Charging connector

Abstract

Provided is a charging connector capable of suppressing transmission of vibration to a terminal. A charging connector (10) includes: a power supply terminal (11); a housing main body (31) formed with a power supply terminal receiving portion (33) capable of receiving the power supply terminal (11); a stopper body (60) that holds the power supply terminal (11) together with the housing main body (31); a relay terminal (14) fitted to an end portion of the power supply terminal (11) and extending in a direction intersecting a direction of plugging with an external charging connector; a power line electrically connected to the power supply terminal via the relay terminal (14) and extending in a direction intersecting the power supply terminal (11); and a power line holding portion (37) that holds the power line at a position apart from the relay terminal (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to charging connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles and other vehicles are equipped with charging connectors that connect to external charging connectors on the charging pile side to receive charging. The connection portion between such a charging connector and the external charging connector has connection terminals.

[0003] As such a charging connector, a device as described in Patent Document 1 is known. The charging connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a cylindrical portion that is fitted into an external charging connector. Multiple terminals that are electrically connected to the terminals of the external charging connector are provided inside the cylindrical portion.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-83130 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In recent years, the demand for fast charging has increased, leading to a greater expectation for high-current charging. To achieve this, the diameter of power lines is being increased. However, with larger power lines, the vibration of the charging devices and rechargeable batteries within the vehicle increases when a larger current flows through them. Consequently, this vibration is also transmitted to the power lines, causing them to vibrate more. This increased vibration then leads to the problem of vibration being transmitted to the power terminals connected to the power lines.

[0009] Therefore, the aim is to provide a charging connector that can suppress the transmission of vibration to the terminals.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The disclosed charging connector is mounted in a vehicle and is connected to an external power source of the vehicle. It is used for charging a battery in the vehicle. The charging connector includes: a power terminal connected to a terminal of the external charging connector that supplies power to the battery from an external side of the vehicle; an opening for inserting and removing the external charging connector; a housing body located inside the opening when viewed from the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector, forming a power terminal receiving portion for receiving the power terminal; a stop body fitted relative to the housing body on the side opposite to the opening, holding the power terminal together with the housing body; a relay terminal fitted to the end of the power terminal on the side opposite to the opening, extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction; a power line electrically connected to the power terminal via the relay terminal, extending in a direction intersecting the power terminal; and a power line holding portion holding the power line at a position away from the relay terminal.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to this disclosure, a charging connector capable of suppressing vibration transmission to the terminals can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a charging connector together with an external power source.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1 and its assembly method.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the charging connector of Embodiment 1 shown from the back.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a rear view showing the housing and relay terminals.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a side view showing the housing and relay terminals.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a magnified view of the power line retaining section from the rear.

[0023] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the shell with the cover assembly from the rear side.

[0024] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the housing and cable sheath from the side. Detailed Implementation

[0025] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0026] First, the implementation methods of this disclosure are listed and explained.

[0027] The charging connector disclosed herein is as follows.

[0028] (1) An external charging connector mounted on a vehicle and connected to an external power source of the vehicle is plugged in and out of the charging connector for charging a battery provided in the vehicle. The charging connector includes: a power terminal connected to a terminal of the external charging connector that supplies power to the battery from an external side of the vehicle; an opening for plugging in and out of the external charging connector; a housing body located inside the opening when viewed from the plugging direction of the external charging connector, and having a power terminal receiving portion for receiving the power terminal; a stop body fitted relative to the housing body on the side opposite to the opening, and holding the power terminal together with the housing body; a relay terminal fitted to the end of the power terminal on the side opposite to the opening, extending in a direction intersecting the plugging direction; a power line electrically connected to the power terminal via the relay terminal, extending in a direction intersecting the power terminal; and a power line holding portion holding the power line at a position away from the relay terminal.

[0029] According to this disclosure, the power line extending in the direction intersecting the power supply terminal is supported by a power line holding part at the position away from the relay terminal, and the power line holding part suppresses the vibration of the power line. Therefore, the vibration of the power line can be suppressed from being transmitted to the terminal.

[0030] (2) Alternatively, the electric field line holding portion may contact the electric field line at at least two different locations along the length of the electric field line to hold the electric field line. According to this disclosure, the transmission of lateral vibrations transmitted via the electric field line as a medium is suppressed at two separate locations along the length of the electric field line. Therefore, the transmission of vibrations from the electric field line to the terminals can be effectively suppressed.

[0031] (3) Alternatively, an arm extending along the electric field line may be integrally formed on the housing body, and the electric field line holding portion may be integrally formed at the top end of the arm. According to this disclosure, since the housing and the electric field holding portion are formed as a single component, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0032] (4) Alternatively, it may further include: a signal terminal connected to a terminal of the external charging connector that transmits signals between the external side of the vehicle and the control unit of the vehicle; and a signal line electrically connected to the signal terminal, the signal line being laid out to avoid the power line holding portion. According to this disclosure, signal lines are less prone to vibration transmission problems than power lines, so they do not need to be held by the power line holding portion like power lines. Therefore, even without holding the signal line by the power line holding portion, it is possible to lay it out freely.

