Charging connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging connector, which can be matched with an entrance having a locked portion in a front-to-back direction, wherein: the charging connector includes a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, a locking rod, a button component and an operation limiting mechanism; the locking rod has a locking portion and a rear end portion; the locking rod can move around the first shaft portion in a seesaw manner; the first shaft portion is located between the locking portion and the rear end portion; the locking portion can move between a first initial position and a first lower limit position; when the entrance and the charging connector are matched with each other, the locking portion and the locked portion lock the matching state of the entrance and the charging connector; the button component has an operating portion, an upper jaw portion, a lower jaw portion and a restricted portion; the button component can move around the second shaft portion in a seesaw manner; the second shaft portion is located between the lower jaw portion and the operating portion; the operating portion can move between the second initial position and the second lower limit position in an up-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a charging connector. Background Art

[0002] An example of a charging connector that can be mated with an inlet is disclosed in JP 2017-27824A (Patent Document 1).

[0003] like Fig.17 As shown, the charging connector 90 of patent document 1 is provided with a locking lever 910, a release button 920 and a locking spring 930. The locking lever 910 has a locking portion 912 and a rear end portion 914, and is capable of moving in a seesaw manner. The release button 920 has a jaw 922 and an operating portion 924, and is capable of moving in a seesaw manner. The locking lever 910 and the release button 920 are arranged to work together. In detail, the jaw 922 of the release button 920 is located below the rear end portion 914 of the locking lever 910 in the up-down direction, and is in contact with the lower surface of the rear end portion 914. The locking spring 930 acts on the locking lever 910 so that the locking portion 912 is located in a locked position.

[0004] from Fig.17 It can be seen from the figure that when the charging connector 90 and the inlet 95 are mated with each other, the locking portion 912 of the locking lever 910 is engaged with the locked portion 952 of the inlet 95, and the locking portion 912 and the locked portion 952 are in a locked state. At this time, the locking portion 912 is located in the locked position due to the reaction force of the locking spring 930.

[0005] from Fig.17 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , when the operating portion 924 of the release button 920 is pressed downward in the up-down direction, the jaw 922 moves upward. The jaw 922 pushes the rear end portion 914 of the locking lever 910 upward in the up-down direction. At the same time, the locking portion 912 of the locking lever 910 moves downward in the up-down direction. Therefore, the locked state of the locking portion 912 and the locked portion 952 is released.

[0006] The charging connector 90 is also provided with an operation restriction mechanism 940 that restricts the operation of the release button 920. The operation restriction mechanism 940 restricts the downward movement of the operating portion 924 of the release button 920 to prevent the locked state from being accidentally released. When the restriction of the operation restriction mechanism 940 is released, the operating portion 924 of the release button 920 is allowed to be pressed.

[0007] In the charging connector 90 of Patent Document 1, the operation restriction mechanism 940 restricts the movement of the release button 920. At this time, although the movement of the release button 920 is restricted, the release button 920 is not completely immobile. In other words, even when the movement of the release button 920 is restricted by the operation restriction mechanism 940, the release button 920 moves slightly. This is because manufacturing errors are taken into consideration.

[0008] As described above, in the charging connector 90, the jaw portion 922 of the release button 920 is in contact with the rear end portion 914 of the lock lever 910. Therefore, the movement of the release button 920 is immediately transmitted to the lock lever 910. Therefore, the charging connector 90 has a problem that even when the movement of the release button 920 is restricted, the lock portion 912 of the lock lever 910 may move downward in the up-down direction. Summary of the invention

