Electrical connection structure

Abstract

Provided is an electrical connection structure comprising a first connector (80) having a first connection terminal (82) and a second connector (50) having a second connection terminal (52). The electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector is connected / contacted by plugging and unplugging the first connector relative to the second connector and bringing the first connection terminal into contact with / separated from the second connection terminal. The plugging and unplugging direction of the first connector to the second connector is different from the contacting / separating direction of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. The first connector and the second connector are electrically connected according to the movement of the second connector receiving the insertion load of the first connector. The electrical connection structure can provide a simple and reliable connection without fastening with a fastening member, and can reduce wear caused by friction between the electrical contact parts when the electrical contact parts are plugged and unplugged, thereby reducing electrical connection loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detachable electrical connection structure. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, detachable electrical connection structures, such as those used to connect a PCU (power control unit) to a battery connector or a motor to a PCU, employ a method of connecting a round terminal on one side to a receiving terminal on the other side using fastening members such as bolts. However, this method requires a lot of effort to fasten bolts at multiple locations, resulting in high costs.

[0003] To solve this problem, Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 discloses an electrical connection structure that uses magnets as a simple and reliable connection method in the above-mentioned electrical connection structure between electrical components without fastening using a fastening member.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which magnets are placed on each of a pair of connectors with terminals for electrical connection to achieve an attractive force. This configuration achieves reliable connection and maintains a reliable connection. However, when the terminals are plugged in and out of the electrical contacts, the electrical contacts gradually increase in contact resistance due to wear, potentially leading to loss of electrical connection. Furthermore, because the electrical contacts and magnets are positioned far apart, the attractive force of the magnets does not act on the electrical contact connection itself. This leads to the issue of insufficient magnetic force from the perspective of the electrical contact connection.

[0005] Patent document 2 also discloses a structure that uses magnets to assist the mating of connectors. However, when the connectors are disengaged from each other, it is necessary to resist the attractive force based on the magnetic force to pull them out, so the operability is very poor. In addition, using a strong force to pull them out may cause great friction on the terminal part.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-016471

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-237354 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned prior art, and its object is to provide an electrical connection structure that can simply and reliably connect without using a fastening member, and can reduce the wear caused by friction between the electrical contacts when the connector is plugged in and out, thereby reducing the electrical connection loss.

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an electrical connection structure, characterized by comprising:

[0012] a first connector having a first connection terminal; and

[0013] a second connector having a second connecting terminal,

[0014] The first connector is plugged in and out of the second connector, so that the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are brought into contact with or separated from each other, thereby connecting or releasing the electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector.

[0015] The direction in which the first connector is inserted into and removed from the second connector is different from the direction in which the first connection terminal contacts or separates from the second connection terminal.

[0016] The first connector and the second connector are electrically connected according to movement of the second connector receiving an insertion load of the first connector.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector is connected and released by plugging and unplugging the first connector relative to the second connector, causing the first connection terminal to abut against / separate from the second connection terminal. The direction of contact and separation of the first connector toward the second pluggable connector is different from that of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. Therefore, a simple and reliable connection can be achieved without fastening with a fastening member, and wear caused by friction between the connection terminals serving as electrical contacts when plugging and unplugging the first connector and the second connector can be reduced, thereby reducing electrical connection losses.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second connector includes a movement restriction member that restricts movement of the first connector, and a second connector member swingably supported by the movement restriction member.

[0019] The second connector member includes a second connection terminal placement portion placed on the second connection terminal, and an arm portion projecting toward a placement surface of the second connection terminal of the second connection terminal placement portion and receiving a load from the first connector.

[0020] The second connector member is swingably supported by the movement restriction member by a support portion provided at a position where the second connection terminal arrangement portion and the arm portion intersect.

[0021] When the first connector is in a state where movement is restricted by the movement restriction member, the second connector member is rotated by utilizing the load of the first connector to electrically connect the first connector and the second connector (50).