[0033] (5) Alternatively, a protective sleeve may be provided to cover the stop, the power terminal, and the power line retaining portion. The portion of the charging connector opposite to the opening can be easily covered entirely using a flexible external component (e.g., a protector, a protective sleeve). This improves the water resistance of the portion of the charging connector opposite to the opening.

[0034] (6) Alternatively, the power lines may extend in a straight line within the sheath. According to this disclosure, by having the power lines extend in a straight line within the sheath, it is not necessary to provide space within the sheath to accommodate the bent power lines, thus enabling miniaturization of the charging connector.

[0035] (7) Further comprising: a signal terminal connected to a terminal of the external charging connector for transmitting signals between the vehicle's external side and the vehicle's control unit; and a signal wire electrically connected to the signal terminal, the signal wire being bent within the cable sleeve. Regarding the signal wire, it can be easily bent with a small radius of curvature, thus easily ensuring space for bending the signal wire within the cable sleeve. This is because: by bending the signal wire inside the cable sleeve, the signal wire can be led out in any direction.

[0036] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0037] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 Specific examples of the charging connectors described herein are illustrated below. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims, as shown by the claims themselves.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of explanation, some components are sometimes shown enlarged or simplified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the various parts sometimes differ in the accompanying drawings. Additionally, the terms "parallel" and "orthogonal" in this specification include not only cases where they are strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also cases where they are approximately parallel or orthogonal to the extent that they serve their function and effect in this embodiment.

[0039] [Implementation Method 1]

[0040] The charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1 will be described below. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle 1 equipped with a charging connector 10 together with an external power source 9.

[0041] <About Vehicle 1>

[0042] Vehicle 1 includes body 2, battery 3, PCU (Power Control Unit) 4, electric generator 5, charger 6, and charging connector 10.

[0043] Battery 3 is a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. PCU4 includes an inverter and converter. Electric generator 5 is a rotary electric machine that functions as both a drive motor and a generator. PCU4 converts the DC power supplied from battery 3 into AC power and supplies it to electric generator 5. Electric generator 5 is driven using the AC (or DC) power supplied from PCU4, driving the drive wheels. Additionally, electric generator 5 generates electricity when the wheels decelerate, etc. PCU4 converts the AC power generated by electric generator 5 into DC power to charge battery 3.

[0044] The body 2 is the part that constitutes the exterior of the vehicle 1. A cover is provided on the body 2. When the cover is opened, the charging connector 10 is exposed to the outside. The location of the charging connector 10 is arbitrary. For example, the charging connector 10 can be located at the front of the body 2 or at the rear of the side.

[0045] Charger 6 is connected to charging connector 10 and battery 3. Charger 6 can, for example, convert AC power supplied from charging connector 10 to DC power, or convert the DC power supplied from charging connector 10 to DC power and supply it to battery 3.

[0046] The charging methods for battery 3 in vehicle 1 generally include normal charging and fast charging. Fast charging achieves charging in a shorter time by using a larger current than normal charging. Normal charging assumes the use of household power or an equivalent external power source. Fast charging assumes the use of a dedicated power source, such as a charging station. The charging connector 10 disclosed herein will be described as a fast charging connector.

[0047] <Charging connector 10 in vehicle 1>

[0048] The charging connector 10 is used for charging the battery 3 provided in the vehicle 1. The charging connector 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1. The charging connector 10 is connected to the terminals of the external charging connector 7 by engaging with it. In this embodiment, the pin-shaped terminals of the external charging connector 7 are engaged with the cylindrical terminals of the charging connector 10. Alternatively, the pin-shaped terminals of the charging connector 10 may also be engaged with the cylindrical terminals of the external charging connector 7. The external charging connector 7 is connected to an external power source 9 via a converter 8.

[0049] The converter 8 adjusts the current and voltage of the power supplied from the external power source 9 and supplies them to the battery 3. The vehicle 1 moves by using the power from the battery 3 to drive the motor. The vehicle 1 can be either an electric vehicle with only a motor as the drive source, or a hybrid vehicle with both a motor and an engine.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1 and its assembly method. The charging connector 10 is configured to connect to an external charging connector 7 (see reference 7). Figure 1 The charging connector 10 is fitted into the assembly part 100, which is located in the body 2 of the vehicle 1. Figure 2 An example of the mounting portion 100 is shown. The mounting portion 100 is, for example, a part of the panel 102 constituting the vehicle body 2, formed as a recessed portion that is recessed inwards towards the vehicle. The opening of the recess of the panel 102 forms an opening that can receive an external charging connector. A through hole 104 is formed in the bottom of the panel 102 in the mounting portion 100.