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a charging connector in which, in a state in which a release button is restricted by an operation restriction mechanism, a lock lever does not move even when the release button moves.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a charging connector that can be mated with an inlet having a locked portion in a front-to-back direction. The charging connector includes a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, a locking rod, a button member, and an operation limiting mechanism. The locking rod has a locking portion and a rear end portion. The locking rod can move in a seesaw manner around the first shaft portion. The first shaft portion is located between the locking portion and the rear end portion. The locking portion can move between a first initial position and a first lower limit position. When the inlet and the charging connector are mated with each other, the locking portion and the locked portion lock the mating state of the inlet and the charging connector. The button member has an operating portion, an upper jaw portion, a lower jaw portion, and a restricted portion. The button member can move in a seesaw manner around the second shaft portion. The second shaft portion is located between the lower jaw portion and the operating portion. The operating portion can move between a second initial position and a second lower limit position in an up-down direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. In the up-down direction, the upper jaw portion is at least partially located above the lower jaw portion. In the up-down direction, the rear end portion of the locking rod is located between the upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion. The upper jaw portion has elasticity. The restricted portion is arranged below the operating portion. The operation limiting mechanism includes a limiting portion that can move between a limiting position and a release position. When the limiting portion is located at the limiting position, the limiting portion limits the restricted portion from moving downward beyond the limiting portion to limit the movement of the operating portion to a second lower limit position. When the limiting portion is located at the release position, the limiting portion allows the restricted portion to move downward so that the operating portion can move to the second lower limit position. When the limiting portion is located at the release position, if the operating portion is pushed downward, the lower jaw abuts against the rear end portion and pushes the rear end portion upward, so that the locking portion moves from the first initial position toward the first lower limit position. When the limiting portion is located at the limiting position, even when the restricted portion is in contact with the limiting portion, the lower jaw is located at a position away from the rear end portion of the locking rod.

[0011] In the charging connector, when the restricting portion is located at the restricting position, the lower jaw is separated from the rear end portion of the locking lever even in a state where the restricted portion is in contact with the restricting portion. In other words, when the restricting portion is located at the restricting position, the button member and the locking lever are separated from each other. Therefore, when the restricting portion is located at the restricting position, even if the button member moves, the locking lever does not move.

[0012] In addition, in the charging connector, the upper jaw of the button member has elasticity. Therefore, in the case where the release operation cannot be performed due to a malfunction of the button member, a release jig can be inserted into the charging connector and moved to allow the lock lever to be moved without moving the entire button member.

[0013] An appreciation of the objectives of the present invention and a more complete understanding of its structure may be had by studying the following description of the preferred embodiment and referring to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1is a front perspective view showing a charging connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, the charging connector being attached to an end of a cable;

[0015] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a charging connector;

[0016] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a charging connector of , without showing a locking spring;

[0017] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A front view of the charging connector;

[0018] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the charging connector of FIG. 1 taken along line AA, showing the side of the plug and not showing the cable;

[0019] Figure 6 It is shown that the Figure 3 a side view of a locking mechanism assembly in a charging connector of FIG.

[0020] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A plan view of a locking mechanism assembly;

[0021] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a locking mechanism assembly;

[0022] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 6 Another exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism assembly;

[0023] Fig.10 It is shown that the Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a button component in a locking mechanism assembly;

[0024] Fig.11 It is shown Fig.10 A right view of a button component;

[0025] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.10 A left view of a button component;

[0026] Fig.13 It is shown Fig.10 A bottom view of a button component;

[0027] Fig.14 It is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly taken along line BB, with the restraining portion in a released position;

[0028] Fig.15 It is shown Figure 7 Another cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly taken along line BB. The restriction portion is located at the restriction position;

[0029] Fig.16 It is shown Figure 6 A side view of the locking mechanism assembly, wherein the elastic portion is in an elastically deformed state;

[0030] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view showing the charging connector and the inlet disclosed in Patent Document 1, the charging connector and the inlet are not mated with each other.