[0022] According to the configuration, the load of the first connector acts on the arm of the second connector component, causing the second connector component to rotate, thereby electrically connecting the first connection terminal of the first connector and the second connection terminal of the second connector. Therefore, the friction between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal can be reduced with a simple structure to reduce wear, thereby further reducing electrical connection losses.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connector has a protrusion that protrudes toward the second connector when the first connection terminal is connected to the second connection terminal.

[0024] The second connector has a recessed portion that engages with the raised portion when the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are connected.

[0025] The protrusion rotates the second connector member in a direction in which the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are separated when the first connector is removed from the second connector in the connected state.

[0026] According to the above configuration, when the first connector is pulled out from the second connector, the second connector member is rotated in the direction of separating the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal by utilizing the protrusion of the first connector member. Therefore, the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, which are electrodes of the electrical contact portion, can be opened without friction, thereby reducing wear on the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connector includes a first magnetic attraction member.

[0028] The second connector includes a second magnetic attraction member,

[0029] The first magnetic attraction member and the second magnetic attraction member are configured to generate a magnetic field and attract each other when the first connector and the second connector are connected,

[0030] The first magnetic attraction member is provided at the first connection terminal arrangement portion,

[0031] The second magnetic attraction member is provided at the second connection terminal arrangement portion.

[0032] According to the above configuration, since the magnetic attraction member is provided in the terminal arrangement portion where the connection terminals are provided, a magnetic force acts in the direction of connecting the connection terminals to each other near the connection terminals, and electrical connection can be achieved more reliably.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting terminal is configured to be sandwiched between the first magnetic attraction members.

[0034] The second connection terminal is configured to be sandwiched between the second magnetic attraction members.

[0035] According to the above configuration, since the magnetic force acts to promote the surface contact between the connection terminals, the connection terminal electrodes are not partially connected and can be reliably electrically connected.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also a third magnetic attraction member located on the opposite side of the first connector relative to the second connector, and the third magnetic attraction member is attracted to the second magnetic attraction member when the first connector and the second connector are not connected.

[0037] According to the above configuration, when the first connector is pulled out from the second connector, the second connector member can be maintained in the open state.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second connector has an over-rotation prevention structure on the rear surface thereof for preventing over-rotation.

[0039] According to the above configuration, when the first connector is inserted into the second connector, the second connector member can be maintained in an appropriate rotatable position.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connector is provided on the control device, and the second connector is a connector connected to a battery.

[0041] According to the above configuration, the control device and the connector connected to the battery can be electrically connected simply and reliably.

[0042] Effects of the Invention

[0043] According to the electrical connection structure of the present invention, a simple and reliable connection can be achieved without fastening with a fastening member, and wear caused by friction between electrical contacts when plugging and unplugging the connector can be reduced, thereby reducing electrical connection loss. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 It is a right side view of a motorcycle equipped with a motor PCU unit to which the electrical connection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0045] Figure 2 The steering arm cover is removed Figure 1 An enlarged view of the main part.

[0046] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of arrow III-III.

[0047] Figure 4 This diagram shows the motor PCU unit installed in the steering arm housing.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the second connector member as viewed from the steering arm housing side.

[0049] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of arrows IV-IV.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a state in which the base of the first connector abuts against the arm portion of the second connector member.

[0051] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing a state where the connection between the first connector and the second connector is completed.

[0052] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a state before the first connector is pulled out from the second connector.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a state where the first connector starts to be pulled out from the second connector and the convex portion of the first connector presses the concave portion of the second connector.

[0054] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing a state in which the connection between the first connector and the second connector is released. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] based on Figures 1 to 11 The electrical connection structure of one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The electrical connection structure of this embodiment is used for a straddle-type electric vehicle 1 .

[0056] The directions described in this specification such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are based on the vehicle directions of a straddle-type vehicle such as the electric vehicle 1. In the figures, arrow FR indicates the vehicle front, LH indicates the vehicle left, RH indicates the vehicle right, and UP indicates the vehicle top.

[0057] Figure 1 1 is a left side view of the electric vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment. In the following description, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are described from the perspective of a rider sitting on the seat 17 of the electric vehicle 1.