[0051] A connection portion for connecting to the external charging connector 7 is provided on the outer side of the vehicle 1 in the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector 7. The connection portion includes a section into which the external charging connector 7 is inserted and electrically connected. A portion of the charging connector 10, including the connection portion, passes through a through hole 104 and protrudes from the outer side of the panel 102. Another portion of the charging connector 10 is located on the inner side of the vehicle than the panel 102. Typically, a body side cover 106 is provided in the mounting section 100. The body side cover 106 is mounted to the panel 102 in an openable / closable manner using hinges or the like. When the body side cover 106 is closed, it covers the opening of the panel 102. When the body side cover 106 is open, the charging connector 10 is exposed and can be connected from the outside.

[0052] In this disclosure, such as Figure 2As shown, among the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, the X direction is parallel to the direction in which the charging connector 10 passes through the through hole 104 of the panel 102. The charging connector 10 and the external charging connector 7 are connected in the X direction. In this specification, the X direction is referred to as the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector 7. The Y direction is the arrangement direction of a pair of power terminals. The Z direction is orthogonal to both the X and Y directions. For example, when the charging connector 10 is provided on the side of the vehicle 1, the X direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle, the Y direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction is the vertical direction. For example, when the charging connector 10 is provided on the front or rear surface of the vehicle 1, the X direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the Y direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the Z direction is the vertical direction.

[0053] <Regarding the overall composition>

[0054] remove Figure 2 In addition, they also referred to Figures 3 to 6 The overall structure of the charging connector 10 will be explained. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1 shown from the rear. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is a front view showing the charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the VV line. Furthermore, in Figure 4 The power line 41 is omitted in the text.

[0055] The charging connector 10 includes a housing 30, terminals 11 to 14, wires, cover members 15 and 16, a stop body 60, a cover unit 80, and a wire sheath 90 as an external component.

[0056] <Regarding terminals 11-14>

[0057] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the terminals include a pair of power terminals 11, a signal terminal 12, a ground terminal 13, and a relay terminal 14. The power terminals 11, signal terminals 12, and ground terminal 13 are housed within the housing 30. During charging, the power terminals 11, signal terminals 12, and ground terminal 13 are connected to the terminals (not shown) of the external charging connector 7 described above. More specifically, the pair of power terminals 11 are connected to the terminals of the external charging connector 7, which supplies power to the battery 3 from the exterior of the vehicle 1. Additionally, the signal terminal 12 is connected to the terminals of the external charging connector 7, which transmits signals between the exterior of the vehicle 1 and the vehicle's control unit (PCU4).

[0058] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the quantity and type of each terminal 11-14 are appropriately set according to the specifications of the charging connector 10. In this embodiment, a pair of power terminals 11, six signal terminals 12, and one ground terminal 13 are provided. The relay terminal 14 is clamped between the power terminal 11 and the power line 41 (see reference). Figure 5 The relay terminal 14 electrically connects the power supply terminal 11 and the power line 41. The relay terminal 14 has the same number as the power supply terminal 11 (two in this case). Each terminal 11 to 14 is formed, for example, by stamping (bending) a metal sheet.

[0059] <Regarding the various wires>

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, one end of each wire is electrically connected to terminals 11-14. The other end of each wire extends outward from the cable sleeve 90. When the charging connector 10 is mounted in the vehicle, the other end of each wire is connected to another device mounted in the vehicle. Such a device is appropriately configured depending on the type of wire, for example, a battery, an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. The number and type of wires correspond to the number and type of terminals 11-14. In this embodiment, each wire includes two power lines 41, six signal lines 42, and one ground line 43. One end of the power line 41 is connected to the relay terminal 14. The power line 41 is connected to the power terminal 11 via the relay terminal 14 (see reference). Figure 7 One end of signal line 42 is connected to signal terminal 12. One end of ground line 43 is connected to ground terminal 13.

[0061] Each wire is a sheathed wire. A sheathed wire has a core wire and a sheath covering the core wire. The core wire is formed, for example, by twisting together multiple metal wires. The sheath is formed, for example, by extruding an insulating resin around the core wire. Various wires of different thicknesses can be used as individual wires. The thickness of each wire is set according to factors such as allowable current value. Generally, to increase the allowable current value, the conductor cross-sectional area needs to be increased, and correspondingly, the wire thickness becomes thicker. Furthermore, the thickness of the wire is generally related to its bending difficulty; as the wire becomes thicker, it becomes more difficult to bend. For example, when bending an easily bendable wire and a difficult-to-bend wire by the same angle, the radius of curvature of the difficult-to-bend wire is larger than that of the easily bendable wire, and correspondingly, a larger arrangement space is required.

[0062] In this example, the power line 41 is thicker than the signal line 42 and the ground line 43. Therefore, the power line 41 is more difficult to bend than the signal line 42 and the ground line 43. Furthermore, the ground line 43 is thicker than the signal line 42. Therefore, the ground line 43 is more difficult to bend than the signal line 42. Especially in recent years, due to the requirements of fast charging, large currents flow through the power line 41, so the diameter of the power line 41 is being increased. For example, a power line of 70 square millimeters to 95 square millimeters is used for the power line 41.

[0063] <About casing 30>

[0064] Figure 7 This is a rear view showing the housing 30 and the relay terminal 14. Figure 8 This is a side view showing the housing 30 and the relay terminal 14. Furthermore, in Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the diagram, each wire is represented by a virtual line.