[0031] Although the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalent forms and alternatives that fall within the concept and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the charging connector 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to one end of the cable 82. The charging connector 10 is a connector that can be mated with an inlet (not shown) having a locked portion (not shown) in the front-to-back direction. The charging connector 10 has a mating portion 12 at its front end in the front-to-back direction. In the present embodiment, the front-to-back direction is the Y direction. The -Y direction is forward, and the +Y direction is backward.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the charging connector 10 is provided with a main body 20, a plug 30 and a locking mechanism assembly 40. The main body 20 is composed of a pair of housings 201 and 203, and has a trunk 22 and a grip 24. The plug 30 and the locking mechanism assembly 40 are held by the main body 20.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the plug 30 is located at the front end of the main body 20 and is partially exposed to the outside of the main body 20. The plug 30 partially forms the mating portion 12. In addition, the main body 20 partially forms the mating portion 12. The front end of the plug 30 forms the front end of the charging connector 10. Figure 3 As shown, the plug 30 is connected to a plurality of leads contained in the cable 82 .

[0035] from Figure 4 and Figure 5It can be seen that the locking mechanism assembly 40 is located behind the plug 30 in the front-to-back direction. In addition, the locking mechanism assembly 40 is located at the upper part of the main body 20. The charging connector 10 is also provided with a locking spring (first spring) 68. The locking spring 68 is provided in the main body 20 and is located above the locking mechanism assembly 40 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the up-down direction is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction or a Z direction. The +Z direction is upward, and the -Z direction is downward.

[0036] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the lock mechanism assembly 40 is provided with a lock lever 42, a button member (release button) 44, an operation restriction mechanism 70, a first shaft portion 661 and a second shaft portion 663. In other words, the charging connector 10 is provided with a lock lever 42, a button member 44, an operation restriction mechanism 70, a first shaft portion 661 and a second shaft portion 663. The lock lever 42 and the button member 44 are attached to the operation restriction mechanism 70 using the first shaft portion 661 and the second shaft portion 663, respectively.

[0037] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The locking lever 42 has an arm portion 421 extending in the front-rear direction. The arm portion 421 has a front end portion 423 and a rear end portion 425. A locking portion 427 is provided on the front end portion 423 of the arm portion 421. Therefore, the locking lever 42 has the locking portion 427 and the rear end portion 425.

[0038] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a bearing portion 429 is provided near the center of the arm portion 421 in the front-to-back direction. An axial hole 431 is formed in the bearing portion 429 to penetrate the bearing portion 429 in a lateral direction perpendicular to both the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction. The axial hole 431 allows the first shaft portion 661 to be inserted therein. In this embodiment, the lateral direction is the X direction.

[0039] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the button member 44 has an operating portion 52, a guide portion 54, an upper jaw portion 56, a lower jaw portion 58, a restricted portion 60, and a cover portion 62. Fig.10 As shown, in the present embodiment, the button member 44 is provided with a button body portion 50 and an elastic portion 64 .

[0040] like Figures 10 to 13As shown, the button body 50 is provided with an operating portion 52, a guide portion 54, a lower jaw 58, a restricted portion 60 and a cover portion 62. The elastic portion 64 includes an elastomer that is different and separate from the button body 50. In the present embodiment, the elastic portion 64 is made of a metal wire. The elastic portion 64 is attached to the button body 50 to serve as an upper jaw 56. In other words, in the present embodiment, the upper jaw 56 is composed of an elastomer that is different and separate from the button body 50, and is attached to the button body 50. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper jaw 56 may be provided integrally with the button body 50. In other words, the button member 44 may be formed as a single member. In this case, the upper jaw 56 may be formed only by a portion located in front of the guide portion 54 in the front-to-back direction. However, when the elastic portion 64 is formed to be different and separate from the button body 50, it is easy to realize a structure capable of performing an emergency disengagement operation. It should be noted that the emergency disengagement operation is an operation of moving the lock lever 42 by using a release jig (not shown) in a case where the button member 44 fails and the lock lever 42 in the locked state cannot be moved to the release position.

[0041] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the guide portion 54 is located in the central portion of the button body portion 50 in the front-to-back direction. In addition, the guide portion 54 is located in the upper portion of the button body portion 50. The operating portion 52 is located behind the guide portion 54 in the front-to-back direction. In the lateral direction, the size of the operating portion 52 is smaller than the size of the guide portion 54. The lower jaw portion 58 extends obliquely upward and forward from the lower portion of the guide portion 54. The cover portion 62 has a side plate portion 621 extending downward from the lower jaw portion 58 and the guide portion 54, and a rear plate portion 623 extending downward from the operating portion 52. The cover portion 62 defines an internal space 625. As shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the restricted portion 60 is provided on the lower side of the operating portion 52 and is located in the internal space 625 .