[0058] The electric vehicle 1 is an electric scooter having a low floor portion 16, and a motor 62 (see FIG. 1 ) built into a steering arm 40 that pivotally supports a rear wheel 23. Figure 2 )'s driving force drives the rear wheel 23 to rotate, thereby traveling. Figure 1 The electric scooter of FIG60 can be applied to various electric straddle-type vehicles driven by the motor 62. In the following description, the scooter-type electric vehicle 1 is described.

[0059] An electric vehicle 1 includes a body frame 2 and a synthetic resin body cover 10 covering the body frame 2. The body frame 2 is composed of a head pipe 3 at the front end, a down pipe 4 extending obliquely downward and rearward from the head pipe 3, a pair of left and right underframes 5 extending rearward from the rear ends of the down pipes 4, and side frame sections 6 extending obliquely upward and rearward from the rear ends of the underframes 5. The side frame sections 6 are composed of actuating sections 7 extending obliquely upward and rearward from the pair of left and right underframes 5, and rear frames 8 extending rearward from the pair of actuating sections 7. The rear ends of the pair of left and right rear frames 8 are connected together at a tail pipe section 9.

[0060] A front fork 11 is steerably mounted on the head pipe 3. A handlebar 13 is mounted on the upper portion of the front fork 11 via a lever 12. A front wheel 14 is mounted on the lower end of the front fork 11. A front fender 15 is mounted on the front fork 11 to cover the front wheel 14 from above.

[0061] A connecting support portion 20 including a pivot bracket 20a is provided between the bottom frame portion 5 and the side frame portion 6. The connecting support portion 20 supports a pivot shaft 21 extending in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) of the electric vehicle 1. A front end portion (one end portion) of a steering arm 40 is pivotally supported on the pivot shaft 21. The steering arm 40 extends from the pivot shaft 21 along the front-to-back direction of the electric vehicle 1 to the left of the rear wheel 23. The rear end portion (the other end portion) of the steering arm 40 supports the rear wheel 23.

[0062] The steering arm 40 has a motor 62 built into it, positioned to the left of the rear wheel 23. Thus, the steering arm 40 functions as a swinging power unit. A rear cushioning member 24 is connected between the rear end of the steering arm 40 and the left rear frame 8. Furthermore, a rear fender 25 is attached to the rear frame 8, covering the rear wheel 23 from above. Furthermore, another fender 26 is attached to the steering arm 40, positioned between the rear fender 25 and the rear wheel 23, covering the rear wheel 23 from above and capable of swinging in conjunction with the steering arm 40.

[0063] The rear frame 8 supports the seat 17 on which the rider sits from below. A battery 29 for the electric vehicle 1 is located between the seat 17 and the pivot 21, in the space between the left and right pair of actuators 7. The battery 29 is supported by the left and right pair of actuators 7, the rear frame 8, and the pipe 18 connecting the actuators 7 at the front.

[0064] A PCU (Power Control Unit) 75 (see FIG. 1 ) is provided as an electronic component built into the steering arm 40 in front of the rear wheel 23 and obliquely below the rear side of the battery 29. Figure 2 The PCU 75 includes an inverter and other components, converts DC power supplied from the battery 29 via the power supply line 58 into AC power, and supplies the returned AC power to the motor 62. Furthermore, when the motor 62 is regenerating, the PCU 75 converts the AC power generated by the motor 62 into DC power and charges the battery 29.

[0065] The vehicle body cover 10 covers the vehicle body frame 2 and other components and includes a front cover 10a, a handle cover 10b, leg shields 10c, floor side covers 10d, and a seat lower cover 10e. The front cover 10a covers the front end of the vehicle body frame 2, including the head pipe 3, from the front. The handle cover 10b covers the left and right center portions of the handlebars 13 above the front cover 10a. The leg shields 10c are connected to the front cover 10a and cover the head pipe 3 and down tube 4 from the rear. The seat lower cover 10e covers the space below the seat 17 from the front.

