A charging connector and a charging mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of charging technologies, and particularly relates to a charging connector and a charging mechanism, which include a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes at least two male minor-arc electrodes arranged on the same circumference, and the female connector includes at least two female minor-arc electrodes arranged on the same circumference. The female minor-arc electrodes are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the male minor-arc electrodes. The charging connector of the present invention can arrange multiple electrodes in a single-layer circular ring space, greatly reducing the space occupation, and can still achieve docking charging when there is a certain misalignment angle in the rear actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of charging technology, and particularly to a charging connector and a charging mechanism. Background Art

[0002] The common charging method for existing electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles is conductive charging. Automobile manufacturers often arrange sockets at different positions (side, front or rear) of the vehicle to connect to a plug (charging gun) installed on a cable. This connection method has a high cost due to the need for precise positioning and docking of the vehicle or the use of a long cable, and there are certain safety hazards due to the need for manual operation by the user. For the chassis inductive charging device that has been under mass production research, although it is relatively convenient to operate, the charging efficiency fluctuates greatly due to the uncertainty of the position of the induction coil, and it is difficult to compare with conductive charging in terms of weight, volume, etc.

[0003] For the above reasons, conductive automatic charging equipment has become a new charging solution, which not only has the advantage of high conductive charging efficiency, but also has the convenience of inductive charging. However, the connectors in the prior art still have certain limitations in application:

[0004] (1) Some connectors adopt a traditional pin-hole structure, which requires high positioning accuracy for the rear-end actuator and system algorithm, and has a large insertion and extraction force value. Great wear is easily generated during the insertion and extraction process, seriously affecting the service life of the connector;

[0005] (2) Another part of the connectors establish electrical connection by pressing or inserting a whole ring conductor. In this structure, only a single electrode can be arranged in a single ring, and it occupies a large space when multiple electrodes need to be arranged. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the technical problem that the connector in the prior art adopts a whole ring electrode structure and occupies a large space, the present invention provides a charging connector, which can set multiple electrodes in a single-layer circular ring space, thereby greatly reducing the space occupation.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention:

[0008] On the one hand, the present invention provides a charging connector, including:

[0009] A male connector, the male connector includes at least two male minor arc electrodes arranged on the same circumference;

[0010] A female connector, the female connector includes at least two female minor arc electrodes arranged on the same circumference, and the female minor arc electrodes are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the male minor arc electrodes.

[0011] Further, the male connector further includes a male CP electrode, and the female connector further includes a female CP electrode. When the male CP electrode contacts the female CP electrode, the male inferior arc electrode and the female inferior arc electrode are correspondingly overlapped. When the male CP electrode and the corresponding female CP electrode are detected to be electrically connected, the charging circuit formed by the male inferior arc electrode and the female inferior arc electrode is turned on.

[0012] Further, the male CP electrode is provided on the inner bottom surface of the male connector, and the female CP electrode is provided on the inner bottom surface of the female connector. The surface of the male CP electrode is fan-shaped. When the female CP electrode contacts the male CP electrode within the fan-shaped area, the male inferior arc electrode and the female inferior arc electrode are overlapped one by one.

[0013] Further, the angle of the fan is less than or equal to twice the limit misalignment angle between the male inferior arc electrode and the corresponding female inferior arc electrode.

[0014] Further, the female CP electrode contacts the male CP electrode through a CP contact, and the inner bottom surface of the female connector is further provided with a female insulating contact symmetric to the CP contact.

[0015] Further, the male connector further includes a male PE electrode, and the female connector further includes a female PE electrode. The male PE electrode and the female PE electrode contact before the male inferior arc electrode contacts the corresponding female inferior arc electrode.

[0016] Further, the female PE electrode is fixed by a limiting ring, and a sliding hole is formed on the side wall of the limiting ring. The female PE electrode includes:

[0017] A conductive ring, which is concentric with the limiting ring;

[0018] A finger, which is arranged between the side wall of the limiting ring and the conductive ring. A PE contact capable of sliding in the sliding hole is provided at the first end of the finger, and an elastic member is arranged between the second end of the finger and the conductive ring.

[0019] Further, a wire is arranged between the finger and the conductive ring, and the finger is electrically connected to the conductive ring through the wire.

[0020] Further, the male connector further includes a male insulator, at least one layer of the male inferior arc electrode is arranged on the male insulator, the female connector further includes a female insulator, and at least one layer of the female inferior arc electrode is arranged on the female insulator.

[0021] Further, elastic bumps are provided at both ends of the female end inferior arc electrode and are electrically connected to the corresponding male end inferior arc electrode.

[0022] On the other hand, the present invention provides a charging mechanism, including the charging connector described in any one of the above.

