The second coupling structure (113) is configured to facilitate coupling between the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) and the connector casing (100) in order to establish an electrical link with the battery and to implement "fast" charging. In particular, the second coupling structure (113) includes a first split portion (115) and a second split portion (117) surrounding the first split portion (115). The first split portion (115) and the second split portion (117) protrude from the surface (107) of the second side (103) in the coupling direction (A). The gap space (119) between the first split section (115) and the second split section (117) is configured to accommodate a front end part (207) of a connector for a rigid monoconductor (200), and rigid monoconductor terminals (209) are disposed therein (see FIG. 3).

[0042] Two openings (121) are disposed on the inner side of the surface defined by the first dividing portion (115). Each of the openings (121) provides access to individual cavities (123). The cavities (123) pass through a connector casing that extends along the coupling direction (A) from the first side (101) to the second side (103). Each cavity (123) is configured to receive an electrical terminal (300) in the coupling direction (A), and will be described more fully with reference to FIG. 3. Furthermore, the connector casing (100) includes fixed input portions (125) for an actuator having a homologous connector, for example, a locking system, and electronic interface structures (127) for signaling connections.

[0043] A connector for a rigid monoconductor (200) includes a connector casing for a rigid monoconductor (201), the connector casing encloses the ends of a set of rigid monoconductors. In this embodiment, the set of rigid monoconductors includes two rigid monoconductors (400a, 400b) having a circular cross section and equipped with an isolation jacket. In variations, the rigid monoconductors may be non-insulated and / or may have a rectangular cross section.

[0044] The connector casing for the rigid monoconductor (201) is substantially L-shaped or has a 90° angle. Accordingly, the connector casing includes an open rear end part (203) that accommodates the rigid monoconductors (400a, 400b) and is equipped with a cap (205). Complementarily, the connector casing for the rigid monoconductor (201) includes an open front end part (207) where individual terminals (209) of the rigid monoconductors (400a, 400b) are disposed (see FIG. 3).

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an electrical terminal (300) for an electrical connector (1) of a first embodiment. The electrical terminal (300) also simultaneously represents itself an electrical terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The electrical terminal (300) is an electrical terminal for a fast charging terminal of an "FF" or "Combined Combo 2" type connector and is configured for currents of at least 100 A, that is, the materials selected to manufacture the electrical terminal (300) are configured to resist thermal, mechanical, and electrical stresses induced by the passage of currents of at least 100 A.

[0046] The electrical terminal (300) is a metal integral part having an elongated cylindrical shape. In particular, the electrical terminal (300) includes a first part (301) and a second part (303) in the coupling direction (A). The first part (301) and the second part (303) are arranged concentrically and linked in a connection area (305). The first part (301) has a first diameter (D1), and the second part (303) has a second diameter (D2). The second diameter (D2) is 20% to 200%, preferably 50% to 70%, larger than the first diameter (D1).

[0047] The first component (301) includes a first end (307) of the electrical terminal (300). The second component (303) includes a second end (309) of the electrical terminal opposite the first end (307). For reasons of workability and electrical safety, the electrical terminal (300) includes an insulating tip (311) mounted on the first component (301) at the first end (307).

[0048] At the second end (309), the electrical terminal (300) includes a nut (313). The nut (313) is placed in a cavity (315) formed coaxially in the second part (303). The nut (313) includes a tapping (317), and the electrical terminal (300) may be screwed onto another device including a screw, a bolt, or an external thread complementary to the tapping (317).

[0049] The first part (301) includes a clamping element (319) in the connection area (305). In this embodiment, the clamping element (319) is a local deformation of the circular cross section of the first part (301) capable of supporting clamping torques. In this embodiment, the circular cross section of the first part (301) is deformed toward an enlarged pentagonal cross section (P). The clamping element (319) serves to facilitate the screw connection and release of the electrical terminal (300) by a dedicated clamping tool. For example, the dedicated clamping tool may be threaded onto the first part (301) in a coupling direction (A) to engage the pentagonal shape of the clamping element (319) with the complementary pentagonal shape of the tool.

[0050] The second part (303) of the electrical terminal (301) includes a cylindrical protruding part (321) that is arranged in the connection area (305) and protrudes from the second part (303). The protruding part (321) protrudes perpendicular to the coupling direction (A). Thus, the protruding part (321) forms a stage-shaped part (323). The protruding part (321) has a larger diameter (D3), which is particularly 2% to 10% larger than the diameter (D2) of the second part (303). An O-ring (325) is arranged along the circumference of the cylindrical outer surface (327) of the protruding part (321).

