Charging connector

Abstract

This invention relates to charging connectors, and aims to provide a technique that facilitates the assembly of charging connectors. The charging connector (10) includes a power terminal (22), a signal terminal (24), a housing (50) for holding the power terminal (22) and the signal terminal (24), and a stop (60) that is integrated with the housing (50). The signal terminal (24) has a cylindrical portion (25a) provided on the top side for insertion of a terminal of an external charging connector. A slit (25f) is formed at the top of the cylindrical portion (25a) to separate one part of the cylindrical portion (25a) from another part along its circumference. The width of the top of the slit (25f) is smaller than the width of the wall of the protrusion (53g) or the like exposed at the rear end of the housing (50) when viewed from the insertion / removal direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle connector, such as a charging port mounted on a vehicle. In this vehicle connector, terminals are mounted on a housing.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-83130 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The assembly of connectors, such as the assembly of terminals to the housing, is expected to be easy.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a technique that facilitates the assembly of charging connectors.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The disclosed charging connector is mounted in a vehicle and engages with an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle for charging a battery in the vehicle. The charging connector includes: a first power terminal and a second power terminal for supplying power to the battery; a plurality of signal terminals, the thickness of which is thinner than the thickness of the first and second power terminals, for transmitting signals between the vehicle's external components and the vehicle's control unit; and a housing for holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, during insertion and removal along the external charging connector. The front end of the housing engages with the external charging connector; and a stop engages with the rear end of the housing, together with the housing holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and a plurality of signal terminals, each of the plurality of signal terminals having a cylindrical portion disposed on the top side for insertion of a terminal of the external charging connector, a slit formed at the top end of the cylindrical portion separating a portion of the cylindrical portion circumferentially from another portion, the width of the top end of the slit being smaller than the width of the wall exposed at the rear end of the housing when viewed from the insertion / removal direction.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to this disclosure, the assembly of the charging connector is made easier. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is a top view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1 and its assembly method.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating wires with terminals and their storage locations.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the wire path in a charging connector.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the differences between the signal terminals.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a rear view showing the rear end of the main body of the housing.

[0022] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the housing body and the signal terminals.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a rear view showing the stop.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view showing the stop body.

[0025] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the situation where the stop body presses down on the terminal from the rear.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which three signal terminals are housed in a regular terminal storage section.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a signal terminal housed in three terminal storage sections.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another type of signal terminal housed in three different terminal housings.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another type of signal terminal housed in three terminal housings.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a schematic rear view showing the state in which two signal terminals are housed in a regular terminal storage section.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a rear view showing the charging connector of the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the signal terminals.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a rear view showing the stop.

[0034] Figure 22 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the signal terminals housed in the terminal storage section. Detailed Implementation

[0035] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0036] First, the implementation methods of this disclosure are listed and explained.

[0037] The charging connector disclosed herein is as follows.

[0038] (1) An external charging connector mounted on a vehicle and connected to an external power source of the vehicle for charging a battery of the vehicle, the charging connector comprising: a first power terminal and a second power terminal for supplying power to the battery; a plurality of signal terminals having a plate thickness thinner than the plate thickness of the first power terminal and the second power terminal for transmitting signals between the outside of the vehicle and the control unit of the vehicle; and a housing for holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals along the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector. The front end of the device engages with the external charging connector; and a stop body engages with the rear end of the housing, together with the housing holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and a plurality of signal terminals. Each of the plurality of signal terminals has a cylindrical portion disposed on the top side for insertion of a terminal of the external charging connector. A slit is formed at the top end of the cylindrical portion, separating a portion of the cylindrical portion circumferentially from another portion. The width of the slit's top end is smaller than the width of the wall exposed at the rear end of the housing when viewed from the insertion / removal direction. Because the width of the slit in the cylindrical portion is smaller than the width of the housing wall, the housing wall can be prevented from entering the slit when the signal terminal is not properly inserted into the housing. This facilitates the assembly of the terminal into the housing.

[0039] (2) In the charging connector of (1), each of the plurality of signal terminals may further have a wire connection portion disposed on the rear end side and electrically connected to the signal line, and an intermediate portion disposed between the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion. The intermediate portion has a protrusion that protrudes beyond the cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The stop body has a terminal pressing portion that extends along the wire connection portion and presses the protrusion toward the housing. Thus, the protrusion can prevent the signal terminal from disengaging. The protrusion is clamped by the housing and the stop body to prevent disengagement, so it is not necessary to deform the protrusion when the terminal is inserted into the housing.

[0040] (3) In the charging connector of (2), a through hole extending through the stop body along the insertion / removal direction may be formed in the stop body, and a terminal pressing portion may be formed around the periphery of the through hole. The through hole is larger than the maximum width of the middle portion of the signal terminal. Therefore, after the signal terminal is connected to the signal line, the signal terminal can pass through the stop body through the through hole, and after the signal terminal that has passed through the through hole is housed in the housing, the terminal pressing portion can be locked against the protrusion. Thus, it is not necessary to connect the signal line to the terminal after it passes through the stop body, making the connector assembly operation easier.

[0041] (4) In the charging connector of (3), the terminal pressing portion may have a protruding cylindrical portion on the side closer to the wire connection portion than the protrusion. The protruding cylindrical portion is formed as a cylinder surrounding the signal terminal. The through hole has: a hollow portion of the protruding cylindrical portion; a terminal insertion hole located on the outside of the protruding cylindrical portion; and a terminal pressing portion side slit formed in the protruding cylindrical portion and communicating with the hollow portion and the terminal insertion hole. The minimum width dimension of the signal terminal on the side closer to the wire connection portion than the protrusion, or the diameter of the signal line connected to the signal terminal, is the same as or smaller than the width dimension of the terminal pressing portion side slit. The maximum width dimension of the middle portion is larger than the width dimension of the terminal pressing portion side slit. Thus, after the signal terminal with the signal line is received in the housing through the through hole, the rear end portion of the signal terminal or the signal line can be inserted into the hollow portion of the protruding cylindrical portion through the terminal pressing portion side slit. In addition, after the rear end of the signal terminal or the signal line is housed in the hollow part, it is assembled into the housing by moving along the signal terminal with the signal line by a stop, so that the signal terminal can be housed in the protruding part, and the top end of the protruding part can be locked in the protrusion.

[0042] (5) In the charging connector of (4), a common through hole may also be provided as the through hole. This common through hole is configured such that one of the terminal insertion holes communicates with the hollow portion of the first protruding cylinder via the first terminal pressing part side slit, and also communicates with the hollow portion of the second protruding cylinder via the second terminal pressing part side slit. In the common through hole, an insulating wall is provided at the portion where the first terminal pressing part side slit and the second terminal pressing part side slit are connected by a straight line. This ensures the insulation distance of the multiple signal terminals inserted into the housing via the common through hole.

[0043] (6) In any of the charging connectors (3) to (5), it may also include: a thermistor mounted on the power terminal; and a wire mounted on the thermistor, wherein the thermistor and the power terminal are housed together in the housing, and the wire of the thermistor passes through the through hole through the stop. Thus, even if the thermistor and the power terminal are housed together in the housing, the wire of the thermistor can extend toward the inside of the vehicle. In addition, by arranging the thermistor in the power terminal at a position close to the connection with the opposite terminal, the temperature detection accuracy of the power terminal using the thermistor can be improved.

[0044] (7) In any of the charging connectors in (1) to (6), the cylindrical portion may have a cylindrical body and a plurality of elastic tabs protruding from the top end of the cylindrical body. The plurality of elastic tabs protrude from mutually separated positions along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body, and the slits are formed between the plurality of elastic tabs arranged along the circumferential direction. A body-side slit is formed in the cylindrical body extending from one end of the cylindrical body to the other end in the axial direction. Thus, there is room for radial deformation of the cylindrical portion during insertion and removal.

[0045] (8) In the charging connector of (7), the width of the rear end portion of the plurality of elastic pieces may be smaller than the width of the top end portion of the plurality of elastic pieces, and the width of the rear end portion of the slit may be larger than the width of the top end portion of the slit. As a result, the plurality of elastic pieces are more likely to deform radially during insertion and removal.

[0046] (9) In the charging connector of (7) or (8), the diameter of the cylindrical portion at the top end of the plurality of elastic pieces may be smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion at the rear end of the plurality of elastic pieces.

[0047] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0048] Specific examples of the charging connector of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims, as shown by the claims.

[0049] [Implementation Method 1]

[0050] The charging connector of Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0051] <About Vehicles>

[0052] First, let's explain the vehicles with the charging connector installed.