[0023] After adopting the above technical solutions, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] (1) In the present invention, at least two male end inferior arc electrodes are arranged on the same circumference of the male end connector, and at least two female end inferior arc electrodes are correspondingly arranged on the same circumference of the female end connector, making full and reasonable use of the space of the connector. Compared with the prior art, multiple electrodes can be arranged in a single-layer circular ring space, greatly reducing the space occupation, making the charging connector smaller in volume, more compact in structure, and saving certain costs;

[0025] (2) By setting the angle of the sector on the surface of the male end CP electrode to be less than or equal to twice the limit misalignment angle between the male end inferior arc electrode and the corresponding female end inferior arc electrode, when the male end connector is docked with the female end connector, a certain allowable misalignment angle of the rear-end actuator can be satisfied, and at the same time, the electrical safety during docking within the allowable misalignment angle can be ensured;

[0026] (3) Elastic bumps are provided at both ends of the female end inferior arc electrode of the present invention. When the male end connector is docked with the female end connector, the female end inferior arc electrode can be in full contact with the corresponding male end inferior arc electrode, and the elastic bumps can ensure a certain current-carrying capacity. Moreover, multiple elastic bumps can be arranged axially or radially on the female end inferior arc electrode to meet higher current-carrying requirements;

[0027] (4) Elastic bumps are provided at both ends of the female end inferior arc electrode of the present invention. When contacting the corresponding male end inferior arc electrode, the oxide film on the surface of the male end inferior arc electrode can be cleaned in a timely and effective manner to ensure reliable contact;

[0028] (5) Elastic bumps are arranged radially on the female end inferior arc electrode of the present invention. Compared with the axial pogopin contact method, under the same current-carrying conditions, it does not need to bear a large axial docking pressure, has a smaller docking resistance, has lower strength requirements for the rear-end actuator, and can maintain a continuous and reliable electrical connection without a self-locking function;

[0029] (6) A female end insulating contact symmetric to the CP contact is provided on the inner bottom surface of the female end connector of the present invention. When the male end connector is docked with the female end connector, the male end connector is balanced in force, thereby ensuring the coaxiality of the male end connector and the female end connector and making the docking more accurate;

[0030] (7) The present invention provides an overall annular insertion structure for the male connector and the female connector, avoiding misalignment or wear during docking caused by deviations in the anti-misalignment key angles between the male and female ends due to the assembly process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram before the male connector and the female connector are docked in Embodiment 1;

[0033] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the male connector in the first perspective in Embodiment 1;

[0034] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the male connector in the second perspective in Embodiment 1;

[0035] Figure 5 It is the front view of the male connector in Embodiment 1;

[0036] Figure 6 It is an exploded view of the male insulator in Embodiment 1;

[0037] Figure 7 It is an exploded view of the male connector in Embodiment 1;

[0038] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the female connector in the first perspective in Embodiment 1;

[0039] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the female connector in the second perspective in Embodiment 1;

[0040] Figure 10 It is the front view of the female connector in Embodiment 1;

[0041] Figure 11 It is an exploded view of the female insulator in Embodiment 1;

[0042] Figure 12 It is an exploded view of the female connector in Embodiment 1;

[0043] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic bump in Embodiment 1;

[0044] Figure 14 It is the rear view of the male connector in Embodiment 1;

[0045] Figure 15 It is the rear view of the female connector in Embodiment 1;

[0046] Figure 16Schematic diagram of the male CP electrode in Embodiment 1;

[0047] Figure 17 Explosion diagram of the female CP electrode in Embodiment 1;

[0048] Figure 18 Cross-sectional view of the female CP electrode in Embodiment 1;

[0049] Figure 19 Cross-sectional view of the male connector and the female connector in butt joint without misalignment angle in Embodiment 1;

[0050] Figure 20 Simplified diagram of the first male inferior arc electrode and the first female inferior arc electrode without misalignment angle in Embodiment 1;

[0051] Figure 21 Simplified diagram of the first male inferior arc electrode and the first female inferior arc electrode at the limit misalignment angle in Embodiment 1;

[0052] Figure 22 Schematic diagram of the sector angle in Embodiment 1;

[0053] Figure 23 Schematic diagram of the male PE electrode in Embodiment 1;

[0054] Figure 24 Schematic diagram of the structure of the female PE electrode and the limiting ring in Embodiment 1;

[0055] Figure 25 Schematic diagram of the female PE electrode in Embodiment 1.