[0065] like Figures 2-8 As shown, the housing 30 is formed, for example, using synthetic resin. The housing 30 includes a housing body 31 and a vehicle mounting portion 32. A pair of power terminal receiving portions 33, multiple signal terminal receiving portions 34, and a ground terminal receiving portion 35 are formed on the housing body 31. The pair of power terminal receiving portions 33 can each receive a pair of power terminals 11. The multiple signal terminal receiving portions 34 can each receive multiple signal terminals 12. The ground terminal receiving portion 35 can receive a ground terminal 13. Each terminal receiving portion 33, 34, and 35 is formed as a cylinder capable of receiving the corresponding terminal 11, 12, or 13.

[0066] In this embodiment, the power terminal housing 33 is arranged side-by-side in the Y direction, and a pair of power terminals 11 are also arranged side-by-side in the Y direction. This arrangement of the power terminals 11 is determined by the charging specifications. Multiple signal terminal housings 34 and multiple signal terminals 12 are arranged on both sides, with the central axis of the power terminals 11 as the boundary, in a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the arrangement direction of the power terminals 11. The ground terminal 13 and the ground terminal housing 35 are located on one side, with the central axis of the power terminals 11 as the boundary. The arrangement of the signal terminals 12 and the ground terminal 13 is also determined by the charging specifications, and the signal terminal housing 34 and the ground terminal housing 35 are formed accordingly.

[0067] Additionally, the housing body 31 has an outer frame portion 36. The outer frame portion 36 is formed as a cylinder surrounding the aforementioned terminal receiving portions 33, 34, and 35. At the middle portion of each terminal receiving portion 33, 34, and 35, the terminal receiving portions 33, 34, and 35 and the outer frame portion 36 are connected by, for example, a flat plate-shaped connecting portion (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 6The portion of the outer frame 36 that is further outward from the flat connecting portion forms an opening 36A for inserting and removing the external charging connector 7 (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 6 Viewed along the insertion / removal direction, the power terminal housing 33, signal terminal housing 34, and ground terminal housing 35 are located inside the opening 36A. A cover unit 80 is mounted on the front of the housing body 31. A stop 60 is mounted on the rear of the housing body 31 (that is, on the side opposite to the opening 36A relative to the housing body 31).

[0068] Vehicle assembly section 32 is used to assemble charging connector 10 to assembly section 100 (see reference). Figure 1 The vehicle assembly part 32 is formed as a plate protruding from the middle part of the housing body 31 in the axial direction towards the periphery of the outer frame part 36. The vehicle assembly part 32 is assembled to the assembly part 100 using, for example, screws.

[0069] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the housing 30 further includes a power line holding portion 37 and a ground line holding portion 38. That is, the power line holding portion 37 and the ground line holding portion 38 are included in the housing 30. The housing 30 including the power line holding portion 37 and the ground line holding portion 38 is formed by integral molding. When the power line holding portion 37 and the ground line holding portion 38 are integrally molded with the housing 30, it is advantageous in terms of reducing the number of processing steps and parts compared to the case where the power line holding portion 37 and the ground line holding portion 38 are separate parts. In addition, even if the power line holding portion 37 vibrates due to the vibration of the vehicle, the power line holding portion 37 vibrates in the same phase as the housing body 31 fixed to the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the power line 41 around the relay terminal 14 due to the phase deviation of the vibration of the relay terminal 14 held in the housing body 31 and the power line holding portion 37.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the block-shaped arm 39 protrudes from the outer frame portion 36 in the Y direction. The arm 39 extends in the direction in which the electric field line 41 extends (see reference). Figure 7 The power line holding part 37 is provided in the arm 39 at the top end along the protruding direction of the arm 39. Similarly, the ground wire holding part 38 is also provided in the arm 39. That is, in this embodiment, the arm 39 is integrally formed in the housing body 31, and the power line holding part 37 is integrally formed at the top end of the arm 39. It can be understood that the housing 30 is a component in which the housing body 31, the arm 39, and the power line holding part 37 are integrally molded from the same resin using a mold.

[0071] <Regarding the power line holding section 37>

[0072] Figure 9This is a partially enlarged view showing the power line holding part 37 from the inside of the vehicle 1. (See attached image.) Figure 4 , Figures 7-9 As shown, the power line holding part 37 is provided, for example, at the top end of the arm part 39 (away from the outer frame part 36). Therefore, the power line holding part 37 can hold the power line away from the relay terminal 14 when viewed in the insertion / removal direction. Furthermore, two power line holding parts 37 are provided to secure each of the two power lines 41 respectively.