[0051] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector (1) in a final assembled state. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 corresponds to a cross-sectional view along the cross-sectional line (C) as shown in FIG. 1 after coupling of the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) with the second coupling structure (113). In particular, the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) is moved closer toward the second side (103) of the connector casing (100) in the opposite direction (B) of the coupling direction (A) until the front end part (207) is coupled with the second coupling structure (113).

[0052] The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 illustrates that the front end part (207) includes a coupling seal (211), which enables sealing the coupling when the front end part (207) is inserted into the gap space (119) between the partitions (115, 117) of the second coupling structure (113). The rear seal (213) enables sealing the opening of the rear end part (203) which is closed by the cap (205).

[0053] FIG. 3 illustrates a connector casing for a rigid monoconductor (201) encloses an inner casing (215) that houses the rigid monoconductor terminals (209) of individual rigid monoconductors (400a, 400b). Two individual terminals (209) of the rigid monoconductors (400a, 400b) are identical, and only one will be described below.

[0054] A terminal (209) corresponds to a flattened end (401b) (and / or 401a) of a rigid monoconductor (400b) (each 400a), and a hole (217) is formed, and the hole (217) passes through the end (401b) in the coupling direction (A). The terminal (209) includes a screw (219) that is inserted into the hole (217) in the opposite direction (B) of the coupling direction (A) and welded to the end (401b) of the rigid monoconductor (400b) at the support interface (I1). The screw (219) includes a threaded part (221) configured to be coupled with the tapping (317) of a nut (313). The screw (219) also includes an insulating socket (223) to increase the workability and electrical safety of the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200).

[0055] The cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 illustrates cavities (123) extending through the connector casing (100) along the coupling direction. In particular, the cavities (123) extend from a first coupling structure (129) arranged on a first side (101) to a second coupling structure (113). The first coupling structure (129) includes a first partition (131) on the first side and corresponding to the second coupling structure (113), and a second partition (133) surrounding the first partition (131). The gap space (135) between the two partitions (131, 133) is configured to accommodate a complementary element of a movable homogeneous connector. Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates that the first side (131) corresponds to the second side (103) and includes an external coupling area (137) for a slow recharge terminal.

[0056] In the final state illustrated in FIG. 3, the electrical terminals (300) are arranged within each cavity (123). In particular, the electrical terminals (300) are inserted in the coupling direction (A) and then screwed into the individual screws (219) of the rigid monoconductor terminals (209). In particular, the electrical terminals (300) are screwed into the rotational direction (R) so as to move progressively closer to the electrical terminals (300) in the coupling direction (A) and to the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) in the opposite direction (B) of the coupling direction (A).

[0057] Movement of the electrical terminals (300) in the coupling direction (A) is blocked by a protrusion (139) that protrudes into the cavity (123). The protrusion (139) protrudes into the cavity (123) having a stage-shaped portion (141) that is complementary to the stage-shaped portion (323) of the protrusion part (321) of the electrical terminal (300). Thus, the stage-shaped portion (141) of the protrusion (139) of the casing (100) and the stage-shaped portion (323) of the protrusion part (321) of the electrical terminal (300) come into contact at the interface (I2) during screw coupling of the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) and the electrical terminal (300), forming a form-fitting connection that blocks movement of the electrical terminal (300) in the cavity (123) in the coupling direction (A).

[0058] Accordingly, the continuous screw-coupling movement in the rotational direction (R) moves the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) closer in the direction (B) until the support portion (I3) of the second end (309) of the electrical terminal (300) is on the end (401a) (or 401b) of the rigid monoconductor (400a) (each 400b). Accordingly, the screw coupling of the electrical terminal (300) with the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) clamps the connector casing (100) between the electrical terminal (300) and the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200). In particular, the screw connection between the electrical terminal (300) and the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) clamps the part (P) of the connector casing (100) between the interface (I4) and the interface (I2) between the connector and the surface (107) for the rigid monoconductor (200).

[0059] The O-ring (325) ensures sealing of the arrangement of electrical terminals (300) and connector casings (100), particularly between the outer and inner sides of the chassis. In the stage-shaped sections (323, 141), the electrical terminals (300) and connector casings (100) are in contact or in close proximity. Thus, these sections are suitable for the placement of elements for monitoring or measuring the electrical terminals (300), such as temperature sensors of the electrical terminals (300), in the connector casings (100).

[0060] The electrical terminal (300) is screwed from the outside of the chassis, through the connector casing (100), from the first side (101) of the casing (100), to a rigid monoconductor terminal (209) localized on the second side of the casing (203) inside the chassis. Thus, the electrical terminal (300) can be quickly and effectively exchanged by unscrew and screw-screw operations performed outside the chassis of the vehicle. In particular, it is not necessary to open, change, or handle the connector casing (100), and in particular, it is not necessary to access the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) inside the chassis or to handle the rigid monoconductors (400a, 400b).