[0056] Among them,

[0057] Male connector 1, first male inferior arc electrode 11, first male wiring terminal 111, first connection hole 112, second male inferior arc electrode 12, second male wiring terminal 121, second connection hole 122, male CP electrode 13, male CP wiring terminal 131, sector 132, male PE electrode 14, male PE wiring terminal 141, male insulator 15, male insulating seat 151, columnar protrusion 1511, first male electrode groove 1512, male spacer ring 152, second male electrode groove 1521, male cover ring 153, limit pin 16, screw 17;

[0058] Female terminal connector 2, first female end inferior arc electrode 21, first female end terminal 211, elastic bump 212, limit plate 2121, second female end inferior arc electrode 22, second female end terminal 221, female end CP electrode 23, female end CP terminal 231, CP contact 232, female end insulating contact 233, compression spring 234, CP electrode plate 235, CP cover plate 236, female end PE electrode 24, female end PE terminal 241, conductive ring 242, sliding port 2421, finger 243, PE contact 2431, elastic member 244, sliding rod 245, wire 246, female end insulator 25, female end insulating seat 251, second female end electrode groove 2511, female end spacer ring 252, first convex ring 2521, second convex ring 2522, female end cover ring 253, first female end electrode groove 2531, screw hole 26, limit ring 27, receiving groove 271, sliding hole 2711;

[0059] Limit misalignment angle α, minimum electrical safety distance L. Specific implementation mode

[0060] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The description of at least one exemplary embodiment below is actually only illustrative and in no way limits the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] As Figure 1 shown, the object of the present invention is to provide a miniaturized charging connector with an angle tolerance, including a male terminal connector 1 and a female terminal connector 2. The male terminal connector 1 is configured in the ground unit, and the female terminal connector 2 is configured in the vehicle-mounted unit, which is suitable for Figure 1 the chassis charging as shown, and is also suitable for side charging. The angle tolerance range provided by the charging connector of the present invention can meet the angle deviation requirements of the rear-end actuator. At the same time, the charging connector of the present invention has a smaller space occupation and a more compact structure compared with the ordinary ring connector. The following will be specifically described through specific embodiments.

[0062] Embodiment 1:

[0063] As Figures 2 - 12 shown, the charging connector of this embodiment includes a male terminal connector 1 and a female terminal connector 2. The male terminal connector 1 includes two male end inferior arc electrodes arranged on the same circumference; the female terminal connector 2 includes two female end inferior arc electrodes arranged on the same circumference, and the female end inferior arc electrodes are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the male end inferior arc electrodes. Specifically, asFigures 3 - 7 As shown in the figure, the male connector 1 of this embodiment includes a male insulator 15. Two first male minor arc electrodes 11 are symmetrically arranged on the same circumference of the male insulator 15. As Figures 8 - 12 shown in the figure, the female connector 2 of this embodiment includes a female insulator 25. Two first female minor arc electrodes 21 are symmetrically arranged on the same circumference of the female insulator 25. When the male connector 1 and the female connector 2 are docked for charging, the two first female minor arc electrodes 21 are respectively and electrically connected to the two first male minor arc electrodes 11 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0064] In this way, in this embodiment, two first male minor arc electrodes 11 are arranged on the same circumference of the male connector 1, and two first female minor arc electrodes 21 are arranged on the same circumference of the female connector 2. One of the first male minor arc electrodes 11 and the corresponding first female minor arc electrode 21 can be configured as the DC+ electrode, and the other first male minor arc electrode 11 and the corresponding first female minor arc electrode 21 can be configured as the DC- electrode. In this way, the space of the connector is fully and reasonably utilized. Of course, in other embodiments, more electrodes can be arranged in the single-layer ring space when the current-carrying requirement is met. In the prior art, only one circular electrode is arranged on the same circumference. To arrange the DC+ electrode and the DC- electrode, at least two layers of circumferential space are required. Whether it is axially extended or radially extended, it will result in a large space occupation. Therefore, compared with the prior art, the charging connector of this embodiment can arrange multiple electrodes in the single-layer ring space, greatly reducing the space occupation, making the charging connector small in volume, compact in structure, and saving a certain amount of cost.

[0065] Furthermore, as Figures 4 - 7 shown in the figure, two symmetric second male minor arc electrodes 12 located on the same circumference are further axially extended and configured on the male connector 1 of this embodiment. As Figures 8 - 12 shown in the figure, two symmetric second female minor arc electrodes 22 located on the same circumference are also correspondingly configured on the female connector 2 of this embodiment. One of the second male minor arc electrodes 12 and the corresponding second female minor arc electrode 22 can be configured as the communication electrode S+, and the other second male minor arc electrode 12 and the corresponding second female minor arc electrode 22 can be configured as the communication electrode S-. Of course, they can also be configured as the low-voltage auxiliary electrode A+ and the low-voltage auxiliary electrode A- according to needs. In this way, the charging connector of this embodiment is axially extended on the male connector 1 and the female connector 2, which can meet more electrode requirements. In other embodiments, such as in chassis charging, when the axial space is small, the charging connector of this embodiment can also be radially extended.