[0073] The power line holding portion 37 holds the middle portion of the power line 41 extending from the power terminal 11. With this configuration, the power line holding portion 37 and the power terminal 11 are separately configured. Therefore, even if the portion of the power line 41 held in the power line holding portion 37 or the power line holding portion 37 vibrates, the vibration is less likely to be transmitted to the power terminal 11. Thus, the power terminal 11 itself is less prone to vibration, and friction between the power terminal 11 and the housing body 31 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the preferred distance between the power line holding portion 37 and the power terminal 11 is, for example, 80mm to 100mm. When the distance is greater than 80mm, the transmission of vibration of the power line 41 to the power terminal 11 can be effectively suppressed. Additionally, when the distance is less than 100mm, it is not necessary to increase the strength required to support the weight of the power line 41 in the power line holding portion 37, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the housing.

[0074] The power line retaining part 37 contacts the power line 41 at at least two different locations along the length of the power line 41 to retain the power line 41 (see reference). Figure 7 In this embodiment, the power line holding part 37 has multiple contact parts 371, etc., with the power line 41. In this embodiment, each power line holding part 37 has a pair of contact parts 371, 372 (or 373, 374) (Hereinafter, the description of "contact parts 373, 374" is the same as that of contact parts 371, 372, so the description is omitted.).

[0075] More specifically, the power line holding part 37 has a bottom 37a and a pair of sidewalls 37b erected from both sides of the bottom 37a. The spacing between the pair of sidewalls 37b is the same as or larger than the diameter of the power line 41. The protrusion dimension of the pair of sidewalls 37b is the same as or larger than the diameter of the power line 41. A groove-shaped space for receiving the power line 41 is formed between the bottom 37a and the pair of sidewalls 37b.

[0076] like Figure 9As shown, contact portions 371 and 372 are provided on the inner surfaces of a pair of sidewall portions 37b in such a way that their positions change along the extension direction of the electric field line 41. Here, contact portion 371 is formed on the inner surface of one sidewall portion 37b, and contact portion 372 is formed on the inner surface of the other sidewall portion 37b. Thus, contact portions 371 and 372 can contact each other from opposite sides at different positions along the length direction of the electric field line 41. In this case, the contact portions 371 and 372 shorten the distance between the top edges of the pair of sidewall portions 37b at different positions along the length direction of the electric field line 41, therefore, compared to the case where the pair of contact portions are provided at the same position along the length direction, the electric field line 41 can be easily inserted between the pair of sidewall portions 37b. Contact portions 371 and 372 may also be formed on the inner surfaces of the same sidewall portion 37b.

[0077] The contact portions 371 and 372 are formed to protrude from the inner surface of the sidewall portion 37b. The distance T1 between the protruding ends of the contact portions 371 and 372 and the inner surface of the sidewall portion 37b opposite to the contact portions 371 and 372 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the electric field line 41. As a result, the electric field line 41 is prevented from detaching when it is disposed between a pair of sidewall portions 37b by means of the contact portions 371 and 372.

[0078] Furthermore, the portion of the electric field line retaining part 37 formed by the bottom 37a and the side wall 37b has an arcuate surface along the circumference of the electric field line 41 (see reference). Figure 8 The end of the arcuate surface of the contact portions 371 and 372 on the side furthest from the bottom 37a connects to the electric field line 41 from the side opposite to the bottom 37a. In the protruding direction of the pair of sidewall portions 37b, the electric field line 41 is sandwiched between the bottom 37a and the top end of the arcuate surface, and is positioned and held in a certain position in this direction, effectively suppressing vibration of the electric field line 41 in this direction. Furthermore, when the distance between the pair of sidewall portions 37b is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the electric field line 41 (when slightly smaller), the electric field line 41 is also positioned in the direction connecting the pair of sidewall portions 37b, effectively suppressing vibration in this direction.

[0079] Furthermore, because the contact portions 371 and 372 contact the electric line 41 at two different points along its length, the transmission of lateral vibrations that transmit through the electric line 41 as a medium can be suppressed. For example, if the electric line is held with a single point of contact, vibrations at that contact point may be transmitted. If the electric line is held with two different points of contact along its length, vibrations at either point may be suppressed by the other holding portion. Therefore, the transmission of vibrations from the electric line 41 to the power terminal 11 can be effectively suppressed. In this embodiment, the electric line 41 is clamped by a pair of sidewall portions 37b extending within a predetermined range along its length, thereby suppressing vibrations in the direction connecting the pair of sidewall portions 37b. In addition, the two contact portions 371 and 372 contact the electric line 41 from the side opposite to the bottom 37a. As a result, vibrations in the direction where the pair of sidewall portions 37b are erected are effectively suppressed at two different points along the length of the electric line 41. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing vibration transmission, the distance between the two points (central part) of the contact portions 371 and 372 is preferably about 20 mm.

[0080] <Regarding the grounding wire retaining section 38>

[0081] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the ground wire holding part 38, like the power line holding part 37 described above, is provided, for example, at the top end of the arm part 39 (away from the outer frame part 36). Furthermore, the ground wire holding part 38 is provided to fix the ground wire 43. As described above, the ground wire 43 is typically smaller in diameter than the power line 41. Therefore, there is no vibration problem like that of the power line 41. Therefore, the distance between the ground wire holding part 38 and the grounding terminal 13 can be shorter than the distance between the power line holding part 37 and the power supply terminal 11.