[0066] The left and right floor side covers 10d are connected to the leg shield 10c and the seat lower cover 10e, covering the left and right bottom frame portions 5 from both sides. The seat lower cover 10e is connected to the rear edge of the seat lower cover 10e. A footrest 28 is provided on the side of the steering arm 40.

[0067] The pitman arm 40 is composed of a pitman arm housing 41 and a pitman arm cover 42 that covers the pitman arm housing 41 . Figure 1 The figure shows a state where the steering arm cover 42 is mounted on the steering arm housing 41. Figure 2 The state in which the steering arm cover 42 is removed is shown.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the motor PCU unit 60 is housed in the unit housing chamber 41a in the arm housing 41. The motor 62 and the PCU 75 are electrically connected by a three-phase power supply line 70 and integrated by the unit base 61 to form the motor PCU unit 60.

[0069] The motor 62 of the motor PCU unit 60 is as follows Figure 3 The motor housing 63 shown in the figure is composed of a portion of the unit base 61 and a motor cover 64, and a stator 65 and a rotor 66, which serve as the driving unit, are embedded therein. The motor cover 64 is fixed to the unit base 61 with bolts 71. A motor shaft 67, which rotates integrally with the rotor 66, is rotatably supported by the unit base 61 and the motor cover 64 via bearings 69. The right end 67R of the motor shaft 67 protrudes to the right of the motor housing 63. A motor gear 68 is formed at the right end 67R.

[0070] The speed reducer 43 is housed in the speed reducer housing chamber 41d formed by the steering arm housing 41 and the gear housing cover 35. The intermediate shaft 44 of the speed reducer 43 is rotatably supported by a bearing 48. The intermediate gear 45 mounted on the intermediate shaft 44 meshes with the motor gear 68 of the motor shaft 67. The gear portion 44a on the intermediate shaft 44 meshes with the output gear 46 mounted on the axle 23a of the rear wheel 23. The power from the motor 62 is reduced in speed by the speed reducer 43 and then transmitted to the axle 23a of the rear wheel 23. The rear wheel 23 rotates in conjunction with the wheel 23b integrally fixed to the axle 23a.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the PCU 75 of the motor PCU unit 60 is provided with a first connector 80 on the end surface on the side to be inserted into the steering arm housing 41 .

[0072] Steering arm housing 41 Figure 2 As shown, when viewed from the left side of the vehicle, the portion housing the motor 62 is formed in a substantially circular shape, and the portion housing the PCU 75 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape.

[0073] The unit accommodation chamber 41a of the steering arm housing 41 in which the motor PCU unit 60 is accommodated is as shown in FIG. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 4 , the peripheral wall portion 41b and the bottom portion 41c surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 41b are formed at a predetermined height. Figure 2 The steering arm housing 41 is shown as comprising a front wall portion 41b1 located at the front, a pair of side walls 41b2 extending substantially at right angles from both ends of the front wall portion 41b1, and a curved wall portion 41b3 connecting the side walls 41b2. A second connector 50 is provided on the front wall portion 41b1 of the steering arm housing 41 for connecting to and disconnecting from the first connector 80.

[0074] When the motor PCU unit 60 is installed in the steering arm housing 41, the first connector 80 provided at the end of the PCU 75 on the opposite side from the motor 62 is installed in the second connector 50 provided in the steering arm housing 41 to realize electrical connection, and the motor gear 68 provided on the motor shaft 67 protruding from the right side of the motor housing 63 of the motor PCU unit 60 is slidably engaged with the intermediate gear 45 of the speed reducer 43 provided in the steering arm housing 41 to connect the motor 62 and the speed reducer 43. The steering arm housing 41 serves as a component that restricts the movement of the motor PCU unit 60. Thereafter, as Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the motor PCU unit 60 is fixed to the pitman arm housing 41 by bolts 72 .

[0075] In this manner, the second connector 50 provided in the steering arm housing 41 is connected to / disconnected from the first connector 80 provided in the motor PCU unit 60 by attaching or detaching the motor PCU unit 60. The second connector 50 is electrically connected to the battery 29 via the power supply line 58. When the first connector 80 is connected to the second connector 50, power is supplied to the PCU 75 and the motor 62.