[0066] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the central angle of the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 is equal to that of the second male-end inferior arc electrode 12, and similarly, the central angle of the first female-end inferior arc electrode 21 is equal to that of the second female-end inferior arc electrode 22. In this way, when the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 and the first female-end inferior arc electrode 21 are electrically connected, the second male-end inferior arc electrode 12 and the second female-end inferior arc electrode 22 are also electrically connected. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 and the second male-end inferior arc electrode 12 are arranged staggeredly, and the first female-end inferior arc electrode 21 and the second female-end inferior arc electrode 22 are arranged staggeredly, which is convenient for leading out each terminal.

[0067] As Figures 6 - 7 shown, the male-end insulator 15 of this embodiment includes a male-end insulating seat 151, a male-end spacer ring 152, and a male-end cover ring 153. Specifically, the male-end insulating seat 151 is provided with two symmetric first male-end electrode grooves 1512 in the circumferential direction, which respectively accommodate the two first male-end inferior arc electrodes 11. A male-end spacer ring 152 is provided above the male-end insulating seat 151. The male-end spacer ring 152 is provided with two symmetric second male-end electrode grooves 1521 in the circumferential direction, which respectively accommodate the two second male-end inferior arc electrodes 12. A male-end cover ring 153 is provided above the male-end spacer ring 152. Among them, the male-end insulating seat 151, the male-end spacer ring 152, and the male-end cover ring 153 are fixed into a whole by screws 17; the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 is provided with a first connection hole 112, and the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 can be radially limited by the limit pin 16 and the first connection hole 112. The limit pin 16 can also be configured as a threaded pin, and the first connection hole 112 can be configured as a threaded hole, so that the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 and the male-end spacer ring 152 can be fixedly connected; the second male-end inferior arc electrode 12 is provided with a second connection hole 122, and the second male-end inferior arc electrode 12 can be radially limited by the limit pin 16 and the second connection hole 122. Of course, the limit pin 16 here can also be set as a threaded pin, and the second connection hole 122 can also be set as a threaded hole.

[0068] Preferably, the screw 17 in this embodiment is a countersunk head screw, and neither the countersunk head screw nor the limit pin 16 protrudes from the surface of the connector, ensuring the flatness of each surface of the connector and not affecting the docking of the male-end connector 1 and the female-end connector 2.

[0069] Furthermore, as Figure 7 and Figure 14As shown in the figure, first male terminal arc electrodes 11 of this embodiment are each provided with a first male terminal wiring terminal 111 at the bottom. The first male terminal wiring terminal 111 passes through the male terminal insulating seat 151 and extends to the bottom of the male terminal insulating seat 151. The positive and negative poles of the power supply can be respectively connected by crimping or soldering the cables. Second male terminal arc electrodes 12 of this embodiment are each provided with a second male terminal wiring terminal 121 at the bottom. The second male terminal wiring terminal 121 passes through the male terminal spacer ring 152 and the male terminal insulating seat 151 and extends to the bottom of the male terminal insulating seat 151. According to actual requirements, the positive and negative poles of the communication unit of the charging device, or the positive and negative poles of the low-voltage auxiliary power supply of the charging device, can be respectively connected by crimping or soldering the cables. The two first male terminal wiring terminals 111 and the two second male terminal wiring terminals 121 are evenly arranged on the circumference of the outer bottom surface of the male terminal insulating seat 151. In this way, the space of the connector is fully utilized, and at the same time, the electrical distance between the wiring terminals is ensured, making the overall structure more compact.

[0070] As Figures 11 - 12 shown, the female insulator 25 of this embodiment includes a female terminal insulating seat 251, a female terminal spacer ring 252, and a female terminal cover ring 253. Specifically, the female terminal insulating seat 251 is provided with two symmetric second female terminal electrode grooves 2511 in the circumferential direction, which respectively accommodate two second female terminal arc electrodes 22. A female terminal spacer ring 252 is provided above the female terminal insulating seat 251. The female terminal spacer ring 252 and the female terminal insulating seat 251 press the second female terminal arc electrodes 22. A female terminal cover ring 253 is provided above the female terminal spacer ring 252. Two symmetric first female terminal electrode grooves 2531 are provided in the female terminal cover ring 253, which respectively accommodate two first female terminal arc electrodes 21. The female terminal cover ring 253 and the female terminal spacer ring 252 press the first female terminal arc electrodes 21. Among them, four corresponding screw holes 26 are provided on the female terminal insulating seat 251, the female terminal spacer ring 252, and the female terminal cover ring 253, and they are fixed into a whole by screws.