[0082] In addition, the ground wire holding part 38 also has multiple contact parts 381, etc., with the ground wire 43. In this embodiment, the ground wire holding part 38 has a pair of contact parts 381, 382. The ground wire holding part 38 and the contact parts 381, 382 are the same as the power line holding part 37 and the contact parts 371, 372, so the description is omitted.

[0083] <Regarding cover components 15 and 16>

[0084] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the housing 30 with the cover components 15 and 16 assembled from the inside of the vehicle 1.

[0085] like Figure 4 and Figure 10As shown, cover members 15 and 16 are detachably mounted to the arm portion 39, the power line holding portion 37, and the ground wire holding portion 38. Cover members 15 and 16 cover each wire (power line 41 and ground wire 43), preventing the wires from detaching from the power line holding portion 37 and the ground wire holding portion 38. The cover member 15 and the power line holding portion 37 cover the entire area surrounding the power line 41. In this embodiment, one cover member 15 is provided for each of the two power line holding portions 37. The cover member 15 presses down on the two power lines 41. Figure 4 As shown, the cover member 15 has a locking portion 151 that engages with the protrusion 375 formed in the power line holding portion 37.

[0086] More specifically, a protrusion 375 is formed on at least one outer surface of a pair of sidewall portions 37b (see also...). Figure 9 Here, in the two power line holding parts 37, protrusions 375 are formed on the opposing surfaces of the two inner side wall parts 37b.

[0087] The cover member 15 has a covering portion 15a and a pair of sidewall portions 15b. The covering portion 15a is formed as a plate that covers the opening on the side opposite to the bottom 37a of the two electric line holding portions 37. The pair of sidewall portions 15b protrude from both sides of the covering portion 15a toward one of its main surfaces. The pair of sidewall portions 15b can cover the outer surface of the outermost sidewall portion 37b of the two electric line holding portions 37. In addition, a support portion 152 is formed in the middle of the width direction of the covering portion 15a to support the contact portions 371, 372 from the outside. The holding force of the electric line 41 is maintained by the support portion 152. That is, the support portion 152 prevents the contact portions 371, 372 from falling outward and the holding force of the electric line 41 from weakening.

[0088] The plate-shaped engaging portion 151 protrudes from the middle of the width of the covering portion 15a. Engaging holes are formed in the engaging portion 151 into which the aforementioned protrusion 375 can be inserted.

[0089] Furthermore, the cover portion 15a covers the openings of the two power line holding portions 37, and a pair of sidewall portions 15b cover the two outer sidewall portions 37b. At this time, the protrusion 375 can engage with the engagement hole formed in the engagement portion 151 by elastic deformation of the engaging portion 151. In addition, by elastic deformation of the engaging portion 151, the engagement of the protrusion 375 with respect to the engagement hole formed in the engaging portion 151 can be released. Thus, the cover member 15 can be detachably assembled with respect to the power line holding portion 37. In addition, the method of fixing the cover member 15 and the power line holding portion 37 can be various methods including other known methods. The cover member 15 and the power line holding portion 37 can also be assembled using hinges or the like for opening and closing. In addition, the cover member 15 can also be assembled as two different cover members 15 for each power line holding portion 37.

[0090] Similar to the relationship between the cover member 15 and the power line retaining part 37 described above, the cover member 16 and the ground wire retaining part 38 cover the entire area surrounding the ground wire 43. They are fixed using the same method as the cover member 15 and the power line retaining part 37, therefore, a description is omitted (see [reference]). Figure 8 and Figure 10 ).

[0091] <Regarding relay terminal 14 and power line 41>

[0092] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, a pair of relay terminals 14 are fitted onto the end of each power terminal 11 on the side opposite to the connection side with the external charging connector 7 (that is, the end opposite to the opening 36A). Each relay terminal 14 extends, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the insertion / removal direction (X direction) of the external charging connector 7. Furthermore, as... Figures 7 to 9 As shown, a pair of power lines 41 are fixed to each relay terminal 14 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector 7. This configuration reduces the space required for the charging connector 10 in the insertion / removal direction (X-direction) of the external charging connector 7. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each relay terminal 14 and the power lines 41 are configured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the insertion / removal direction (X-direction) of the external charging connector 7, but this is not limited to an orthogonal direction; they may also extend in intersecting directions. However, from the viewpoint of saving space for the charging connector 10 in the insertion / removal direction (X-direction) of the external charging connector 7, it is preferable to have a configuration where the lines extend in a direction orthogonal to the insertion / removal direction (X-direction) of the external charging connector 7.

[0093] Furthermore, the power line 41 is connected to the relay terminal 14 and extends linearly from the relay terminal 14 to the power line holding portion 37. When the power line 41 extends linearly in this way, the extension direction of the power line 41 can be restricted by the extension direction of the relay terminal 14. That is, the degree of freedom in the wiring direction of the power line 41 is increased by the relay terminal 14. The power line 41 extends further linearly from the power line holding portion 37 within the cable sheath 90 and is led out from the lead-out hole of the cable sheath 90. By extending the power line 41 linearly within the cable sheath 90, it is not necessary to provide space within the cable sheath 90 to accommodate the bent power line 41, thus enabling miniaturization of the charging connector 10.