[0042] like Figures 10 to 13 As shown, when viewed in the lateral direction, the guide portion 54 has a substantially quarter-circular shape. The guide portion 54 is formed with two mounting holes 541. In addition, the guide portion 54 is provided with a pair of first support portions 543 and a pair of second support portions 545. Here, each mounting hole 541 is a bottomed hole extending inwardly in the lateral direction. In other words, the button member 44 is provided with two mounting holes 541 that are not in communication with the internal space 625. Since the mounting holes 541 are not in communication with the internal space 625, water does not enter the internal space 625 through the mounting holes 541.

[0043] like Fig.10As shown, the elastic portion 64 (upper jaw 56) has: two attachment portions 641, two arm portions 643 extending from the attachment portions 641, and a coupling portion 645 coupling the arm portions 643 to each other. Each attachment portion 641 extends inwardly in the lateral direction from one end of the corresponding arm portion 643. The coupling portion 645 couples the other ends of the arm portions 643 to each other. The coupling portion 645 has a certain length in the lateral direction to achieve stable contact with the rear end portion 425 of the locking rod 42. In addition, the two arm portions 643 can have both the strength required for conventional operation and the elasticity to allow emergency disengagement operation. In addition, the size of each arm portion 643 in the lateral direction is significantly smaller than the size of the coupling portion 645, so that the insertion and operation of the release clamp (not shown) can be easily performed in the emergency disengagement operation.

[0044] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, when the elastic portion 64 is attached to the button body portion 50, each attachment portion 641 is inserted into and at least partially accommodated in the corresponding mounting hole 541. The arm portion 643 is supported by the first support portion 543 from below in the up-down direction, respectively. In addition, the arm portion 643 is supported by the second support portion 545 from above in the up-down direction, respectively. Therefore, the elastic portion 64 is attached to the button body portion 50 to be maintained in a certain position. In the front-to-back direction, the position of each first support portion 543 and the position of each second support portion 545 are different from each other. Therefore, the elastic portion 64 is easily elastically deformed, so that the coupling portion 645 moves downward instead of upward. This is conducive to emergency disengagement operation.

[0045] like Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the arm portion 643 extends obliquely upward and forward in a state where the elastic portion 64 is attached to the button body portion 50. The coupling portion 645 is located above the lower jaw portion 58 in the up-down direction and is separated from the lower jaw portion 58. In other words, the upper jaw portion 56 is located above the lower jaw portion 58 and is separated from it.

[0046] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the side plate portions 621 of the cover portion 62 are respectively formed with mounting shaft holes 627 . The second shaft portion 663 can be inserted into the mounting shaft hole 627 .

[0047] Refer again Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The operation limiting mechanism 70 is provided with a base 72, a solenoid 74, a locking plate 76 and a housing 78. The locking plate 76 has a main plate portion 761 and a driven portion 763 extending from the main plate portion 761 in an intersecting direction intersecting with the main plate portion 761. Both side portions of the driven portion 763 in the lateral direction are bent backward. An upper edge portion 765 of the driven portion 763 serves as a limiting portion 765.

[0048] from Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It can be seen that the solenoid 74 is mounted on the base 72. The locking plate 76 is provided on the base 72 to be located behind the solenoid 74. Two rotating shafts 80 are arranged between the locking plate 76 and the base 72. The solenoid 74 is accommodated in the housing 78. The locking plate 76 is partially accommodated in the housing 78. The housing 78 is provided with a rotating shaft hole 783, into which the rotating shaft 80 is inserted. When water enters the body 20, the housing 78 prevents the water from reaching the solenoid 74 or the locking plate 76. This is because when water reaches the solenoid 74 or the locking plate 76 and freezes, the water is likely to hinder the movement of the solenoid 74 and the locking plate 76.