[0053] The vehicle equipped with the charging connector is an electric vehicle with an energy storage device and an electric motor. The vehicle is driven by the electric motor powered by electricity from the energy storage device. The vehicle can be an electric vehicle with only an electric motor as its drive source, or a hybrid vehicle with both an electric motor and an engine. The energy storage device in the vehicle is charged using electricity supplied from an external power source. The charging connector is configured such that an external charging connector can be inserted and electrically connected. The external charging connector is a connector for a charging cable extending from an external power source.

[0054] Charging methods for energy storage devices in vehicles generally include regular charging and fast charging. Fast charging achieves charging in a shorter time by using a larger current than regular charging. Regular 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 disclosed herein will be described as a fast charging connector.

[0055] <Charging connector in the vehicle>

[0056] Combination Figure 1 The assembly method of the charging connector in the vehicle is explained. Figure 1 This is a top view showing the charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1 and its assembly method.

[0057] The charging connector 10 is, for example, mounted on a mounting part 100 provided on the outer surface of the vehicle body. Figure 1 An example of the mounting portion 100 is shown. The mounting portion 100 is, for example, formed as a recessed part of a panel constituting the vehicle body, extending inward toward the vehicle. A through hole 104 is formed in the panel 102 at the bottom of the mounting portion 100.

[0058] A connection portion for connecting to an external charging connector is provided on the front side of the charging connector 10. This connection portion includes a section into which the external charging connector 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 outside of the panel 102. Another portion of the charging connector 10 is positioned on the inner side of the vehicle than the panel 102. Typically, a body side cover 106 is provided on the mounting section 100. The body side cover 106 is mounted 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.

[0059] In this disclosure, such as Figure 1 As 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 are connected in the X direction. The Z direction is, for example, the plumb line direction. For example, when the charging connector 10 is provided on the side of the vehicle, the Y direction becomes the front-rear direction of the vehicle. For example, when the charging connector 10 is provided on the front or rear surface of the vehicle, the Y direction becomes the width direction of the vehicle. Hereinafter, for components that are not in an assembled state, the directions corresponding to the X, Y, and Z directions when they are in an assembled state will also be described based on the standard.

[0060] <Overall Composition>

[0061] remove Figure 1 In addition, it also combines Figures 2 to 7 The overall structure of the charging connector 10 will be described. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1. Figure 4 This is a front view showing the charging connector 10 of Embodiment 1. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the VV line. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the terminal wire 38 and its storage location. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the path of the wires 30 in the charging connector 10. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the text, wire 30 is omitted. Additionally, in... Figure 6 In the middle, part of the terminal wire 38 is omitted.

[0062] The charging connector 10 includes terminals 20, wires 30, a thermistor unit 40, a housing 50, a stop 60, a wire cover 70, a cover unit 80, and a wire sheath 90.

[0063] <Terminal>

[0064] Terminal 20 includes connector terminals 21 and relay terminals 28. Connector terminals 21 are housed in housing 50. Connector terminals 21 connect to terminals of the counterpart connector. The number and type of connector terminals 21 are appropriately set according to the specifications of the charging connector 10. In this embodiment, connector terminals 21 include two power terminals 22, six signal terminals 24, and one ground terminal 26. Relay terminals 28 are sandwiched between power terminals 22 and wire 30. The number of relay terminals 28 is the same as that of power terminals 22 (two in this case). The two power terminals 22 are an example of a first power terminal and a second power terminal. Furthermore, either the first power terminal among the two power terminals 22 can be used.

[0065] Power terminal 22 has a parallel connection portion 23a, a terminal fixing portion 23b, and a protrusion 23c. Power terminal 22 also has a thermistor mounting portion 23d. Signal terminal 24 has a parallel connection portion 25a, a wire connection portion 25b, and a protrusion 25c. Grounding terminal 26 has a parallel connection portion 27a, a wire connection portion 27b, and a protrusion 27c. Relay terminal 28 has a terminal fixing portion 29a and a wire connection portion 29b.

[0066] The connecting portions 23a, 25a, and 27a on the opposite side are the parts that are electrically connected to the connector terminals of the external charging connector. Holes for inserting screws S are formed in the terminal fixing portions 23b and 29a. The power terminal 22 and the relay terminal 28 are electrically connected and fixed by screws S in the terminal fixing portions 23b and 29a. The wire connecting portions 25b, 27b, and 29b are crimping portions with cylinders. The cylinders in the wire connecting portions 25b, 27b, and 29b of the signal terminal 24, ground terminal 26, and relay terminal 28 are crimped to the ends of the corresponding wires 30. Thus, the signal terminal 24, ground terminal 26, and relay terminal 28 are electrically connected to and fixed to the corresponding wires 30. Protrusions 23c, 25c, and 27c are provided in the middle portion of each connector terminal 21. The protrusions 23c, 25c, and 27c are the portions pressed by the stop body 60. The thermistor assembly part 23d is the part that assembles the thermistor unit 40.

[0067] Each terminal 20 is formed by stamping (bending) a metal plate. The thickness of each terminal 20 can also be set according to the allowable current value, etc. The larger the plate thickness, the larger the conductor cross-sectional area, and the larger the allowable current value. In this example, the plate thickness of the signal terminal 24 is thinner than the plate thickness of the power supply terminal 22 and the ground terminal 26. In addition, the plate thickness of the ground terminal 26 is thinner than the plate thickness of the power supply terminal 22. The plate thickness of the relay terminal 28 is the same as the plate thickness of the power supply terminal 22.

[0068] Signal terminal 24 is thinner than power terminal 22 and ground terminal 26, and ground terminal 26 is thinner than power terminal 22. The opposite-side connecting portions 23a, 25a, and 27a of power terminal 22, signal terminal 24, and ground terminal 26 are cylindrical. The opposite-side connecting portion 25a of signal terminal 24 has a smaller diameter compared to the opposite-side connecting portions 23a and 27a of power terminal 22 and ground terminal 26, and the opposite-side connecting portion 27a of ground terminal 26 has a smaller diameter compared to the opposite-side connecting portion 23a of power terminal 22.

[0069] <Wire>

[0070] One end of each wire 30 is connected to terminal 20. The other end of each wire 30 extends outward from the cable sleeve 90. When the charging connector 10 is mounted in the vehicle, the other end of each wire 30 is connected to another device mounted in the vehicle. Such a device is appropriately configured depending on the type of wire 30, for example, a battery, an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. The number and type of wires 30 correspond to the number and type of connector terminals 21. In this embodiment, the wires 30 include two power lines 32, six signal lines 34, and one ground line 36. One end of the power line 32 is connected to relay terminal 28. The power line 32 is connected to power terminal 22 via relay terminal 28. One end of the signal line 34 is connected to signal terminal 24. One end of the ground line 36 is connected to ground terminal 26. One end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to the thermistor 42.

[0071] Each wire 30 is a sheathed wire. The sheathed wire has a core wire 31a and a covering portion 31b that covers the core wire 31a. The core wire 31a is formed, for example, by twisting together multiple metal wires. The covering portion 31b is formed, for example, by extruding an insulating resin around the core wire 31a. Multiple wires 30 of different thicknesses are used as multiple wires 30. The thickness of the wire 30 is set according to the allowable current value, etc. Generally, to increase the allowable current value, the conductor cross-sectional area needs to be increased, and correspondingly, the thickness of the wire 30 becomes thicker. Furthermore, the thickness of the wire 30 is generally related to the bending difficulty of the wire 30; as the wire 30 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.

[0072] In this example, the power line 32 is thicker than the ground line 36 and the signal line 34. Therefore, the power line 32 is more difficult to bend than the ground line 36 and the signal line 34. Additionally, the ground line 36 is thicker than the signal line 34. Therefore, the ground line 36 is more difficult to bend than the signal line 34. The power terminal 22, the relay terminal 28, and the power line 32 are used to supply power to the battery. The signal terminal 24 and the signal line 34 transmit signals between the vehicle's exterior and the vehicle's control unit. The ground terminal 26 and the ground line 36 are used for grounding.

[0073] <Wire with terminals>

[0074] Terminal 20 and wire 30 are electrically connected to each other by crimping during the manufacturing process of charging connector 10 and are fixed together as a single unit. This integrated structure of wire 30 and terminal 20 is sometimes referred to as terminald wire 38. In this example, there is a terminald wire 38 with integrated power line 32 and relay terminal 28, a terminald wire 38 with integrated signal line 34 and signal terminal 24, and a terminald wire 38 with integrated ground line 36 and grounding terminal 26.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, a water-stopping section can also be formed by covering the terminal wire 38 with the shrink tube 39. The shrink tube 39 covers the connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20. This can suppress water splashing at the connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20, and prevent water from seeping into the covered section. The connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20 is the crimping portion of the core wires of the signal wire 34, the ground wire 36, and the power wire 32 in the wire connection portions 25b, 27b, and 29b.