[0071] Furthermore, as Figure 12 shown, elastic bumps 212 are provided at both ends of the first female terminal arc electrode 21 of this embodiment and are electrically connected to the corresponding first male terminal arc electrodes 11. The elastic bumps 212 can be in the form of pogopin. The elastic bumps 212 can be fixedly assembled with the first female terminal arc electrode 21 by riveting or soldering first, and then the first female terminal arc electrode 21 is assembled on the outside of the first convex ring 2521 of the female terminal spacer ring 252, and then the first female terminal arc electrode 21 is pressed by the female terminal cover ring 253; or the elastic bumps 212 can also be installed with a gap. As Figures 12 - 13 shown, a limiting plate 2121 is provided on the elastic bump 212 to prevent the elastic bump 212 from disengaging from the inside, and when the female terminal cover ring 253 presses the first female terminal arc electrode 21, it can prevent the elastic bump 212 from disengaging from the outside.

[0072] Similarly, elastic bumps 212 are also provided at both ends of the second female-end inferior arc electrode 22 of this embodiment. As Figure 12 shown, the elastic bumps 212 are first fixedly installed or installed with a gap with the second female-end inferior arc electrode 22, and then the second female-end inferior arc electrode 22 is assembled on the outside of the second convex ring 2522 of the female-end spacer ring 252, and then the first female-end inferior arc electrode 21 is pressed tightly by the female-end insulating seat 251.

[0073] In this embodiment, elastic bumps 212 are provided at both ends of each female-end inferior arc electrode. First, when the male connector 1 is docked with the female connector 2, the positioning accuracy requirement for the rear-end actuator is relatively low. Even if there is a certain misalignment angle in the rear-end actuator, the female-end inferior arc electrode of this embodiment can still make full contact with the male-end inferior arc electrode through the elastic bumps 212 at its both ends, and the elastic bumps 212 can ensure a certain current-carrying capacity. Secondly, in this embodiment, multiple elastic bumps 212 can be provided axially or radially on the female-end inferior arc electrode to meet higher current-carrying requirements. Moreover, when the female-end inferior arc electrode contacts the corresponding male-end inferior arc electrode, the elastic bumps 212 can clean the oxide film on the surface of the male-end inferior arc electrode in a timely and effective manner to ensure reliable contact. Furthermore, the elastic bumps 212 of the female-end inferior arc electrode of this embodiment are arranged radially. Compared with the planar axial pogopin contact method, under the same current-carrying conditions, it does not need to bear a large axial docking pressure, has a smaller docking resistance, has a lower requirement for the output strength of the rear-end actuator, and does not require a self-locking function to maintain a continuous and reliable electrical connection.

[0074] Furthermore, as Figure 12 and Figure 15 shown, first female-end connection terminals 211 are provided in the middle of the two first female-end inferior arc electrodes 21 of this embodiment. The first female-end connection terminals 211 pass through the female-end cover ring 253 and extend to the outside of the female-end cover ring 253, and can be respectively connected to the positive and negative poles of the in-vehicle charging unit by crimping or welding cables; second female-end connection terminals 221 are provided in the middle of the two second female-end inferior arc electrodes 22 of this embodiment. The second female-end connection terminals 221 pass through the female-end insulating seat 251 and extend to the outside of the female-end insulating seat 251, and can be respectively connected to the positive and negative poles of the in-vehicle communication unit, or the positive and negative poles of the in-vehicle low-voltage auxiliary power supply by crimping or welding cables according to actual needs.

[0075] As Figure 7 and Figure 16 shown, the male connector 1 of this embodiment further includes a male CP electrode 13, as Figure 12 and Figures 17 - 19As shown, the female terminal connector 2 further includes a female CP electrode 23. When the male CP electrode 13 contacts the female CP electrode 23, each male minor arc electrode overlaps with the corresponding female minor arc electrode. Specifically, as Figure 6 shown, a columnar protrusion 1511 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the male insulating seat 151. The male CP electrode 13 is fixed or integrally formed within the columnar protrusion 1511, and the surface of the male CP electrode 13 is in a fan shape 132; as Figure 10 shown, a female CP electrode 23 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the female insulating seat 251, and CP contacts 232 are provided on the circumference of a certain radius of the female CP electrode 23.