[0049] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the housing 78 is formed with an opening 781. At least the limiting portion 765 of the locking plate 76 is located outside the housing 78 through the opening 781. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The limiting portion 765 may be located inside the housing 78. The position of the limiting portion 765 should be determined based on the relationship with the restricted portion 60.

[0050] from Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 It can be seen that in the housing 78, a return spring 785 is provided behind the driven portion 763 of the locking plate 76. The driven portion 763 is located between the solenoid 74 and the return spring 785. The driven portion 763 receives the driving force from the solenoid 74 and the reaction force from the return spring 785. Therefore, the locking plate 76 can move linearly on the base 72. Due to the linear movement of the locking plate 76, the limiting portion 765 of the locking plate 76 can move between the limiting position and the release position. Therefore, the operation limiting mechanism 70 is provided with the limiting portion 765 that can move between the limiting position and the release position.

[0051] from Figures 5 to 7 It can be seen that the locking lever 42 is attached to the housing 78 using the first shaft portion 661. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the housing 78 is formed with a shaft hole 789 for accommodating the first shaft portion 661 .

[0052] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, in a state where the locking lever 42 is attached to the housing 78, the first shaft portion 661 is located between the locking portion 427 and the rear end portion 425. In detail, the first shaft portion 661 is located between the locking portion 427 and the rear end portion 425 at least in the front-rear direction. In this state, the locking lever 42 can move in a seesaw manner around the first shaft portion 661. Due to the seesaw motion of the locking lever 42, the locking portion 427 can move between the first initial position and the first lower limit position.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the locking spring 68 is attached to the housing 201. The locking spring 68 is located above the locking lever 42 and contacts the locking lever 42. And, the locking spring 68 presses the rear end portion 425 downward so that the locking portion 427 is located in the first initial position. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that when located at the first initial position, the locking portion 427 at least partially protrudes to the outside of the main body 20.

[0054] from Figures 5 to 7 It can be seen that the button member 44 is attached to the housing 78 via the second shaft portion 663. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the housing 78 is formed with a shaft hole 791 for accommodating the second shaft portion 663 .

[0055] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in a state where the button member 44 is attached to the housing 78, the second shaft portion 663 is located between the lower jaw portion 58 and the operating portion 52. In detail, the second shaft portion 663 is located between the lower jaw portion 58 and the operating portion 52 at least in the front-rear direction. In this state, the button member 44 can move in a seesaw manner around the second shaft portion 663. Due to the seesaw movement of the button member 44, the operating portion 52 can move between the second initial position and the second lower limit position in the up-down direction.

[0056] like Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the charging connector 10 is further provided with an upward pressing spring (second spring) 787. The upward pressing spring 787 is located between the operating portion 52 and the housing 78 in the internal space 625 of the button body 50. In addition, the upward pressing spring 787 is located behind the restricted portion 60 in the front-to-back direction. The upward pressing spring 787 presses the operating portion 52 upward relative to the housing 78 so that the operating portion 52 is located in the second initial position.

[0057] like Figure 5As shown, the restriction portion 765 of the locking plate 76 is located in the internal space 625 of the button body 50. Therefore, it can be said that the button body 50 defines the internal space 625, which partially accommodates the restriction portion 765. The cover portion 62 that defines the internal space 625 of the button body 50 covers the opening 781 of the housing 78 to prevent water that has entered the main body 20 of the charging connector 10 from reaching the locking plate 76 through the opening 781.