[0076] The shrink tube 39, for example, covers the portion of the terminal 20 that is forward of the portion connecting the wire 30 and extends to the portion of the wire 30 that has a covering portion. The shrink tube 39 is a heat-shrinkable tube that shrinks by heating. The heat-shrinkable tube 39 covers the terminal wire 38 in its large-diameter state before heating. Then, the heat-shrinkable tube 39 can fit tightly against the connecting portion by changing its shape to correspond to the shape of the connecting portion when it shrinks due to heating. For example, a hot melt adhesive may be provided on the inner surface of the heat-shrinkable tube 39. As a result, the hot melt adhesive can fill the gap between the heat-shrinkable tube 39 and the terminal 20, and the gap between the heat-shrinkable tube 39 and the wire 30, thereby improving the waterproofness of the shrink tube 39. Alternatively, the hot melt adhesive may not be provided on the inner surface of the heat-shrinkable tube 39.

[0077] In the terminald wire 38, the waterproofing part may not be the shrink tube 39. For example, an adhesive or resin may be used instead of the shrink tube 39. Furthermore, in the terminald wire 38, the crimped portion may be left exposed instead of a waterproofing part. Waterproofing can also be achieved using rubber plugs or the like in the terminald wire 38.

[0078] <Thermistor Unit>

[0079] The thermistor unit 40 measures the temperature of the power supply circuit. In the charging connector 10 for fast charging, a large current flows in the power supply circuit used to charge the battery, so the temperature rise of the power supply circuit is correspondingly greater. By monitoring the temperature of the power supply circuit using the thermistor unit 40, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the power supply circuit from rising too much. The thermistor unit 40 has a thermistor 42 and a thermistor wire 44. In this example, thermistors 42 are respectively mounted on a pair of power terminals 22 to measure the temperature of each pair of power terminals 22. One end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to the thermistor 42. The other end of the thermistor wire 44 extends outward from the cable sleeve 90, just like the other end of the wire 30. When the charging connector 10 is mounted in a vehicle, the other end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected, for example, to the ECU. The thermistor wire 44 is thinner than the power line 32 and the ground line 36. Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 is easier to bend than the power line 32 and the ground line 36.

[0080] <Shell>

[0081] The housing 50 holds the connector terminal 21 in a predetermined position (the position where the external charging connector can connect to the connector terminal 21). The housing 50 engages with the external charging connector at its front end along the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector. The housing 50 includes a housing body 51, a vehicle mounting portion 54, and a wire pressing portion 57.

[0082] The housing body 51 houses the connector terminals 21. The housing body 51 has multiple terminal housing portions 53 and an outer frame portion 52. Each of the multiple terminal housing portions 53 is formed as a cylinder capable of housing the corresponding connector terminal 21. The outer frame portion 52 is formed as a cylinder surrounding the multiple terminal housing portions 53. At the middle portion of the terminal housing portions 53, the multiple terminal housing portions 53 and the outer frame portion 52 are connected by a flat plate-shaped connecting portion. A cover unit 80 is mounted at the front of the housing body 51. A stop body 60 is mounted at the rear of the housing body 51.

[0083] The vehicle assembly part 54 is used to assemble the charging connector 10 to the assembly part 100. The vehicle assembly part 54 is formed as a plate protruding from the middle of the housing body 51 to the periphery of the outer frame part 52. The vehicle assembly part 54 is assembled to the assembly part 100 using, for example, screws S.

[0084] The wire pressing part 57 presses the middle portion of the wire 30 extending from the terminal 20. This makes it difficult for vibrations generated on the other end side of the wire 30, which is closer to the pressed portion than the part pressed by the wire pressing part 57, to be transmitted to the terminal 20, thus suppressing friction between the terminal 20 and the housing body 51. Behind the housing body 51, a block-shaped arm 56 protrudes from the outer frame portion 52 in the Y direction. A wire pressing part 57 is provided at the top end of the arm 56 along the protruding direction from the housing body 51. Three wire pressing parts 57 are provided. Two of the three wire pressing parts 57 press the two power lines 32, and the remaining wire pressing part 57 presses the ground line 36.

[0085] <Stop body>

[0086] The stop 60 prevents the terminal 20 from disengaging from the housing 50. The stop 60 is assembled with the rear end of the housing 50 and holds the terminal 20 together with the housing 50. The stop 60 includes a terminal pressing portion 61 and ribs 69a and 69b.

[0087] The terminal pressing part 61 presses against the rear of the connector terminal 21 housed in the housing 50. This prevents the connector terminal 21 from disengaging rearward from the housing 50. The terminal pressing part 61 includes a rear cover part 62 and multiple protruding cylindrical parts 63. The protruding cylindrical parts 63 press against the signal terminal 24. The terminal pressing part 61 also includes two power terminal pressing parts 63P and a ground terminal pressing part 63G. The power terminal 22 is pressed by the power terminal pressing part 63P, and the ground terminal 26 is pressed by the ground terminal pressing part 63G.

[0088] The rear cover 62 closes the opening at the rear of the outer frame 52. Multiple protruding cylindrical portions 63 protrude from the rear cover 62 towards the front (housing 50 side). Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is cylindrical. Protruding cylindrical portions 63 are formed at positions corresponding to the terminal receiving portions 53 of the six signal terminals 24. The protruding cylindrical portions 63 are inserted into the terminal receiving portions 53. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 surrounds the signal terminal 24 on the side closer to the wire connection portion 25b than the protrusion 25c. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 has openings at both the front and rear of the stop body 60. When the protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the terminal receiving portion 53, the rear end of the connector terminal 21 received in the terminal receiving portion 53 is received within the protruding cylindrical portion 63 through the front opening. When each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the terminal receiving portion 53, each protruding cylindrical portion 63 extends along the wire connection portion 25b of the received signal terminal 24. The top of each protruding cylindrical portion 63 presses the protrusion 25c of the corresponding signal terminal 24 from the rear toward the housing 50. The signal line 34 is led out from the opening at the rear of the corresponding protruding cylindrical portion 63.

[0089] Two power terminal pressing parts 63P and one ground terminal pressing part 63G protrude from the rear cover 62 toward the front (housing 50 side). The power terminal pressing parts 63P, like the protruding cylindrical part 63, are cylindrical. The ground terminal pressing part 63G is formed as a plate extending in the Y direction. Each power terminal pressing part 63P presses the protrusion 23c of the corresponding power terminal 22 toward the housing 50 from the rear. The ground terminal pressing part 63G presses the protrusion 27c of the ground terminal 26 toward the housing 50 from the rear. Through the opening at the rear of the power terminal pressing part 63P, the power terminal 22 and the relay terminal 28 contact and are locked by screws. The relay terminal 28 is disposed on the back of the rear cover 62. The opening at the rear of the power terminal pressing part 63P is closed by the relay terminal 28. The ground wire 36 is led out from the hole below the ground terminal pressing part 63G.

[0090] Ribs 69a and 69b protrude rearward from the rear cover 62. Ribs 69a and 69b space the repeater terminals 28 apart from each other. Additionally, ribs 69a and 69b separate the repeater terminals 28 from the signal terminals 24. Ribs 69a and 69b also position the repeater terminals 28. The portion of the repeater terminal 28 that connects to the power terminal 22 is arranged along ribs 69a and 69b. Ribs 69a and 69b separate the storage space and drainage space of the terminal 20 inside the cable sheath 90. This prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the drainage space from the drain outlet 93 from reaching the storage space of the terminal 20. Therefore, it prevents dust and other contaminants from adhering to the terminal 20.

[0091] The housing 50 and the stop body 60 are provided with locking portions. In this example, the locking portions include a locking protrusion formed on the housing 50 and a locking piece formed on the stop body 60. The locking piece is locked to the locking protrusion, thereby maintaining the housing 50 and the stop body 60 in a mutually assembled state.

[0092] <Wire Cover>

[0093] The wire cover 70 is fitted onto the wire pressing part 57. The wire cover 70 prevents the wire 30 from detaching from the wire pressing part 57. The wire cover 70 and the wire pressing part 57 cover the entire area surrounding the wire 30. In this embodiment, two wire covers 70 are provided. One of the two wire covers 70 presses down on two power lines 32. The other of the two wire covers 70 presses down on a ground wire 36.

[0094] <Cover Unit>

[0095] A cover unit 80 is closable and positioned at the front of the housing body 51. When the cover unit 80 is opened, the connection port of the housing body 51 is exposed, allowing connection of an external charging connector to the charging connector 10. When the cover unit 80 is closed, the connection port of the housing body 51 is locked. The cover unit 80 includes a cover 82, a hinge unit 84, and a locking unit 86. The cover 82 is closable and mounted on the housing body 51 via the hinge unit 84. The locking unit 86 holds the cover 82 in a closed state. During charging operations, the operator can operate the locking unit 86 to open the cover 82.