[0076] Next, the electrical connection structure between the first connector 80 provided on the motor PCU unit 60 and the second connector 50 provided on the steering arm housing 41 will be described in detail.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, the PCU 75 of the motor PCU unit 60 has a box shape, and a power supply line 70 is attached to one end thereof. The PCU 75 is electrically connected to the motor 62 via the power supply line 70 .

[0078] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, a first connector 80 is provided at the other end of the PCU 75. The first connector 80 includes a rectangular, plate-like base 81 protruding from the PCU 75. A first connection terminal 82, serving as an electrode, is mounted on the side of the base 81 opposite the steering arm housing 41. In this embodiment, two first connection terminals 82 are provided, but a single one or more may be provided. First magnets 83, serving as first magnetic attraction members, are fixed to both sides of the first connection terminal 82.

[0079] The second connector 50 provided on the steering arm housing 41 is as follows Figure 4 The device shown in FIG. 1 includes a second connector member 51 and a support shaft 55 that functions as a support portion and is swingably supported by the second connector member 51 .

[0080] The second connector member 51 is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the second connector member 51 is formed to have a width close to the width of the base 81 of the first connector 80. Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment includes a second connection terminal placement portion 51 a and an arm portion 51 b , and is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the side.

[0081] In the second connection terminal arrangement portion 51a of the second connector member 51, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, two second connection terminals 52 are installed at positions corresponding to the first connection terminals 82 of the first connector 80. Second magnets 53 serving as second magnetic attraction members are installed on both sides of the second connection terminals 52. When the first connector 80 is connected to the second connector 50, the second connection terminals 52 and the second magnets 53 are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the first connection terminals 82 and the first magnets 83. A power supply line 58 is connected to the second connection terminals 52. Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the power supply line 58 passes through the second connector member 51 , penetrates the front wall portion 41 b 1 of the steering arm housing 41 , and is connected to the battery 29 .

[0082] The arm portion 51b of the second connector member 51 is as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The connector 51 is formed to protrude from the second connection terminal arrangement portion 51 a toward the arrangement surface side of the second connection terminals 52 , and receives the load of the first connector 80 when the first connector 80 is inserted into the second connector 50 .

[0083] The second connector member 51 is formed with an insertion hole 51d for inserting the support shaft 55 at a position where the second connection terminal placement portion 51a and the arm portion 51b intersect. Figure 5 As shown, the second connector member 51 is mounted on the side walls 41b2 of the steering arm housing 41, and is swingably supported relative to the steering arm housing 41. The support shaft 55 is fixed to the pair of side walls 41b2 of the steering arm housing 41 in parallel with the front wall 41b1, and the second connector member 51 is swingably supported by the steering arm housing 41.

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, a stopper member 56 as an over-rotation prevention structure for preventing the second connector member 51 from rotating excessively is protrudingly provided on the inner wall surface of the front wall portion 41b1 of the steering arm housing 41. The stopper member 56 is a pin-shaped protrusion. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, three locations are provided, but the number can be changed appropriately.

[0085] like Figure 6 As shown, a third magnet 57 serving as a third magnetic attraction member is disposed adjacent to the blocking member 56. The front end of the blocking member 56 is formed into an inclined surface to ensure stable contact between the second connector member 51 and the blocking member 56 when the second connector member 51 rotates and abuts against the blocking member 56. The third magnet 57 is disposed at a position where it and the second magnet 53 are attracted to each other when the second connector member 51 rotates and abuts against the blocking member 56.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, the first connector 80 is formed with a protrusion 75a that protrudes toward the second connector when the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52 are connected. The protrusion 75a is formed on the side of the PCU 75 that is inserted into the steering arm housing 41, that is, at the front end. The second connection terminal receiving portion 51a of the second connector 50 has a recessed portion 51c that engages with the protrusion 75a when the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52 are connected. The protrusion 75a is shaped so that when the first connector 80 is removed from the second connector 50 in the connected state, the second connector member 51 rotates in a direction that separates the first connection terminal 82 from the second connection terminal 52.