[0058] from Figure 5 and Figure 6 It can be seen that the locking lever 42 and the button member 44 are arranged to work together. In detail, the locking lever 42 and the button member 44 overlap each other in the front-to-back direction. In more detail, the rear end portion 425 of the locking lever 42 is located between the upper jaw 56 and the lower jaw 58 in the up-down direction. With this structure, when the locking lever 42 moves in a seesaw manner, the rear end portion 425 of the locking lever 42 and the upper jaw 56 or the lower jaw 58 abut against each other. Therefore, the locking lever 42 and the button member 44 can work together.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, when no external force is applied to the charging connector 10, the locking portion 427 is located at the first initial position, and the operating portion 52 of the button member 44 is located at the second initial position. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be seen that the rear end portion 425 of the locking lever 42 is separated from both the upper jaw portion 56 of the button member 44 and the lower jaw portion 58 of the button member 44. In other words, when the locking portion 427 and the button member 44 are respectively located at the first initial position and the second initial position, each of the upper jaw portion 56 and the lower jaw portion 58 is not in contact with the rear end portion 425, but is arranged separately from the rear end portion 425.

[0060] from Fig.14 and Fig.15 It can be seen that the locking plate 76 of the operation limiting mechanism 70 can move on the base 72, and the limiting portion 765 can move between the release position and the limiting position. Fig.14 As shown, when the restricting portion 765 is located at the release position, the restricting portion 765 and the restricted portion 60 are separated from each other in the front-rear direction. In this state, the charging connector 10 can be mated with an inlet (not shown) and can be removed from it.

[0061] from Figure 5It can be seen that in the mating operation of the charging connector 10 and the inlet (not shown), the locking portion 427 receives a reaction force from the locked portion (not shown) of the inlet and is pushed downward to the first lower limit position. Then, the rear end portion 425 of the locking rod 42 overcomes the reaction force of the locking spring 68 and moves upward in the up-down direction, and pushes the upper jaw 56 upward. Then, when the upper jaw 56 moves upward, the operating portion 52 of the button member 44 moves downward against the reaction force of the pressing spring 787. Thereafter, when the locking portion 427 no longer receives a reaction force from the locked portion, the rear end portion 425 of the locking rod 42 moves downward under the reaction force of the locking spring 68. Therefore, the locking portion 427 moves upward toward the first initial position to engage with the locked portion. In this way, the mating state in which the charging connector 10 and the inlet (not shown) are mated with each other is locked by the locking portion 427 and the locked portion. When the lock state is reached, the upper jaw 56 of the button member 44 does not receive the force from the rear end portion 425, so the operating portion 52 moves upward toward the second initial position by the reaction force of the upward pressure spring 787. Due to the series of movements of the operating portion 52, the operator can know the state in which the charging connector 10 is mated with the inlet.

[0062] like Fig.15 As shown, when the restricting portion 765 is located at the restricting position, the restricting portion 765 faces the restricted portion 60. Therefore, the restricting portion 765 restricts the downward movement of the restricted portion 60 beyond the restricting portion 765. In other words, the restricting portion 765 restricts the movement of the button member 44 to restrict the movement of the operating portion 52 toward the second lower limit position. Therefore, the mating state of the charging connector 10 and the inlet is prevented from being accidentally released.

[0063] like Fig.14 As shown, when the restricting portion 765 moves to the release position, the restricting portion 765 allows the restricted portion 60 to move downward. This enables the operating portion 52 to be moved to the second lower limit position. When the operating portion 52 is pushed downward, the lower jaw 58 moves upward by the seesaw motion of the button member 44. Then, the lower jaw 58 abuts against the rear end portion 425 of the locking rod 42 and pushes the rear end portion 425 upward. Therefore, the locking rod 42 moves in a seesaw manner, and the locking portion 427 moves from the first initial position toward the first lower limit position. Therefore, the mating state of the charging connector 10 and the inlet can be released.

[0064] like Fig.15As shown in FIG. 1 , when the restricting portion 765 is located at the restricting position, if the operating portion 52 is pushed downward, the restricted portion 60 abuts against the restricting portion 765. In the present embodiment, even in the state where the restricted portion 60 is in contact with the restricting portion 765, the lower jaw 58 is located at a position away from the rear end portion 425 of the lock lever 42. Therefore, when the restricting portion 765 is located at the restricting position, even if the button member 44 is moved by operating the operating portion 52, the lock lever 42 does not work or move with the button member 44. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a malfunction due to an unexpected movement of the lock lever 42 in the locked state.