[0096] <Wire Protector>

[0097] The cable sheath 90 is an example of an external component that covers the rear end of the housing 50 to the middle portion of the power line 32 and signal line 34. The cable sheath 90 is not a necessary component. For example, a protector may also be provided as an external component. The cable sheath 90 covers the housing 50 and the stop 60. The cable sheath 90 includes a first protective part 91 and a second protective part 94. The first protective part 91 covers the rear end of the housing body 51 and the stop 60. The second protective part 94 covers the wire pressing part 57. The cable sheath 90 is, for example, made of an elastic material such as EPDM.

[0098] A housing outlet 92 and a drain outlet 93 are formed in the first protective section 91. The front end of the housing body 51 extends outward from the housing outlet 92 to the outside of the cable protector 90. The drain outlet 93 is an opening for draining water that has entered the interior of the charging connector 10 to the outside. It can be assumed that such water may enter from the opening of the housing body 51, for example, when the cover unit 80 is opened. A cable tie 98 is fitted to the outer surface of the housing outlet 92. The cable protector 90 is fitted to the housing 50 using the cable tie 98.

[0099] A wire outlet 95 is formed in the second protective section 94. The other end of the wire 30 extends outward from the wire outlet 95 to the outside of the sheath 90. Three wire outlets 95 are provided in one sheath 90. Two of the three wire outlets 95 are provided for two power lines 32. One power line 32 is inserted into each of the two wire outlets 95. The remaining wire outlet 95 is where the signal line 34, the ground line 36, and the thermistor wire 44 pass through.

[0100] <Wire path in the charging connector>

[0101] The power line 32 extends in a straight line from one end connected to the relay terminal 28 toward the other end within the cable sheath 90, and extends out of the cable sheath 90 through the wire outlet 95. Therefore, one end of the power line 32 is not inserted into the through hole 64 of the stop body 60.

[0102] Two power lines 32 extend within the sheath 90, arranged in the Z direction. Two power terminals 22 are housed in the housing body 51, arranged in the Y direction. The difference in the orientation of the two power lines 32 and the two power terminals 22 is absorbed by the relay terminals 28. More specifically, the two relay terminals 28 are respectively disposed on the rear cover 62. The two relay terminals 28 extend in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. Relay terminal 28A of the two relay terminals 28 is connected to the power terminal 22 closer to the wire outlet 95, and relay terminal 28B is connected to the power terminal 22 farther from the wire outlet 95. Relay terminals 28A and 28B are arranged in the Y direction at the portions connected to the power terminals 22, and in the Z direction at the portions connected to the wire 30. Relay terminal 28A extends in a straight line along the rear cover 62 between the portions connected to the power terminals 22 and the portions connected to the power lines 32. The relay terminal 28B is bent away from the rear cover 62 midway from the portion connected to the power terminal 22 toward the portion connected to the power line 32. The orientation of the main surface of the relay terminal 28B changes between the portion connected to the power terminal 22 and the portion connected to the power line 32.

[0103] One end of the signal wire 34 is inserted into the terminal housing 53. The other end of the signal wire 34 extends from the through hole 64 of the stop body 60, bends within the cable sheath 90, and faces the wire outlet 95 of the cable sheath 90. Signal wire 34A of the plurality of signal wires 34 is connected to the signal terminal 24 located above the power supply terminal 22, and signal wire 34B is connected to the signal terminal 24 located below the power supply terminal 22. After extending from the through hole 64, signal wire 34A passes between a pair of power lines 32 and merges with signal wire 34B, extending in the Y direction.

[0104] One end of the ground wire 36 is inserted into the terminal housing 53. The ground wire 36 extends from one end to the other through the through hole 64 of the stop 60, bends within the cable sheath 90, and, together with the signal wire 34, heads towards the wire outlet 95 of the cable sheath 90. As described above, because the ground wire 36 is more difficult to bend than the signal wire 34, the radius of curvature of the ground wire 36 is more likely to be larger than that of the signal wire 34 in the portion where both the signal wire 34 and the ground wire 36 bend from the X direction to the Y direction. By pressing the other end of the ground wire 36 using the wire pressing part 57 of the housing 50 and the wire cover 70, excessive bulging of the ground wire 36 within the cable sheath 90 can be prevented.

[0105] The thermistor 42 is housed together with the power terminal 22 in the housing body 51. Therefore, one end of the thermistor wire 44 is also housed in the housing body 51. The other end of the thermistor wire 44 extends outward from the rear cover 62 through the through hole 64 of the stop 60, bends within the cable sheath 90, and faces the outlet of the cable sheath 90. The portion of the thermistor wire 44 used for inserting the terminald wire 38 passes through the through hole 64. The thermistor wire 44 passes between a pair of power lines 32 and extends in the Y direction together with the signal line 34.

[0106] <Regarding the relationship between the housing body and the signal terminals>

[0107] Further integration Figures 8 to 10 The relationship between the housing body 51 and the signal terminal 24 is explained. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the differences in signal terminal 24. Figure 9 This is a rear view showing the rear end portion of the housing body 51. Figure 9 In this diagram, the connector terminals 21 are arranged in the same manner as the terminal storage section 53. The diagram shows a rear view of the rear end portion of the housing body 51. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the housing body 51 and the signal terminal 24. Figure 10 In the middle, signal terminal 24 is Figure 8 A partial enlarged view shows the main body 51 of the shell. Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0108] like Figure 8 As shown, in this example, the multiple signal terminals 24 have three types of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C. Here, one signal terminal 24A, three signal terminals 24B, and two signal terminals 24C are provided. Signal terminal 24A is housed in terminal housing portion 53A, and signal terminal 24B is housed in terminal housing portion 53B. Terminal housing portions 53A and 53B are located above the line connecting the centers of the terminal housing portions 53 of the two power terminals 22 in the Z direction. Terminal housing portion 53A is surrounded by three terminal housing portions 53B. In the Y direction, terminal housing portions 53B are located adjacent to terminal housing portion 53A on both sides. In the Z direction, one terminal housing portion 53B is located near the lower side of terminal housing portion 53A. Terminal housing portion 53A and its lower terminal housing portion 53B are located in the Y direction at the center of the terminal housing portions 53 of the two power terminals 22.

[0109] The three signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C have different shapes. The shapes of the protrusions 25c in each of the three signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C are also different. In each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C, the first and second protrusions 25c extend in opposite directions. The connecting portion in the middle of each signal terminal 24, which connects the opposite connecting portion 25a and the wire connecting portion 25b, is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. The first protrusion 25c extends from one end of the semi-cylindrical connecting portion in a direction away from the connecting portion. The second protrusion 25c extends from the other end of the semi-cylindrical connecting portion in a direction away from the connecting portion. The distance between the top of the first protrusion 25c and the top of the second protrusion 25c, measured from the semi-cylindrical connecting portion, is the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24.

[0110] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the vertical direction on the paper is parallel to the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector. In the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24, the dimension along the insertion / removal direction is the width of the protrusion 25c. Figure 8 In the example shown, width dimensions W1A, W1B, and W1C are the width dimensions of the protrusions 25c of each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the width dimensions W1A and W1C of the protrusions 25c of signal terminals 24A and 24C are smaller than the width dimension W1B of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B. Furthermore, the width dimensions W1A of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24A and W1C of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C are the same.

[0111] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the left-right direction of the paper is parallel to the direction in which the protrusion 25c extends from the semi-cylindrical connecting portion. In the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24, the dimension along the direction extending from the first and second protrusions 25c is the width dimension of the signal terminal 24. Figure 8 In the example shown, width dimensions W2A, W2B, and W2C are the respective width dimensions of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C. Figure 8 As shown, the width W2A of signal terminal 24A is smaller than the widths W2B and W2C of signal terminals 24B and 24C, respectively. Furthermore, the width W2B of signal terminal 24B is smaller than the width W2C of signal terminal 24C.

[0112] Additionally, each signal terminal 24 has a cylindrical portion 25a of a counterpart connection portion 25a. The cylindrical portion 25a is provided at the top end of the signal terminal 24. A terminal of an external charging connector is inserted into the cylindrical portion 25a. The cylindrical portion 25a has a cylindrical body 25d and a plurality of elastic tabs 25e. The plurality of elastic tabs 25e protrude from the top end of the cylindrical body 25d toward the top end. The plurality of elastic tabs 25e constitute the top end of the signal terminal 24. A semi-cylindrical connecting portion protrudes from the rear end of the cylindrical body 25d toward the rear end.

[0113] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the length dimensions LA, LB, and LC are the dimensions of the cylindrical body 25d of each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C in the insertion / removal direction. The length dimension LA of the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24A is longer than the length dimensions LB and LC of the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminals 24B and 24C. The length dimension LB of the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24B is the same as the length dimension LC of the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24C.