[0061] Furthermore, the electrical connector (1) according to the present invention has increased electrical performance compared to conventional solutions such as ultrasonic welding or riveting of electrical terminals having rigid monoconductors. In practice, welding and riveting generally require the interposition of a square metal or other intermediate conductive component between the electrical terminal and the rigid monoconductor terminal. The interposition of intermediate components creates contact interfaces that increase the electrical resistance of the circuit and consequently cause heat losses. At the same time, the omission of intermediate components makes the assembly faster and less expensive.

[0062] The separability of the electrical terminals (300) from the rigid monoconductors (400a, 400b) and from the connector casing (100) also enables greater flexibility during vehicle assembly. Typically, the particularly heavy connector casing (100) and the rigid monoconductors (400a, 400b) can be independently assembled and mounted to the vehicle chassis in a selected order.

[0063] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the steps of an assembly method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 4 illustrates the step of assembling the aforementioned vehicle charging input electric connector (1), comprising a charging casing (100), a connector for a rigid monoconductor (200), and electrical terminals (300).

[0064] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the assembly method begins with step (i) of assembling a connector casing (100). From step (i), the connector casing (100) is assembled as described, for example with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, to have coupling structures (113, 129) on the sides (103, 101) and a cavity (123) connecting the sides (101, 103). From this step, the connector (100) is independent from the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) and from the electrical terminals (300).

[0065] In the second step (ii), the connector casing (100) is mounted on the chassis of the vehicle, so that the second side (103) is oriented toward the inside of the chassis and the surface (105) is oriented toward the coupling direction. For example, the connector casing (100) may be mounted on the chassis by means of a mounting frame (109), fixing holes (109a), and fixing studs (127). Thus, the connector casing (100) is ready to be coupled with a connector for a rigid single conductor (200).

[0066] Accordingly, in the third step (iii), the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) is coupled to the connector casing (100) by moving the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) closer in the direction (B) opposite to the coupling direction (A). The connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) is moved closer to the second coupling structure (113) until the coupling seal (211) of the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) is firmly received in the gap space (119) of the second coupling structure (113).

[0067] The method of the third embodiment includes a fourth characterization step (iv), wherein, in accordance with this step, the electrical terminal (300) is screw-coupled with the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) to clamp at least one part of the connector casing (100) between the electrical terminal (300) and the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200). In particular, the electrical terminal is inserted into the cavity (123) of the first side (101) in the coupling direction (A), so that the insulating socket (223) is housed in the nut and the individual threads (221, 317) are engaged. The screw coupling includes rotation of the electrical terminal (300) about its axis—first moving the electrical terminal (300) closer in the coupling direction (A) to the support (I2), and then moving the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) closer in the direction (B) to the support (I1). This method enables particularly rapid and flexible assembly of the vehicle charging input electric connector, and, in particular, provides the advantages obtained by the implementation of the connector (1), particularly maintenance facilitated by the interchangeable electric terminals (300). Explanation of the symbols 1 Vehicle charging input electrical connector 100 connector casing 101 First side 103 Second side 105 Surface on the first side 107 Surface of the second side 109 mounting frame 109a Fixing holes 111 Internal coupling zone for slow recharge terminals 113 Second coupling structure 115 First division (second structure) 117 Second division (second structure) 119 gap space between the divided sections (second structure) 121 Opening to the common 123 Joint 125 Actuator Fixed Inlet Parts 127 Electronic Interface Structures 129 First coupling structure 131 First division (first structure) 133 Second division (first structure) 135 gap space between the divided sections (first structure) 137 External coupling zone for slow recharge terminals 139 Protrusion into the cavity 141 Stage-type shaped part Connector for 200 rigid monoconductors 201 Connector casing for rigid monoconductors 203 Rear end part 205 cap 207 Front end part 209 Rigid Monoconductor Terminal 211 Coupling seal 213 Rear seal 215 inner casing 217 terminal hole 219 terminal screw 221 Threaded parts of a screw 300 electrical terminals 301 Part 1 303 Part 2 305 Connection Zone 307 First end 309 Second end 311 Insulation Tip 313 nut Cavity for housing 315 nuts Tapping of 317 nuts 319 Clamping element 321 protruding part 323 Stage-type shaped part 325 seal 327 External surface of the protruding part 400a, 400b rigid monoconductor A coupling direction D1 Outer diameter of the first part D2 Outer diameter of the second part D3 Diameter of the protruding part P Pentagon cross-section I1 Welding interface between the rigid single conductor end and the screw Support between the I2 electrical terminal and the connector casing Support between electrical terminals and connectors for I3 rigid monoconductors Interface between the connector and the connector casing for an I4 rigid monoconductor P direction of rotation of the clamped part (R) of the screw connection x, y, z Cartesian directions