[0076] Taking the first male minor arc electrode 11 and the first female minor arc electrode 21 as an example, when the CP contact 232 contacts the fan-shaped 132 area of the male CP electrode 13, the first male minor arc electrode 11 contacts the corresponding first female minor arc electrode 21, does not contact other first female minor arc electrodes 21, and the distance between the two is greater than the minimum electrical safety distance. In this way, when it is detected that the CP contact 232 and the fan-shaped 132 area are electrically connected, it can be determined that the first male minor arc electrode 11 and the first female minor arc electrode 21 are within the safe misalignment angle. At this time, the first male minor arc electrode 11 is energized, and the charging circuit formed by the first male minor arc electrode 11 and the first female minor arc electrode 21 is turned on; when the CP contact 232 does not contact the fan-shaped 132 area of the male CP electrode 13, that is, when the CP contact 232 contacts the insulating columnar protrusion 1511, the first male minor arc electrode 11 may or may not contact the corresponding first female minor arc electrode 21, and may also contact or not contact other first female minor arc electrodes 21. At this time, it is detected that the CP contact 232 and the fan-shaped 132 area are not electrically connected, the first male minor arc electrode 11 is not energized, and a prompt signal indicating that the docking misalignment angle is too large is sent.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle of the fan shape 132 is set to be less than or equal to twice the limit misalignment angle between the male minor arc electrode and the corresponding female minor arc electrode. Specifically, taking the first male minor arc electrode 11 and the first female minor arc electrode 21 as an example, as Figures 19 - 20 shown, after the male terminal connector 1 is docked with the female terminal connector 2, when the contact point between the CP contact 232 of the female CP electrode 23 and the fan-shaped 132 area is located on the angular bisector of the fan shape 132, the first male minor arc electrode 11 and the first female minor arc electrode 21 are in a non-misaligned docking state. At this time, the two ends of the first female minor arc electrode 21 just contact the two ends of the corresponding first male minor arc electrode 11; in most cases, the contact point between the CP contact 232 and the fan-shaped 132 area will not fall on the angular bisector of the fan shape 132. At this time, the first male minor arc electrode 11 has a misalignment angle relative to the above non-misaligned docking state, as Figure 21As shown in the figure, assume that when the misalignment angle is α, the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 and another first female-end inferior arc electrode 21 are just in the limit state, and the distance between them is the minimum electrical distance L. At this time, the misalignment angle is the limit misalignment angle α.

[0078] As Figure 22 shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the angle of the sector 132 is set to be less than or equal to 2α, which can ensure that when the CP contact 232 of the female-end CP electrode 23 contacts the sector 132 area of the male-end CP electrode 13, the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 contacts the corresponding first female-end inferior arc electrode 21, does not contact other first female-end inferior arc electrodes 21, and the distance between them is greater than the minimum electrical safety distance L. Preferably, the angle of the sector 132 can be set to be exactly 2α, so that the maximum docking misalignment angle between the male-end connector 1 and the female-end connector 2 can be achieved.

[0079] It can be seen that in this embodiment, by setting the angle of the sector 132 to be less than or equal to 2α, when the male-end connector 1 and the female-end connector 2 are docked, a certain allowable misalignment angle of the rear-end actuator can be satisfied, and at the same time, the electrical safety during the docking of the male-end connector 1 and the female-end connector 2 within the allowable misalignment angle can be ensured. In practical applications, the angle of the sector, as well as the central angles and quantities of each male-end inferior arc electrode and female-end inferior arc electrode, can be configured according to the docking allowable misalignment angle and space requirements of the rear-end actuator structure.

[0080] It should be noted that since the central angle of the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 is equal to the central angle of the second male-end inferior arc electrode 12, and the central angle of the first female-end inferior arc electrode 21 is equal to the central angle of the second female-end inferior arc electrode 22 in this embodiment, the contact situation between the second male-end inferior arc electrode 12 and the second female-end inferior arc electrode 22 is the same as the contact situation between the first male-end inferior arc electrode 11 and the first female-end inferior arc electrode 21 described above.

[0081] Furthermore, as Figure 17 and Figure 18 shown in the figure, the inner bottom surface of the female-end connector 2 in this embodiment is also provided with a female-end insulating contact 233 symmetric to the CP contact 232. Specifically, the CP contact 232 is in the form of a pogopin, and the female-end insulating contact 233 is made of insulating material, and is connected to the female-end CP electrode plate 235 through a compression spring 234, and its movement space is restricted by a CP cover plate 236. In this way, when the male-end connector 1 and the female-end connector 2 are docked, the male-end connector 1 is balanced in force, so that the coaxiality of the male-end connector 1 and the female-end connector 2 can be ensured, making the docking more accurate.

[0082] Furthermore, as Figure 14As shown, the male CP electrode 13 of this embodiment is further provided with a male CP terminal 131. The male CP terminal 131 passes through the bottom of the male insulating seat 151 and can be connected to the control end of the power supply device by crimping or welding the cable; as Figure 15 shown, the female CP electrode 23 is also provided with a female CP terminal 231. The female CP terminal 231 passes through the bottom of the female insulating seat 251 and can be connected to the control end of the in-vehicle unit by crimping or welding the cable.