[0094] <Stop body 60>

[0095] like Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the stop 60 prevents the terminals 11 from disengaging from the housing 30. The stop 60 includes a rear cover 62 serving as a terminal pressing part, multiple protruding cylindrical parts 63, and ribs 65 and 66. The terminal pressing part (rear cover 62 and multiple protruding cylindrical parts 63) presses and is housed behind the terminals 11 and 12 in the housing 30. Thus, it prevents the terminals 11 and 12 from disengaging rearward from the housing 30. In other words, the stop 60 and the housing body 31 together hold the terminals 11 and 12 in place.

[0096] The rear cover 62 closes the opening at the rear of the outer frame 36. Multiple through holes 62a are formed in the rear cover 62 (see reference). Figure 7 Multiple through holes are formed at positions corresponding to the terminal housings 33, 34, and 35. The power terminal 11 and the relay terminal 14 are fastened with screws while in contact through the through holes corresponding to the power terminal 11. The relay terminal 14 is disposed on the back of the rear cover 62. Signal lines 42 and ground lines 43 are led out from the through holes corresponding to the signal terminal 12 and the ground terminal 13.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, multiple protruding cylindrical portions 63 protrude forward (towards the housing 30 side) from the rear cover portion 62. These protruding cylindrical portions 63 are formed at positions corresponding to the terminal receiving portions 33, 34, and 35. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 communicates with each through hole 62a. The top end of each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the corresponding terminal receiving portion 33, 34, or 35, pressing down on the corresponding terminals 11, 12, and 13 from the rear.

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown, locking portions 30p and 60p are provided on the housing 30 and the stop body 60. In this embodiment, the locking portions include a locking protrusion formed on the housing 30 and a locking piece formed on the stop body 60. By locking the locking piece with the locking protrusion, the housing 30 and the stop body 60 are maintained in a mutually assembled state.

[0099] <Regarding the 90mm cable sheath>

[0100] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the cable sheath 90 connects the housing 30 and the cover components 15 and 16 to the opening 36A (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 6 The opposite side is covered. More specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the protective sleeve 90 covers the housing 30 and cover members 15 and 16 from the inside of the vehicle 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cable sheath 90 includes a first protective portion 91 and a second protective portion 94. The first protective portion 91 covers the outer frame portion 36 of the housing 30 (containing the power terminal 11, signal terminal 12, and ground terminal 13 disposed inside the outer frame portion 36) and the relay terminal 14. The cable sheath 90 also covers the stoppers 60 that press these terminals 11, 12, and 13. The second protective portion 94 covers the power line retaining portion 37, the ground wire retaining portion 38, and the cover members 15 and 16. The cable sheath 90 is formed of a flexible material. For example, the cable sheath 90 is an elastic material such as ethylene-propylene-diolefin rubber.

[0101] A binding strap 98 is fitted to the outer surface of the housing outlet 92 of the cable sheath 90. The cable sheath 90 is fitted to the housing 30, which includes the power line retaining part 37 and the ground line retaining part 38, by means of the binding strap 98.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, a wire outlet 95 is formed in the second protection section 94. Through the wire outlet 95, power supply terminals 11 are connected via relay terminals 14 (see reference 14). Figure 4 and Figure 6 The other end of the connected power line 41 extends outward into the sheath 90. The sheath 90 has three wire outlets 95. Two of the three wire outlets 95 are configured for two power lines 41. Each of the two wire outlets 95 passes through one power line 41. The remaining wire outlet 95 passes through the signal line 42 and the ground line 43.

[0103] The signal line 42 bends inside the sheath 90 between the signal terminal 12 and the wire outlet 95. Typically, the signal line 42 uses a wire with a smaller diameter than the power line 41, thus possessing a degree of flexibility. Therefore, unlike the power line 41, it does not use a relay terminal 14, but instead bends in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector (orthogonal in this embodiment). Furthermore, because the signal line 42 uses a wire with a smaller diameter than the power line 41, it is less likely to experience the problem of vibration transmission to the terminals as with the power line 41. Therefore, the signal line 42 can also be laid along a path outside the power line retaining portion 37 without being held by a retaining portion (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0104] With such a cable sheath 90, the portion of the charging connector 10 opposite to the opening 63A (the inner portion of the vehicle 1) can be easily and completely covered using a flexible outer component. This improves the waterproofness of the inner portion of the charging connector 10 within the vehicle 1. Furthermore, in addition to the cable sheath 90, a protector can also be used as a flexible outer component.