Claims

Claim 1 As a charging input electrical connector (1) for a vehicle, the electrical connector (1) is configured to accommodate a movable homogeneous connector of a charging station in a coupling direction (A), the electrical connector (1) comprises a connector casing (100), a connector (200) for a rigid monoconductor, and an electrical terminal (300), the electrical terminal (300) comprises a second component (303), the second component (303) comprises a protruding component (321) protruding from a stage-shaped portion (323) having a diameter (D3) larger than the smallest outer diameter (D2) of the second component (303), the connector casing (100) has a first side (101) and a second side (103) opposite to the first side (101), and the connector casing (100) is of the vehicle The connector casing (100) is configured to be arranged in a chassis, wherein the second side (103) is oriented toward the interior of the chassis, and the first side (101) includes a first coupling structure (129) configured for coupling the connector casing (100) with the same type of connector, and the second side (103) includes a second coupling structure (113) configured for coupling the connector casing (100) with a connector for a rigid monoconductor (200), and the connector casing (100) includes a cavity (123) extending in the coupling direction (A) from the first coupling structure (129) to the second coupling structure (113), and the electrical terminal (300) is arranged in the cavity (123), and the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200) includes a rigid monoconductor terminal (209), and the connector to be clamped At least one part of the casing (100) includes a shape (141) that is complementary to the stage-shaped part (323), andThe above-mentioned complementary form (141) protrudes into the cavity (123) to establish a connection by shape-fitting with the electrical terminal (300), and the electrical terminal (300) is screw-coupled with the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) to clamp at least one part of the connector casing (100) between the electrical terminal (300) and the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200), and the connection by shape-fitting between the stage-shaped part (323) of the electrical terminal (300) and the above-mentioned complementary form (141) of the connector casing (100) blocks the movement of the electrical terminal (300) in the coupling direction (A), a vehicle charging input electrical connector (1). Claim 2 A vehicle charging input electric connector (1), wherein the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) comprises a screw (219), and the electric terminal (300) comprises a nut (313) configured to receive the screw (219), and the electric terminal (300) is screw-coupled to the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) by screw-coupled the nut (313) onto the screw (219). Claim 3 In claim 2, the electric terminal (300) comprises a first part (301) having a first end (307) of the electric terminal (300) and a second part (303) having a second end (309) of the electric terminal (300), wherein the second end (309) is on the opposite side of the first end (307), and the first part (301) of the electric terminal (300) is configured to make contact with an electric terminal of the same type of electric connector, and the nut (313) is arranged on the second end (309), a vehicle charging input electric connector (1). Claim 4 In claim 3, the smallest outer diameter (D2) of the second part (303) is larger than the maximum outer diameter (D1) of the first part (301), in a vehicle charging input electric connector (1). Claim 5 In claim 4, the protruding part (321) has a diameter (D3) that is 2% to 10% larger than the smallest outer diameter (D2) of the second part (303), a vehicle charging input electric connector (1). Claim 6 In claim 3, the smallest outer diameter (D2) of the second part (303) is 20% to 200% larger than the maximum outer diameter (D1) of the first part (301), in a vehicle charging input electric connector (1). Claim 7 In claim 1, the electric terminal (300) is configured for electric currents of at least 100A, a vehicle charging input electric connector (1). Claim 8 In claim 1, the protruding part (321) is arranged in a zone (305) to connect the second part (303) to the first part (301), a vehicle charging input electric connector (1). Claim 9 In any one of claims 1 to 8, the electric terminal (300) comprises a nut (313), a first part (301), and a second part (303), wherein the first part (301) has a first end (307) of the electric terminal (300), and the second part (303) has a second end (309) of the electric terminal (300), wherein the second end (309) is on the opposite side of the first end (307), and the first part (301) of the electric terminal (300) is configured to make contact with the same type of electric terminal of the same type of electric connector, and the nut (313) is arranged at the second end (209), a vehicle charging input electric connector (1). Claim 10 A method for assembling a charging input electric connector (1) for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: a) assembling the connector casing (100); b) mounting the connector casing (100) on the chassis of the vehicle such that the second side (103) is oriented toward the interior of the chassis; c) coupling the connector (200) for a rigid monoconductor with the second coupling structure (113); and d) screwing the electrical terminal (300) with the rigid monoconductor terminal (209) such that at least one part of the connector casing (100) is clamped between the electrical terminal (300) and the connector for the rigid monoconductor (200).

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