[0114] The terminal receiving portion 53 for the signal terminal 24 has a first receiving portion 53d and a second receiving portion 53e. The first receiving portion 53d receives the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24 near its top end. The first receiving portion 53d is formed to be the same size as or slightly smaller than the cylindrical body 25d. The second receiving portion 53e receives the protrusion 25c and the rear end of the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24. The second receiving portion 53e is formed to a size that allows the protruding cylindrical portion 63 to enter. In a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction, the second receiving portion 53e is larger than the first receiving portion 53d, creating a step between the first receiving portion 53d and the second receiving portion 53e. Therefore, as Figure 9 As shown, the rear end face of the first storage portion 53d is exposed on the rear end side through the second storage portion 53e. When the signal terminal 24 is about to move towards the top end of the terminal storage portion 53 in the insertion / removal direction, the protrusion 25c hooks onto the rear end face of the first storage portion 53d, and further movement is restricted.

[0115] Two recesses 53f are formed in each first receiving portion 53d. The two recesses 53f are circumferentially separated in the inner surface of the first receiving portion 53d. The two recesses 53f are formed in the receiving tube body 25d and the portion further to its rear end in the first receiving portion 53d. A protrusion 53g is formed between the two recesses 53f. The two recesses 53f and the protrusion 53g extend from the rear end of the first receiving portion 53d to the middle portion. The two recesses 53f are located adjacent to each other in the lowermost portion in the Z direction of the inner surface of the first receiving portion 53d. The protrusion 53g is located in the lowermost portion in the Z direction of the inner surface of the first receiving portion 53d. The two recesses 53f are recessed downward in the Z direction. The amount of recess in the Z direction is greater in the rear end portion of the recess 53f than in the top end portion of the recess 53f. In the rear end face of the first storage portion 53d, the concave portion 53f and the convex portion 53g form a concave-convex shape in the X direction.

[0116] A groove 53h is formed in the second receiving portion 53e of a portion of the terminal receiving portions 53B and 53C, into which the protrusion 25c is inserted. First and second grooves 53h are formed in the second receiving portion 53e of the terminal receiving portions 53B and 53C, into which the first and second protrusions 25c are respectively inserted. The first and second grooves 53h are formed in the inner surface of the second receiving portion 53e at a position 180 degrees apart from each other. Each groove 53h is formed to a size corresponding to the size of the received protrusion 25c. Furthermore, each groove 53h is recessed from the inner surface of the second receiving portion 53e in an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the signal terminal 24. The signal terminal 24B is received in the terminal receiving portion 53B such that the first and second protrusions 25c extend in the Y direction. The first and second grooves 53h in the terminal receiving portion 53B are recessed from the inner surface of the second receiving portion 53e in the Y direction. Signal terminals 24C are housed in terminal housing portion 53C with their first and second protrusions 25c extending in directions intersecting the Y and Z directions. First and second grooves 53h in terminal housing portion 53C are recessed from the inner surface of second housing portion 53e in directions intersecting the Y and Z directions. The first and second protrusions 25c of signal terminals 24B and 24C are received in the first and second grooves 53h of terminal housing portions 53B and 53C. This prevents signal terminals 24B and 24C from rotating about an axis along the insertion / removal direction.

[0117] In a portion of the terminal receiving portion 53A, the second receiving portion 53e does not have a groove 53h. The second receiving portion 53e of the terminal receiving portion 53A is sized to accommodate the protrusion 25c. A rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i is formed in the second receiving portion 53e of the terminal receiving portion 53A. The rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i protrudes inward from a portion of the inner surface of the second receiving portion 53e. The rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i is located on the trajectory of the protrusion 25c when the signal terminal 24A rotates about an axis along the insertion / removal direction. Figure 9As shown, the rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i is positioned separately from the recess 53f and the protrusion 53g when viewed from the X direction.

[0118] A slit 25f is formed at the top end of the cylindrical portion 25a. The slit 25f separates a portion of the cylindrical portion 25a circumferentially from another portion. Here, slits 25f are formed between a plurality of elastic tabs 25e. The plurality of elastic tabs 25e protrude from their separated positions along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 25d. Slits 25f are formed between the plurality of elastic tabs 25e arranged circumferentially. In this example, three elastic tabs 25e are arranged circumferentially in one signal terminal 24. Therefore, three slits 25f are formed in one signal terminal 24.

[0119] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the width dimension W3 is the width of the top of the slit 25f in the signal terminal 24C. Additionally, in Figure 10 In the example shown, the width dimension W4 is the width dimension of the protrusion 53g in the terminal receiving portion 53 of the signal terminal 24C. The width dimension W4 is the width of the wall exposed at the rear end of the housing 50 when viewed from the insertion / removal direction. The width dimension W3 of the slit 25f is smaller than the width dimension W4 of the protrusion 53g, which serves as a wall. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24C is inserted into the terminal receiving portion 53, the protrusion 53g can be prevented from entering the slit 25f, making terminal insertion easier.

[0120] Furthermore, the width of the tip of the slit 25f in signal terminals 24A and 24B is the same as the width of the tip of the slit 25f in signal terminal 24C. Additionally, the width of the protrusion 53g in the terminal receiving portion 53 of signal terminals 24A and 24B is the same as the width of the protrusion 53g in the terminal receiving portion 53 of signal terminal 24C. Therefore, when signal terminals 24A and 24B are inserted into the terminal receiving portion 53, the protrusion 53g can be prevented from entering the slit 25f, making terminal insertion easier.

[0121] Moreover, in Figure 10 In the example shown, the width dimension W5 is the width dimension of the protrusion 53g in the terminal receiving portion 53 of the grounding terminal 26. The protrusion 53g in the terminal receiving portion 53 of the grounding terminal 26 is the wall with the smallest width among the walls exposed at the rear end of the housing 50 when viewed from the insertion / removal direction. Here, the width dimension W3 of the slit 25f is smaller than the width dimension W5 of the wall. As a result, when each signal terminal 24 is inserted into the terminal receiving portion 53, it is suppressed which wall in the rear end of the housing 50 enters the slit 25f, making terminal insertion easier.

[0122] The slit 25f extends rearward from the top of the cylindrical portion 25a. The protrusion 53g of the terminal receiving portion 53 extends forward from the rear end of the first receiving portion 53d. When the rear end of the housing 50 is viewed from the insertion / removal direction, the rear end of the protrusion 53g is exposed.

[0123] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the width dimension W6 is the width dimension of the rear end of slit 25f. The width dimension W6 of the rear end of slit 25f is larger than the width dimension W3 of the top end of slit 25f.

[0124] The plurality of elastic sheets 25e are bent in the middle such that the top ends of the plurality of elastic sheets 25e are located closer to the radial center than the rear ends of the plurality of elastic sheets 25e. Therefore, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the top ends of the plurality of elastic sheets 25e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the rear ends of the plurality of elastic sheets 25e. Consequently, the spacing between adjacent elastic sheets 25e at their top ends is smaller than the spacing between adjacent elastic sheets 25e at their rear ends.

[0125] Furthermore, in each elastic sheet 25e, the width of the rear end portion is smaller than the width of the top end portion. As a result, the spacing between adjacent elastic sheets 25e at the top end portion is smaller than the spacing between adjacent elastic sheets 25e at the rear end portion.

[0126] Furthermore, a body-side slit 25g is formed in the cylindrical body 25d. The body-side slit 25g extends from one end of the cylindrical body 25d in the axial direction to the other end. As described above, the signal terminal 24 is formed by bending a metal plate. The circumference of the metal plate in the cylindrical body 25d is slightly shorter than the circumference of the circle corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical body 25d. One end and the other end of the circumferential metal plate do not overlap radially and are separated circumferentially. Thus, a body-side slit 25g is formed between one end and the other end of the circumferential metal plate.

[0127] <Regarding the relationship between the stop body and the terminal>

[0128] Further integration Figures 11 to 13 The relationship between the stop body 60 and the connector terminal 21 is explained. Figure 11 This is a rear view showing the stop body 60. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the stop body 60. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the situation where the stop body 60 presses down on the connector terminal 21 from the rear.

[0129] Multiple through holes 64 are formed in the stop body 60. Each through hole 64 penetrates the stop body 60 along the insertion / removal direction. The through holes 64 are formed at positions corresponding to the terminal receiving portions 53. A protruding cylindrical portion 63 is formed around the periphery of the through hole 64. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 has a protruding cylindrical portion body 63a. The protruding cylindrical portion 63 of the pressing signal terminal 24B also has a protruding pressing protrusion 63b. The protruding pressing protrusion 63b protrudes from the outer surface of the protruding cylindrical portion body 63a to the outer peripheral side. The protruding pressing protrusion 63b enters the groove 53h and presses the protrusion 25c. The protruding cylindrical portions 63 of the pressing signal terminals 24A and 24C do not have protruding pressing protrusions 63b. In this example, four through holes 64 are formed in one stop body 60 corresponding to the terminal receiving portions 53 of the six signal terminals 24.