[0065] In the charging connector 10, there may be a case where the operating portion 52 of the button member 44 cannot be moved to the second lower limit position due to some error. In this case, it is expected that the locked state can be released by inserting a release jig (not shown) into the charging connector 10 and directly moving the lock lever 42 by the release jig. In this embodiment, the upper jaw 56 has elasticity. Therefore, as Fig.16 As shown, the upper jaw 56 can be elastically deformed without moving the button body 50. Therefore, the rear end 425 of the lock lever 42 can be directly pushed upward using a release jig, and the locked state can be released without operating the button member 44.

[0066] Although the present invention is specifically described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each of the locking lever 42 and the button member 44 is not limited to the shape of the aforementioned embodiments, but can have a simpler shape or a more complex shape.

[0067] While there have been described what are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A charging connector capable of being mated with an inlet having a locked portion in a front-rear direction, in: The charging connector includes a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, a locking lever, a button member, and an operation limiting mechanism; The locking rod has a locking portion and a rear end portion; The locking lever is capable of moving in a seesaw manner about the first shaft portion; The first shaft portion is located between the locking portion and the rear end portion; The locking portion is movable between a first initial position and a first lower limit position; When the inlet and the charging connector are mated with each other, the locking portion and the locked portion lock the mating state of the inlet and the charging connector; The button member has an operating portion, an upper jaw portion, a lower jaw portion and a restricted portion; The button member is capable of moving in a seesaw manner about the second shaft portion; The second shaft portion is located between the lower jaw portion and the operating portion; The operating portion is movable between a second initial position and a second lower limit position in an up-down direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction; In the up-down direction, the upper jaw is at least partially located above the lower jaw; In the up-down direction, the rear end portion of the locking rod is located between the upper jaw and the lower jaw; The upper jaw is elastic; The restricted portion is arranged below the operating portion; The operation limiting mechanism includes a limiting portion that can move between a limiting position and a releasing position; When the limiting portion is located at the limiting position, the limiting portion limits the downward movement of the restricted portion beyond the limiting portion, so as to limit the movement of the operating portion to the second lower limit position; When the restricting portion is located at the release position, the restricting portion allows the restricted portion to move downward, so that the operating portion can move to the second lower limit position; When the restricting portion is located at the release position, if the operating portion is pushed downward, the lower jaw abuts against the rear end portion and pushes the rear end portion upward, so that the locking portion moves from the first initial position toward the first lower limit position; and When the restricting portion is located at the restricting position, the lower jaw portion is located at a position away from the rear end portion of the lock lever even in a state where the restricted portion is in contact with the restricting portion.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, in: The button component includes a button body; The button body is provided with the operating portion, the lower jaw portion and the restricted portion; and The upper jaw portion is made of an elastic body that is different and separate from the button body portion, and is attached to the button body portion.

3. The charging connector according to claim 1, in, When the charging connector and the inlet are mated with each other, if the locking portion is pushed downward by receiving a reaction force from the locked portion, the rear end portion pushes the upper jaw portion upward, thereby moving the operating portion of the button member downward.

4. The charging connector according to claim 3, in, When the locking portion is located at the first initial position, the upper jaw portion is located away from the rear end portion.

5. The charging connector according to claim 1, in: The charging connector further includes a first spring and a second spring; The first spring presses the rear end portion downward so that the locking portion is located at the first initial position; and The second spring presses the operating portion upward so that the operating portion is located at the second initial position.

6. The charging connector according to claim 1, in, The upper jaw portion has two attachment portions, two arm portions extending respectively from the attachment portions, and a coupling portion coupling the arm portions to each other.

7. The charging connector according to claim 6, in: The button component includes a button body; The button body defines an internal space, and the internal space partially accommodates the restriction portion; The button member is formed with two mounting holes that are not connected to the internal space; and The attachment portions are received in the mounting holes, respectively.

Images