[0087] Next, based on Figures 4 to 11 The operation of inserting and removing the first connector 80 into and from the second connector 50 to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between the first connector 80 and the second connector 50 will be described.

[0088] The operation of electrically connecting the first connector 80 to the second connector 50 is described. Figure 4 as well as Figure 6As shown, the first connector 80 is moved in a direction close to the second connector 50 so that the motor PCU unit 60 is accommodated in the unit accommodation chamber 41a of the steering arm housing 41. Figure 7 As shown, the base 81 of the first connector 80 abuts against the arm 51b of the second connector member 51, and the arm 51b receives the load from the first connector 80. The second connector member 51 begins to rotate in a direction approaching the first connector 80.

[0089] like Figure 2 As shown, when the motor PCU unit 60 is fitted into the steering arm housing 41, and Figure 3 When the motor shaft 67 of the motor 62 is connected to the speed reducer 43, the movement of the motor PCU unit 60 is restricted, and the movement of the first connector 80 is restricted. When the movement of the first connector 80 is restricted, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52 are in contact with each other and connected, and the first magnet 83 and the second magnet 53 are attracted by magnetic force and firmly attached.

[0090] The operation of releasing the electrical connection between the first connector 80 and the second connector 50 will be described. Figure 9 As shown, the first connector 80 is pulled out from the state where the first connector 80 and the second connector 50 are electrically connected.

[0091] like Figure 10 As shown, when the first connector 80 starts to move, the protrusion 75a provided on the PCU 75 presses the wall portion 51c1 of the recess 51c of the second connector component 51, resisting the attraction between the first magnet 83 and the second magnet 53, so that the second connector component 51 starts to rotate in the direction of separation from the first connection terminal 82 and the first magnet 83 of the first connector 80.

[0092] like Figure 11 As shown, when the first connector 80 is separated from the second connector 50 and the second connector member 51 is rotated toward the rear side, the rear side of the second connector member 51 contacts the blocking member 56, and the second connector member 51 stops at a predetermined angle and cannot continue to rotate. When the first connector 80 is inserted into the second connector 50, the predetermined angle at which the second connector member 51 is stopped is as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the arm portion 51 b of the second connector member 51 is set at an angle capable of receiving the load from the first connector 80 .

[0093] When the second connector member 51 is stopped from rotating by the stopper member 56, the third magnet 57 provided on the front wall portion 41b1 of the steering arm housing 41 and the second magnet 53 of the second connector member 51 attract each other, and the second connector member 51 is maintained at a predetermined angle. Thus, the second connector member 51 is maintained in a predetermined position. Therefore, when the first connector 80 is subsequently connected to the second connector 50, the arm portion 51b of the second connector member 51 can receive the load from the first connector 80, thereby reliably connecting the first connector 80 to the second connector 50.

[0094] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the motor PCU unit 60 is inserted and removed from the steering arm housing 41 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the second connecting terminal 52 moves toward / away from the first connecting terminal 82 in the left and right directions of the vehicle direction, so the plugging and unplugging direction of the first connector 80 relative to the second connector 50, and the contact / separation direction of the first connecting terminal 82 and the second connecting terminal 52 are set to different directions.

[0095] Since the electrical connection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0096] The electrical connection structure of this embodiment includes a first connector 80 having a first connection terminal 82 and a second connector 50 having a second connection terminal 52. The first connector 80 is inserted into and removed from the second connector 50, causing the first connection terminal 82 to abut against and separate from the second connection terminal 52, thereby connecting and disconnecting the first connector 80 and the second connector 50. The insertion and removal direction of the first connector 80 relative to the second connector 50 is different from the abutment and separation direction of the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52. The first connector 80 and the second connector 50 are electrically connected by the movement of the second connector 50 that receives the insertion load of the first connector 80. Therefore, no bolts are required for fastening, and the connection can be simple and reliable. In addition, wear caused by friction between the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52, which serve as electrical contact points, when the first connector 80 and the second connector 50 are inserted into and removed from the first connector 80 and the second connector 50 is reduced, thereby reducing electrical connection loss.