[0130] Each of the four through holes 64 has a hollow portion 65 protruding from the cylindrical portion 63, a terminal insertion port 66, and a terminal pressing side slit 67. The hollow portion 65 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 connects the front opening and the rear opening of the protruding cylindrical portion 63. The terminal insertion port 66 is located on the outside of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 in a direction intersecting the insertion and removal direction. The terminal pressing side slit 67 is formed along the entire length of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 in the insertion and removal direction. The terminal pressing side slit 67 connects the hollow portion 65 and the terminal insertion port 66.

[0131] In two of the four through holes 64, 64A and 64B, a terminal insertion hole 66 communicates with the hollow portion 65 of a protruding cylindrical portion 63. The hollow portion 65 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 in through holes 64A and 64B is separated from the hollow portion 65 of the other protruding cylindrical portions 63.

[0132] In two of the four through holes 64, 64C and 64D, a terminal insertion universal hole 66 communicates with the hollow portions 65 of the two protruding cylindrical portions 63. These two through holes 64C and 64D are shared through holes 64C and 64D. In the shared through hole 64C, a terminal insertion universal hole 66C communicates with a hollow portion 65C1 via a terminal pressing side slit 67C1, and also communicates with another hollow portion 65C2 via another terminal pressing side slit 67C2. In the shared through hole 64D, a terminal insertion universal hole 66D communicates with a hollow portion 65D1 via a terminal pressing side slit 67D1, and also communicates with another hollow portion 65D2 via another terminal pressing side slit 67D2.

[0133] After the six signal terminals 24 are connected to the signal line 34 to form a terminald wire 38, they pass through the stop body 60 through the through holes 64 corresponding to the terminal receiving portion 53 that houses them. Specifically, the signal terminal 24B adjacent to the left of the signal terminal 24A among the three signal terminals 24B passes through the stop body 60 through the through hole 64C. The signal terminal 24B adjacent to the right of the signal terminal 24A among the three signal terminals 24B passes through the stop body 60 through the through hole 64A. The signal terminal 24B adjacent to the lower side of the signal terminal 24A among the three signal terminals 24B passes through the stop body 60 through the through hole 64B. The two signal terminals 24C pass through the stop body 60 through the through hole 64D.

[0134] Each of the four through holes 64 is sized to allow passage to the corresponding signal terminal 24. Each of the four through holes 64 is larger than the maximum width of the central portion of the signal terminal 24. The maximum width of the central portion of the signal terminal 24 is the width of the protrusion 25c. Specifically, through holes 64A and 64B are larger than the width W1B of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B. Through hole 64C is larger than the width W1A of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24A and the width W1B of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B. Through hole 64D is larger than the width W1C of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C.

[0135] The maximum width of the middle portion of the signal terminal 24 is larger than the width of the terminal pressing portion side slit 67. The middle portion of the signal terminal 24 cannot pass through the terminal pressing portion side slit 67.

[0136] The minimum width dimension of the signal terminal 24 on the side of the protrusion 25c near the wire connection portion 25b, or the diameter of the signal wire 34 connected to the signal terminal 24, is the same as or smaller than the width dimension of the terminal pressing portion side slit 67. Therefore, after the protrusion 25c passes through the through hole 64, the signal terminal 24 or the signal wire 34 can move through the terminal pressing portion side slit 67 towards the hollow portion 65 of the protruding cylinder portion 63. Here, the diameter of the signal wire 34 is smaller than the width dimension of the terminal pressing portion side slit 67. The signal wire 34 can pass through the terminal pressing portion side slit 67.

[0137] In the common through hole 64C, an insulating wall 68C is provided at the portion where the terminal pressing part side slit 67C1 and the terminal pressing part side slit 67C2 are connected by a straight line. The insulating wall 68C is part of the protruding cylindrical portion 63. The insulating wall 68C ensures the insulation distance between the two signal terminals 24A and 24B passing through the common through hole 64C.

[0138] In the common through hole 64D, insulating walls 68D1 and 68D2 are provided at the portion where the terminal pressing part side slit 67D1 and terminal pressing part side slit 67D2 are connected by a straight line. Insulating wall 68D1 is part of the protruding cylinder 63. Insulating wall 68D2 is a wall provided separately from the protruding cylinder 63. Insulating wall 68D2 extends downward in the Z direction from the end of insulating wall 68D1. In addition, the four through holes 64 are separated by the rear cover portion 62 of the stop body 60. With the use of insulating walls 68D1 and 68D2, the insulation distance between the two signal terminals 24C and the ground terminal 26 passing through the common through hole 64C can be ensured.

[0139] The opening at the rear of the cylindrical power terminal press part 63P is closed by the relay terminal 28. Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 cannot be led out through the opening at the rear of the power terminal press part 63P. The thermistor wire 44 passes through the stop body 60 through any one of the four through holes 64. For example, the thermistor wire 44 of the thermistor 42 connected to one power terminal 22 passes through the stop body 60 through through hole 64A. The thermistor wire 44 of the thermistor 42 connected to the other power terminal 22 passes through the stop body 60 through through hole 64C.

[0140] <Regarding the prevention of misassembly of signal terminals>

[0141] Further integration Figures 14 to 17 The method for preventing misassembly of the three signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C is explained. Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the three signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C are housed in the regular terminal storage sections 53A, 53B, and 53C.

[0142] Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a signal terminal 24A housed in three terminal storage sections 53A, 53B, and 53C. Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which another type of signal terminal 24B is housed in three terminal storage sections 53A, 53B, and 53C. Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another type of signal terminal 24C housed in three terminal storage sections 53A, 53B, and 53C.

[0143] As described above, the protrusions 25c of the three signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C have different dimensions. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 25a of signal terminal 24A is longer than the cylindrical portions 25a of signal terminals 24B and 24C. Therefore, each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C cannot be properly housed in a terminal storage portion 53 other than its corresponding terminal storage portion 53A, 53B, and 53C. Here, the inability of signal terminal 24 to be properly housed in the terminal storage portion 53 includes not only cases where signal terminal 24 cannot be inserted into the terminal storage portion 53, but also cases where the stop 60 is not fitted to the housing 50 when signal terminal 24 is inserted into the terminal storage portion 53.

[0144] like Figure 14 As shown, with each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C housed in its corresponding terminal receiving portion 53A, 53B, and 53C, when the stop body 60 is assembled into the housing 50, each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into a predetermined position in the second receiving portion 53e of each terminal receiving portion 53. Thus, the housing 50 and the stop body 60 can be locked in place at the locking portion, allowing the housing 50 and the stop body 60 to be assembled.

[0145] like Figure 15 As shown, signal terminal 24A can be inserted into terminal housing portions 53B and 53C. This is because the maximum width dimension of signal terminal 24A is smaller than the maximum width dimension of signal terminals 24B and 24C and the width dimension of their corresponding terminal housing portions 53B and 53C. However, the length dimension of the cylindrical portion 25a in signal terminal 24A is longer than the length dimension of the cylindrical portion 25a in signal terminals 24B and 24C. Therefore, when signal terminal 24A is inserted into terminal housing portions 53B and 53C, the protrusion 25c in signal terminal 24A is located further rearward than its proper position. Therefore, when signal terminal 24A is inserted into terminal housing portions 53B and 53C, and the stop body 60 is assembled on housing 50, the protruding cylindrical portion 63 cannot be inserted into its proper position relative to the terminal housing portions 53B and 53C that house signal terminal 24A. Therefore, the housing 50 and the stop 60 cannot be locked at the locking part, and the housing 50 and the stop 60 cannot be assembled. Thus, misassembly of the signal terminal 24A to the terminal receiving parts 53B and 53C can be prevented.

[0146] like Figure 16 As shown, signal terminal 24B cannot be inserted into terminal housing 53A. This is because the maximum width dimension of signal terminal 24B is larger than the maximum width dimension of signal terminal 24A and the width dimension of its corresponding terminal housing 53A. Therefore, misassembly of signal terminal 24B into terminal housing 53A can be prevented.

[0147] Furthermore, the signal terminal 24B can be inserted into the terminal housing 53C. This is because the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24B is smaller than the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24C and the corresponding width dimension of the terminal housing 53C. However, the width dimension of the protrusion 25c in the signal terminal 24B is larger than the width dimension of the protrusion 25c in the signal terminal 24C. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24B is inserted into the terminal housing 53C, the rear end of the protrusion 25c in the signal terminal 24B is located further rearward than the normal position. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24B is inserted into the terminal housing 53C, and the stop 60 is assembled on the housing 50, the protruding cylindrical portion 63 cannot be inserted into the normal position relative to the terminal housing 53C that houses the signal terminal 24B. As a result, the housing 50 and the stop 60 cannot be locked at the locking portion, and the housing 50 and the stop 60 cannot be assembled. Therefore, misassembly of the signal terminal 24B into the terminal housing 53C can be suppressed.