[0083] Furthermore, the male connector 1 of this embodiment further includes a male PE electrode 14, and the female connector 2 further includes a female PE electrode 24. Specifically, as Figure 7 and Figure 23 shown, the male PE electrode 14 is an annular electrode disposed within the male spacer ring 152 and is pressed tightly by the male cover ring 153. As Figure 12 and Figures 24 - 25 shown, a limiting ring 27 is fixed on the female insulating seat 251. A female PE electrode 24 is disposed within the limiting ring 27. The female PE electrode 24 includes a conductive ring 242 and a finger 243. The conductive ring 242 is located inside the limiting ring 27 and is concentric with the limiting ring 27. The limiting ring 27 is provided with a receiving groove 271 for receiving the finger 243. The finger 243 is disposed within the receiving groove 271 and is located between the side wall of the receiving groove 271 and the conductive ring 242. A PE contact 2431 is provided at the first end of the finger 243. The head of the PE contact 2431 is hemispherical. A sliding hole 2711 is correspondingly formed in the side wall of the receiving groove 271. The PE contact 2431 can slide within the sliding hole 2711 to contact the male PE electrode 14. At the same time, an elastic member 244 is provided at the second end of the finger 243. The elastic member 244 can be selected but is not limited to a conductive spring. The first end of the conductive spring is fixed to the finger 243, and the second end is fixed to the conductive ring 242. The conductive spring can not only cause the PE contact 2431 to yield when being pressed by the male PE electrode 14, but also press tightly the PE contact 2431 to ensure reliable contact between the PE contact 2431 and the male PE electrode 14. At the same time, it can also electrically connect the finger 243 and the conductive ring 242, and the PE contact 2431 can clean the oxide film on the surface of the male PE electrode 14 timely and effectively during the contact process with the male PE electrode 14, ensuring reliable contact and eliminating the need for frequent maintenance.

[0084] Furthermore, a sliding rod 245 is provided at the second end of the finger 243 in this embodiment, and a sliding opening 2421 for the sliding rod 245 to slide is correspondingly provided on the side wall of the conductive ring 242. Specifically, the first end of the sliding rod 245 is fixedly connected to the finger 243, which can be a threaded connection specifically. The middle part of the sliding rod 245 can slide within the sliding opening 2421, and the above-mentioned conductive spring is sleeved on the sliding rod 245 to limit and guide the conductive spring through the sliding rod 245.

[0085] Further, as Figures 24 - 25 shown, in this embodiment, a wire 246 is also connected between the finger 243 and the conductive ring 242. In this embodiment, the specific connection method of the wire 246 is welding. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be in ways such as bolt tightening or crimping. The finger 243 is electrically connected to the conductive ring 242 through the wire 246. In this embodiment, welding the wire 246 can share the current of the conductive spring, and can prevent the conductive spring from being burned out and elastically failing caused by large current. The number of the wires 246 can be set according to actual needs, but the length of each wire 246 should be sufficient so that when the conductive spring presses against the finger 243, the wire 246 still has a certain margin and is not stressed. In addition, in other embodiments, the elastic member 244 can also be made of insulating material, and only the wire 246 carries the current.

[0086] Preferably, in this embodiment, the male PE electrode 14 is set to contact the female PE electrode 24 before the male inferior arc electrode contacts the corresponding female inferior arc electrode. Specifically, the axial distance of the PE contact points 2431 on the male PE electrode 14 and the female PE electrode 24 can be set to be the closest. In this way, when the male connector 1 is docked with the female connector 2, the male PE electrode 14 and the female PE electrode 24 contact first to form a ground protection, and when charging is completed and disconnected, the ground connection is finally disconnected to prevent potential safety hazards caused by electric leakage during the charging process.

[0087] Further, as Figure 14 shown, in this embodiment, a male PE wiring terminal 141 extending through the male insulating seat 151 is provided on the male PE electrode 14, and a power supply device can be connected by crimping or welding a cable; as Figure 15 shown, on the conductive ring 242 of the female PE electrode 24, a female PE wiring terminal 241 extending through the female insulating seat 251 is provided, and a vehicle end can be connected by crimping or welding a cable.

[0088] As can be seen from the above, the charging connector of this embodiment can set multiple electrodes in a single-layer circular ring space, greatly reducing the space occupation, and can still achieve docking when there is a certain misalignment angle in the rear actuator. At the same time, the overall structure of circular insertion avoids the docking failure or docking wear caused by the deviation of the anti-misalignment key angle between the male and female ends due to the assembly process.

[0089] Embodiment Two:

[0090] The difference between the charging connector of this embodiment and that of the first embodiment is that the male CP electrode and the female CP electrode in this embodiment can also be configured as two minor arc electrodes arranged symmetrically on the same circumference. Only the angles of the corresponding central angles of these two minor arc electrodes need to be set to ensure that when the male CP electrode contacts the female CP electrode, the male minor arc electrode serving as the power output overlaps with the corresponding female minor arc electrode, and the distance from other female minor arc electrodes is greater than the minimum electrical safety distance. Then, when it is detected that the male CP electrode and the female CP electrode in this embodiment are electrically connected, the charging circuit formed by the male minor arc electrode serving as the power output and the corresponding female minor arc electrode is turned on.