[0097] Furthermore, the second connector 50 includes a steering arm housing 41 serving as a movement restriction member that restricts movement of the first connector 80, and a second connector member 51 swingably supported by the steering arm housing 41. The second connector member 51 includes a second connection terminal receiving portion 51a on which the second connection terminal 52 is disposed, and an arm portion 51b that protrudes from the second connection terminal receiving portion 51a on the side on which the second connection terminal 52 is disposed and receives a load applied by the first connector 80. The second connector member 51 is swingably supported by the steering arm housing 41 by a support shaft 55 serving as a support member provided at a position where the second connection terminal receiving portion 51a and the arm portion 51b intersect. When the movement of the first connector 80 is restricted by the steering arm housing 41, the load of the first connector 80 rotates the second connector member 51, thereby electrically connecting the first connector 80 to the second connector 50. Therefore, friction between the first and second connection terminals can be reduced with a simple structure, thereby reducing wear and further reducing electrical connection loss.

[0098] The first connector 80 has a protrusion 75a that protrudes toward the second connector 50 side when the first connection terminal 82 is connected to the second connection terminal 52, and the second connector 50 has a recessed portion 51c that engages with the protrusion 75a when the first connection terminal 82 is connected to the second connection terminal 52. When the first connector 80 is pulled out from the second connector 50 in the connected state, the protrusion 75a rotates the second connector component 51 in the direction of separating the first connection terminal 82 from the second connection terminal 52. Therefore, the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52, which are electrodes of the electrical contact part, can be opened without friction, which can reduce the wear of the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52.

[0099] The first connector 80 has a first magnet 83, and the second connector 50 has a second magnet 53. The first magnet 83 and the second magnet 53 are configured to generate a magnetic field and attract each other when the first connector 80 and the second connector 50 are connected. The first magnet 83 is provided in the first connection terminal configuration portion 81a, and the second magnet 53 is provided in the second connection terminal configuration portion 51a. Therefore, near the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52, the magnetic force acts in the direction of connecting the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52, so that the electrical connection can be achieved more reliably.

[0100] The first connecting terminal 82 is configured to be sandwiched between the first magnets 83, and the second connecting terminal 52 is configured to be sandwiched between the second magnets 53. Therefore, the magnetic force acts in a manner that helps the first connecting terminal 82 and the second connecting terminal 52 to make surface contact. Therefore, the first connecting terminal 82 and the second connecting terminal 52 will not be partially in contact and can be reliably electrically connected.

[0101] The second connector 50 has a third magnet 57 located on the opposite side of the first connector 80. The third magnet 57 and the second magnet 53 are attracted to each other when the first connector 80 and the second connector 50 are not connected. Therefore, when the first connector 80 is pulled out from the second connector 50, the second magnet 53 of the second connector is attracted by the third magnet 57, and the second connector component 51 can be maintained in an open state.

[0102] The back side of the second connector 50 is provided with a stopper member 56 as an over-rotation prevention structure to prevent over-rotation. Therefore, when the first connector 80 is inserted into the second connector 50, the second connector member 51 can be maintained in an appropriate position to receive the load from the first connector 80 and rotate.

[0103] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connector 80 is provided on the PCU 75 , and the second connector 50 is a connector connected to the battery 29 . Therefore, the PCU 75 can be electrically connected to the connector of the battery 29 simply and reliably.

[0104] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It also includes solutions implemented in various forms within the scope of the present invention.

[0105] In the electrical connection structure of one embodiment of the present invention, the load of inserting the first connector 80 into the second connector 50 is used to rotate the second connector component 51, thereby electrically connecting the first connection terminal 82 and the second connection terminal 52. However, for example, the load of inserting the first connector into the second connector can be used to operate a crank mechanism or a connecting rod mechanism, and the second connector can be moved parallel to the first connector in a manner different from the direction of inserting the first connector into the second connector through these mechanisms to achieve electrical connection / release.