[0148] like Figure 17 As shown, signal terminal 24C cannot be inserted into terminal housing portions 53A and 53B. This is because the maximum width dimension of signal terminal 24C is larger than the maximum width dimension of signal terminals 24A and 24B and the width dimension of their corresponding terminal housing portions 53A and 53B. Therefore, misassembly of signal terminal 24C into terminal housing portions 53A and 53B can be prevented.

[0149] In the above example, in the insertion / removal direction, the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B is larger than the size of the protrusions 25c of signal terminals 24A and 24C. Therefore, in the insertion / removal direction, the combination of signal terminals 24 that satisfies the first condition that the size of the protrusion 25c of the first signal terminal 24 is larger than the size of the protrusion 25c of the second signal terminal 24 is the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C and the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C.

[0150] Furthermore, in the above example, in the extending direction of the protrusion 25c, the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C is larger than the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminals 24A and 24B, and the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B is larger than the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24A. Therefore, in the extending direction of the protrusion 25c, the combination of signal terminals 24 that satisfies the second condition that the size of the protrusion 25c of the second signal terminal 24 is larger than the size of the protrusion 25c of the first signal terminal 24 are the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24B, the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C, and the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above example, signal terminals 24A and 24B are disposed on the opposite side of signal terminal 24C, separated by two power supply terminals 22. Therefore, the combination of signal terminals 24 that satisfies the third condition that the first signal terminal 24 is disposed on the opposite side of the second signal terminal 24, separated by two power supply terminals 22, is the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C and the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C.

[0152] In the above example, the combination of signal terminals 24 that satisfies all conditions 1, 2, and 3 is the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C. That is, in the insertion / removal direction, the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B is larger than the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C. Furthermore, in the extending direction of the protrusion 25c, the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C is larger than the size of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B. Additionally, signal terminal 24B is disposed on the opposite side to signal terminal 24C, separated by two power terminals 22.

[0153] <Regarding the holding state of signal terminals>

[0154] Further integration Figure 18 The holding state of signal terminal 24 will be explained. Figure 18 This is a schematic rear view showing the state in which the two signal terminals 24A and 24B are housed in the regular terminal storage sections 53A and 53B.

[0155] With the signal terminal 24A housed in the terminal storage portion 53A, a rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i is provided at the position of the protrusion 25c in the insertion / removal direction. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24A is about to rotate about an axis along the insertion / removal direction, as... Figure 18 As shown, regardless of the rotation direction, the protrusion 25c contacts the rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i, thus suppressing further rotation. Therefore, the rotation of the signal terminal 24A about the axis along the insertion / removal direction is suppressed to less than one revolution. This also suppresses the increase in the amount of twist of the signal line 34 connected to the signal terminal 24A.

[0156] Furthermore, the anti-rotation protrusion 53i extends to the rear end of the terminal receiving portion 53A. The anti-rotation protrusion 53i is housed in the terminal pressing portion side slit 67 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 of the pressing signal terminal 24A, located further rearward than the protrusion 25c. The terminal pressing portion side slit 67 is closed by the anti-rotation protrusion 53i. The signal terminal 24A can rotate less than one revolution around an axis along the insertion / removal direction. Even in this case, the anti-rotation protrusion 53i closes the terminal pressing portion side slit 67, thereby preventing the signal terminal 24A or the signal line 34 connected to it from inserting into the terminal pressing portion side slit 67 when the signal terminal 24A rotates around an axis along the insertion / removal direction.

[0157] With the signal terminal 24B housed in the terminal storage section 53B, as follows Figure 18 As shown, the first and second protrusions 25c are respectively housed in the first and second slots 53h. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24B is about to rotate about an axis along the insertion / removal direction, further rotation is suppressed by the contact between the protrusions 25c and the inner surface of the slots 53h. The amount of rotation of the signal terminal 24b about the axis along the insertion / removal direction is small, much less than the amount of rotation of the signal terminal 24A about the axis along the insertion / removal direction.

[0158] Similarly to signal terminal 24B, signal terminal 24C is housed in the first and second slots 53h via the first and second protrusions 25c, respectively, thereby suppressing rotation about the axis in the insertion / removal direction.

[0159] The cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24A is longer in the insertion / removal direction compared to the cylindrical bodies 25d of signal terminals 24B and 24C. Therefore, signal terminal 24A is supported on the terminal housing 53 at the cylindrical body 25d, a distance longer in the insertion / removal direction than signal terminals 24B and 24C. Consequently, signal terminal 24A is difficult to rotate about an axis intersecting the insertion / removal direction (e.g., about the Y-axis or Z-axis).

[0160] The cylindrical body 25d of signal terminals 24B and 24C is shorter in the insertion / removal direction compared to the cylindrical body 25d of signal terminal 24A. Even in this case, the protrusion 25c of signal terminals 24B and 24C is supported on the inner surface of the groove 53h. As a result, signal terminals 24B and 24C are difficult to rotate about an axis extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction (e.g., about the Y-axis or about the Z-axis).

[0161] <Regarding the relationship between the grounding terminal, the housing, and the stop>

[0162] The grounding terminal 26 has a grounding terminal side connecting portion 27a and a grounding terminal side wire connecting portion 27b, which are examples of a grounding terminal side cylindrical portion and a grounding terminal side wire connecting portion. The grounding terminal 26 has a grounding terminal side intermediate portion provided between the grounding terminal side connecting portion 27a and the grounding terminal side wire connecting portion 27b. The protrusion 27c is an example of a grounding terminal side that protrudes beyond the grounding terminal side cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion and removal direction. The grounding terminal pressing portion 63G of the stop body 60 extends along the wire connecting portion 27b and presses the protrusion 27c toward the housing 50.

[0163] Unlike the first and second protrusions 25c, the first and second protrusions 27c extend in the same direction (in this case, the positive Z-direction). A grounding terminal pressing portion 63G is formed on the front surface of the rear cover portion 62, above the terminal insertion hole 66D, at its periphery. The grounding terminal pressing portion 63G is formed as a flat plate extending in the Y-direction, pressing the top ends of the first and second protrusions 27c.

[0164] In this example, the grounding terminal 26 can also pass through the stop body 60 in a configuration consisting of a terminal wire 38. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the through hole 64D is formed to the size through which the terminal wire 38 of the grounding terminal 26 can be inserted.

[0165] <Effects, etc.>

[0166] In the charging connector 10 configured as described above, the width of the slit 25f in the cylindrical portion 25a is smaller than the width of the wall of the protrusion 53g, etc., of the housing 50. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24 is not properly inserted into the housing 50, the wall of the protrusion 53g, etc., of the housing 50 can be prevented from entering the slit 25f. As a result, the assembly operation of the signal terminal 24 into the housing 50 becomes easier. In addition, the plate thickness of the signal terminal 24 is thinner than the plate thickness of the power terminal 22. Therefore, the signal terminal 24 can be easily deformed with a smaller external force than the power terminal 22. Even in this case, the wall of the protrusion 53g, etc., of the housing 50 can be prevented from entering the slit 25f, thus preventing the deformation of the cylindrical portion 25a from the wall of the protrusion 53g, etc., of the housing 50.

[0167] In addition, the protrusion 25c and the terminal pressing part 61 are used to prevent the signal terminal 24 from falling off. The protrusion 25c is clamped by the housing 50 and the stop body 60 to prevent falling off, so it is not necessary to deform the protrusion 25c when the signal terminal 24 is inserted into the housing 50.

[0168] Furthermore, after the signal terminal 24 is connected to the signal line 34, the terminal wire 38 with the signal terminal 24 can pass through the through hole 64 and through the stop body 60. After the signal terminal 24, which has passed through the through hole 64, is housed in the housing 50, the terminal pressing part 61 can be locked onto the protrusion 25c. Thus, it is not necessary to connect the signal terminal 24 with the signal line 34 passing through the stop body 60, making the assembly operation of the charging connector 10 easier.

[0169] Furthermore, after the signal terminal 24 with signal line 34 is received in the housing 50 through the through hole 64, the rear end portion of the signal terminal 24 or the signal line 34 can be inserted into the hollow portion 65 of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 through the terminal pressing side slit 67. Additionally, after the rear end portion of the signal terminal 24 or the signal line 34 is received in the hollow portion 65, it is assembled into the housing 50 by the movement of the stop 60 along the signal terminal 24 with signal line 34, thereby allowing the signal terminal 24 to be received within the protruding cylindrical portion 63, and the top end of the protruding cylindrical portion 63 to be engaged with the protrusion 25c.