[0091] Embodiment Three:

[0092] This embodiment provides a charging mechanism. The charging mechanism of this embodiment includes the charging connector in the first embodiment and also includes a flexible connection structure. In this embodiment, the female connector 2 is arranged on the vehicle-mounted unit, and the male connector 1 is arranged on the flexible connection structure of the ground unit. Here, the flexible connection structure can be the charging connection structure disclosed in the invention patent with the patent number "202010606063.7" and the name "A Charging Connection Structure and a Charging Mechanism".

[0093] When charging is required, the mechanical lifting arm and the flexible connecting piece structure of the ground unit drive the male connector 1 to dock with the female connector 2 of the vehicle-mounted unit. During the docking process, the male PE electrode 14 and the female PE electrode 24 first come into contact to form a ground protection. Secondly, each male minor arc electrode contacts the corresponding female minor arc electrode. Finally, the male CP electrode 13 or the columnar protrusion 1511 of the male connector 1 contacts the female CP electrode 23. After the docking is completed, the male CP electrode 13 is first energized. When it is detected that the male CP electrode 13 and the female CP electrode 23 are in contact, each male minor arc electrode is then energized for power output. If it is detected that the male CP electrode 13 and the female CP electrode 23 are not in contact, each male minor arc electrode is not energized to ensure electrical safety when the docking misalignment angle is too large, and a prompt signal is sent to remind that the docking misalignment angle is too large. After charging is completed, first, the male CP electrode 13 and the female CP electrode 23 are separated. Then, each male minor arc electrode and the corresponding female minor arc electrode are separated. Finally, the male PE electrode 14 and the female PE electrode 24 are separated.

[0094] The above is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, according to the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, makes equivalent substitutions or changes, and should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging connector, characterized in that, Comprising: A male connector (1), the male connector (1) including at least two male minor arc electrodes arranged on the same circumference; A female connector (2), the female connector (2) including at least two female minor arc electrodes arranged on the same circumference, the female minor arc electrodes being arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the male minor arc electrodes; The male connector (1) further includes a male PE electrode (14), the female connector (2) further includes a female PE electrode (24), and the male PE electrode (14) contacts the female PE electrode (24) before the male minor arc electrode contacts the corresponding female minor arc electrode; The female PE electrode (24) is fixed by a limiting ring (27), and a sliding hole (2711) is formed in the side wall of the limiting ring (27). The female PE electrode (24) includes: A conductive ring (242), the conductive ring (242) being concentric with the limiting ring (27); A finger (243), the finger (243) being arranged between the side wall of the limiting ring (27) and the conductive ring (242). A PE contact point (2431) capable of sliding in the sliding hole (2711) is provided at the first end of the finger (243), and an elastic member (244) is arranged between the second end of the finger (243) and the conductive ring (242); The male connector (1) further includes a male CP electrode (13), the female connector (2) further includes a female CP electrode (23). When the male CP electrode (13) contacts the female CP electrode (23), the male minor arc electrode and the female minor arc electrode are correspondingly overlapped. When the electrical connection between the male CP electrode (13) and the female CP electrode (23) is detected, the charging circuit formed by the male minor arc electrode and the corresponding female minor arc electrode is turned on.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, wherein The male CP electrode (13) is provided on the inner bottom surface of the male connector (1), the female CP electrode (23) is provided on the inner bottom surface of the female connector (2), the surface of the male CP electrode (13) is fan-shaped (132), and when the female CP electrode (23) contacts the male CP electrode (13) within the fan-shaped (132) area, the male minor arc electrode and the female minor arc electrode are correspondingly overlapped one by one.

3. A charging connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle of the fan shape (132) is less than or equal to twice the limit misalignment angle between the male minor arc electrode and the corresponding female minor arc electrode.

4. The charging connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The female CP electrode (23) contacts the male CP electrode (13) through a CP contact point (232), and a female end insulating contact point (233) symmetrical to the CP contact point (232) is further provided on the inner bottom surface of the female connector (2).

5. A charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A wire (246) is arranged between the finger (243) and the conductive ring (242), and the finger (243) is electrically connected to the conductive ring (242) through the wire (246).

6. A charging connector according to claim 1, wherein, The male terminal connector (1) further includes a male terminal insulator (15), and at least one layer of the male terminal inferior arc electrode is disposed on the male terminal insulator (15). The female terminal connector (2) further includes a female terminal insulator (25), and at least one layer of the female terminal inferior arc electrode is disposed on the female terminal insulator (25).

7. The charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Elastic bumps (212) are provided at both ends of the female terminal inferior arc electrode for electrical connection with the corresponding male terminal inferior arc electrode.

8. A charging mechanism, characterized in that, A charging connector as claimed in any one of claims 1-7 is included.

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