[0105] [Implementation Method 2]

[0106] The charging connector 210 of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0107] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the housing 30 and the cable sheath 290 from the side. Furthermore, in this diagram, only the cable sheath 290 is shown in cross-section. Additionally, in the description of this Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those described in Embodiment 1, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0108] Regarding the cable sleeve 290 of Embodiment 2, its internal space is formed to be thick and is configured to abut against each of the retaining portions 37, 38. That is, the cover member 15, which is detachably mounted to the power line retaining portion 37, is omitted. Instead, the portion of the cable sleeve 290 corresponding to the cable sleeve 90 that covers the opening of the power line retaining portion 37 is formed to be thickened on the inside. The thick portion of the cable sleeve 290 can also be called the power line anti-detachment portion 292. The power line anti-detachment portion 292 covers the portion of the power line 41 that is held in the power line retaining portion 37 (and the portion of the ground line 43 that is held in the ground line retaining portion 38). When the cable sleeve 290 is configured in this way, the cable sleeve 290 also functions as the cover member 15 (and cover member 16) in Embodiment 1. With this configuration, the number of components in the overall device can be reduced.

[0109] [Postscript]

[0110] In the above embodiment, the power line holding part 37 and the ground line holding part 38 are integrally formed with the housing 30. However, the power line holding part 37 and the ground line holding part 38 may also be composed of separate components from the housing 30. In this case, the power line holding part 37 and the ground line holding part 38 may also be assembled to the housing 30 using screw fastening, fitting structures, or the like. In this case, from the viewpoint of suppressing the transmission of vibration from the power line 41 to the power terminal 11, the distance between the power line holding part 37 and the power terminal 11 is preferably separated to a certain extent (e.g., 80mm to 100mm).

[0111] The components described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0112] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0113] 1 vehicle

[0114] 2. Body

[0115] 3 batteries

[0116] 5. Electric generator

[0117] 6 Chargers

[0118] 7. External charging connector

[0119] 8. Converter

[0120] 9. External power supply

[0121] 10, 210 charging connectors

[0122] 11 Power terminals

[0123] 12 signal terminals

[0124] 13 Grounding terminal

[0125] 14 relay terminals

[0126] 15 and 16 cover components

[0127] 30. Housing

[0128] 31. Main body of the shell

[0129] 32 Vehicle Assembly Department

[0130] 33 Power terminal storage section

[0131] 34 Signal terminal storage section

[0132] 35 Grounding terminal storage section

[0133] 36 Outer frame

[0134] 37 Power line holding section

[0135] 38 Grounding wire holding section

[0136] 39 Arm

[0137] 40 wires

[0138] 41 Power lines

[0139] 42 signal lines

[0140] 43 Ground wire

[0141] 60 stop body

[0142] 62 Rear Cover

[0143] 63. Protruding cylinder section

[0144] 65th and 66th ribs

[0145] 80 cover units

[0146] 90, 290 cable sheath

[0147] 91 First Protection Department

[0148] 92 Shell Outlet

[0149] 93 Drainage outlet

[0150] 94 Second Protection Department

[0151] 95. Electrical wire outlet

[0152] 98 Binding Straps

[0153] Assembly Department 100

[0154] 102 Panel

[0155] 104 Through Hole

[0156] 106 Body side cover

[0157] 151 Card Section

[0158] 152 Support section

[0159] 371 Contact Department

[0160] 372 Contact Department

[0161] 373 Contact Department

[0162] 374 Contact Department

[0163] 375 Protrusion

[0164] 381 Contact Department

[0165] 382 Contact Department

Claims

1. A charging connector mounted on a vehicle, which is plugged into and pulled out of an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle, for charging a battery provided in the vehicle, the charging connector comprising: a power terminal connected to a terminal of the external charging connector that supplies power to the battery from an external side of the vehicle; an opening portion into which the external charging connector is plugged; a housing main body located inside the opening portion when viewed in a direction of plugging in and pulling out of the external charging connector, and in which a power terminal housing portion that houses the power terminal is formed; a stopper body assembled to a side opposite to the opening portion with respect to the housing main body, and holding the power terminal together with the housing main body; a relay terminal assembled to an end portion of the power terminal on a side opposite to the opening portion, and extending in a direction intersecting the plugging direction; a power line electrically connected to the power terminal via the relay terminal, and extending in a direction intersecting the power terminal; and a power line holding portion holding the power line at a position away from the relay terminal.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, wherein the power line holding portion contacts the power line at different positions in a length direction of the power line to hold the power line.

3. The charging connector according to claim 1, wherein an arm portion extending along the power line is integrally formed in the housing main body, and the power line holding portion is integrally formed in a top end portion of the arm portion.

4. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a signal terminal connected to a terminal of the external charging connector that transmits a signal between an external side of the vehicle and a control portion of the vehicle; and a signal line electrically connected to the signal terminal, the signal line being routed so as to avoid the power line holding portion.

5. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a wire cover that covers the stopper body, the power terminal, and the power line holding portion.

6. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein the power line extends linearly inside the wire cover.

7. The charging connector according to claim 5, further comprising: a signal terminal connected to a terminal of the external charging connector that transmits a signal between an external side of the vehicle and a control portion of the vehicle; and a signal line electrically connected to the signal terminal, the signal line being bent inside the wire cover. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Images