[0106] Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, the left-right arrangement of the illustrated embodiment has been described. However, even if the left-right arrangement is different, it is encompassed within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0107] Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] 50 second connector, 51 second connector component, 51a second connection terminal configuration portion, 51c recess, 52 second connection terminal, 53 second magnet, 54 steering arm housing, 56 blocking component, 57 third magnet, 75 PCU, 75a protrusion, 80 first connector, 81a first connection terminal configuration portion, 82 first connection terminal, 83 first magnet.

Claims

1. An electrical connection structure, characterized in that: have: a first connector (80) having a first connection terminal (82); and a second connector (50) having a second connection terminal (52), By plugging and unplugging the first connector (80) relative to the second connector (50), the first connection terminal (82) and the second connection terminal (52) are brought into contact with each other or separated from each other, thereby connecting or releasing the electrical connection between the first connector (80) and the second connector (50). The direction of plugging and unplugging the first connector (80) relative to the second connector (50) is different from the direction of contact / separation between the first connection terminal (82) and the second connection terminal (52). The first connector (80) and the second connector (50) are electrically connected according to the movement of the second connector (50) receiving the insertion load of the first connector (80), The second connector (50) includes a movement restriction member (41) for restricting movement of the first connector (80), and a second connector member (51) swingably supported by the movement restriction member (41). The second connector member (51) includes a second connection terminal arrangement portion (51a) on which the second connection terminal (52) is arranged, and an arm portion (51b) protruding from the arrangement surface side of the second connection terminal (52) of the second connection terminal arrangement portion (51a) and receiving a load based on the first connector (80). The second connector member (51) is swingably supported on the movement restriction member (41) by a support portion (55) provided at a position where the second connection terminal arrangement portion (51a) and the arm portion (51b) intersect. When the first connector (80) is in a state where movement is restricted by the movement restriction member (41), the second connector member (51) is rotated by utilizing the load of the first connector (80) to electrically connect the first connector (80) and the second connector (50). The first connector (80) has a protrusion (75a) that protrudes toward the second connector (50) when the first connection terminal (82) is connected to the second connection terminal (52). The second connector (50) has a recessed portion (51c) that engages with the protruding portion (75a) when the first connecting terminal (82) and the second connecting terminal (52) are connected. When the first connector (80) is pulled out from the second connector (50) in a connected state, the protrusion (75a) rotates the second connector member (51) in a direction to separate the first connection terminal (82) from the second connection terminal (52).

2. The electrical connection structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector (80) includes a first magnetic attraction member (83), The second connector (50) includes a second magnetic attraction member (53), The first magnetic attraction member (83) and the second magnetic attraction member (53) are configured to generate a magnetic field and attract each other when the first connector (80) and the second connector (50) are connected, The first magnetic attraction member (83) is provided at the first connection terminal arrangement portion (81a), The second magnetic attraction member (53) is provided at the second connection terminal arrangement portion (51a).

3. The electrical connection structure according to claim 2, wherein: The first connecting terminal (82) is configured to be sandwiched between the first magnetic attraction members (83), The second connection terminal (52) is configured to be sandwiched between the second magnetic attraction members (53).

4. The electrical connection structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: A third magnetic attraction member (57) is provided, which is located on the opposite side of the first connector (80) relative to the second connector (50). The third magnetic attraction member (57) and the second magnetic attraction member (53) are attracted to each other when the first connector (80) and the second connector (50) are not connected.

5. The electrical connection structure according to claim 4, wherein: The rear side of the second connector (50) is provided with an over-rotation prevention structure for preventing over-rotation.

6. The electrical connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, characterized in that: The first connector (80) is provided on the control device (75), and the second connector (50) is a connector connected to the battery (29).

7. The electrical connection structure according to claim 4, wherein: The first connector (80) is provided on the control device (75), and the second connector (50) is a connector connected to the battery (29).

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