[0170] Furthermore, in the common through-hole 64C, an insulating wall 68C is provided at the portion where the first terminal pressing part side slit 67C1 and the second terminal pressing part side slit 67C2 are connected by a straight line. This ensures the insulation distance between the multiple signal terminals 24A and 24B inserted into the housing 50 via the common through-hole 64C. In the common through-hole 64D, insulating walls 68D1 and 68D2 are provided at the portion where the first terminal pressing part side slit 67D1 and the second terminal pressing part side slit 67D2 are connected by a straight line. This ensures the insulation distance between the multiple signal terminals 24C and the ground terminal 26 inserted into the housing 50 via the common through-hole 64D.

[0171] Furthermore, the wire 44 of the thermistor 42 passes through the through hole 64 into the stop body 60. Therefore, even when the thermistor 42 and the power terminal 22 are housed together in the housing 50, the wire 44 of the thermistor 42 can extend towards the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, by positioning the thermistor 42 close to the opposite-side connection portion 23a within the power terminal 22, the temperature detection accuracy of the power terminal 22 using the thermistor 42 can be improved.

[0172] Furthermore, a body-side slit 25g is formed in the main body 25d, extending from one end of the main body 25d in the axial direction to the other end. This allows for radial deformation of the main body 25a during insertion and removal. Additionally, the width of the slit 25f in the main body 25a is the same as the width between adjacent elastic plates 25e.

[0173] Furthermore, the width of the rear end portion of the multiple elastic plates 25e is smaller than the width of the top end portion of the multiple elastic plates 25e, and the width of the rear end portion of the slit 25f is larger than the width of the top end portion of the slit 25f. As a result, the connection portion between the elastic plates 25e and the cylindrical body 25d becomes smaller, and the multiple elastic plates 25e are more likely to deform radially during insertion and removal.

[0174] Furthermore, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the top end of each of the multiple elastic pieces 25e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the rear end of each of the multiple elastic pieces 25e. As a result, during insertion and removal, the multiple elastic pieces 25e can easily contact the opposite terminal.

[0175] [Implementation Method 2]

[0176] The charging connector of Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 19 This is a rear view showing the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment. Figure 19 Signal line 34 is omitted. Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the signal terminal 124 in the charging connector 110. Figure 21 This is a rear view showing the stop 160 in the charging connector 110. Figure 22This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the signal terminal 124 is housed in the terminal receiving portion 153. Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those previously described, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0177] In the charging connector 110, the ground terminal 26 and the ground wire 36 are omitted. Therefore, the ground terminal 26 and the ground wire 36 are omitted from the housing 150 and the stop body 160. Furthermore, the charging connector 110 is provided with eight signal terminals 124. These eight signal terminals 124 are arranged in a manner of four terminals each, separated by the power terminal 22. Figure 19 In rear view, the four signal terminals 124 are configured to correspond to the four vertices of a square. This square is tilted at 45 degrees along a diagonal in the Z direction. Furthermore, in this example, all eight signal terminals 124 are of the same shape.

[0178] In the signal terminal 124, a slit 25f is also formed between the elastic sheets 125e. Furthermore, in the housing 150, a wall such as a protrusion 53g is exposed at the rear end. In this example, the width of the slit 25f is smaller than the width of the wall, thereby preventing the wall of the protrusion 53g from embedding into the slit 25f when the signal terminal 124 is inserted into the housing 150.

[0179] like Figure 20 As shown, in signal terminal 124, the width of the top end of slit 25f is smaller than the width of the rear end of slit 25f. Furthermore, in signal terminal 124, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the top end of elastic piece 125e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the rear end of elastic piece 125e. In elastic piece 125e, the width of the top end is smaller than the width of the rear end. In the elastic piece 125e of signal terminal 124, as... Figure 20 As shown, the width of the top end is smaller than the width of the rear end. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the top end of the elastic sheet 125e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the top end of the elastic sheet 25e.

[0180] The shape of the protrusion 125c of signal terminal 124 is different from that of the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24. In signal terminal 124, the first and second protrusions 125c extend in the same direction as the protrusions 23c of power terminal 22 and 27c of ground terminal 26. The protruding cylindrical portion 163 is also cylindrical, similar to the protruding cylindrical portion 63. The top end of the protruding cylindrical portion 163 presses the first and second protrusions 125c toward the housing 150. Figure 22 As shown, the top ends of the first and second protrusions 125c are pressed by the protruding cylindrical portion 163.

[0181] Like signal terminal 24, signal terminal 124 is formed to pass through through hole 164 of stop body 160 after being formed into a terminal wire 38. The first and second protrusions 125c extend in the same direction, therefore the maximum width of signal terminal 124 is smaller than the maximum width of signal terminal 24. Therefore, the through hole 164 in stop body 160 is also smaller than the through hole 64 of stop body 60. Furthermore, stop body 160 does not have shared through holes 64C and 64D, and eight through holes 164 are formed in a manner corresponding to the eight signal terminals 124.

[0182] In the terminal receiving portion 153, there is no groove 53h for receiving the protrusion 125c. Instead, all eight terminal receiving portions 153 are provided with anti-rotation protrusions 53i in the same manner as the terminal receiving portion 53A. Similar to the above, the anti-rotation protrusions 53i are received in the terminal pressing-side slits 167 of the protruding cylindrical portion 163 on the rearward side of the protrusion 125c. Furthermore, due to the close proximity of the signal terminals 124 and the limited space, the width of the terminal pressing-side slits 167A of the three middle through holes 164A in the Y direction is larger than the width of the terminal pressing-side slits 167B of the other five through holes 164B. Therefore, the width of the anti-rotation protrusions 53i received in the terminal pressing-side slits 167A is larger than the width of the anti-rotation protrusions 53i received in the terminal pressing-side slits 167B. In the anti-rotation protrusion 53i housed in the terminal pressing part side slit 167A, the width dimension of the anti-rotation protrusion 53i is increased by providing small protrusions that are circumferentially separated.

[0183] [Postscript]

[0184] The previous description assumed that the signal terminal 24 was prevented from detaching from the housing 50 by using the protrusion 25c and the terminal pressing part 61, but this is not a necessary configuration. It is also possible to have a configuration that prevents the signal terminal 24 from detaching from the housing 50, separate from the protrusion 25c and the terminal pressing part 61. For example, the signal terminal 24 and the housing 50 can be locked together using a spear-shaped part and a recess.

[0185] Furthermore, the previous description assumed that the signal terminal 24 was connected to the signal line 34 to form a terminal wire 38, and that the signal wire 38 passed through the stop body 60 via the through hole 64. However, this is not a necessary configuration. The signal line 34 can also be connected to the signal terminal 24 after passing through the stop body 60. In this case, if front and rear openings are formed in the protruding cylindrical portion 63, the terminal insertion hole 66 and the terminal pressing portion side slit 67 can also be omitted.

[0186] Furthermore, while the previous description assumed the presence of insulating walls 68C, 68D1, and 68D2 in the common through holes 64C and 64D, this is not a necessary configuration. The insulating walls 68C, 68D1, and 68D2 can also be omitted from the common through holes 64C and 64D. In this case, it is possible to ensure the insulation distance between the signal terminals 24 even if the distance between them is increased, for example, by having insulating walls 68C, 68D1, and 68D2.

[0187] Furthermore, it was previously described that the wire 44 of the thermistor 42 passes through the through hole 64 into the stop body 60, but this is not a necessary configuration. The wire 44 of the thermistor 42 can also pass through a hole other than the through hole 64 into the stop body 60. Alternatively, the thermistor 42 can be mounted on a side further back than the rear cover 62, in which case the wire 44 of the thermistor 42 does not need to pass through the stop body 60.

[0188] Furthermore, while it was previously explained that a main body side slit 25g was formed in the main body 25d, this is not a necessary configuration. The main body side slit 25g may not be formed in the main body 25d. For example, it is also possible that one circumferential end and the other end overlap radially, thus omitting the main body side slit 25g.

[0189] Furthermore, it was previously explained that the width of the rear end of slit 25f is greater than the width of the top end of slit 25f, but this is not a necessary configuration. For example, the width of slit 25f may be constant from the top end to the rear end. Alternatively, for example, the width of the top end of slit 25f may be greater than the width of the rear end of slit 25f.

[0190] Furthermore, it has been described that the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the top end of the plurality of elastic sheets 25e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the rear end of the plurality of elastic sheets 25e, but this is not a necessary configuration. For example, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a among the plurality of elastic sheets 25e may also be constant from the top end to the rear end.

[0191] Furthermore, the components described in the above embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0192] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0193] 10 and 110 charging connectors

[0194] 20 terminals

[0195] 21 Connector Terminals

[0196] 22 Power terminals

[0197] 23a Connecting part on the opposite side

[0198] 23b Terminal fixing part

[0199] 23c Protrusion

[0200] 23d Thermistor Assembly Section

[0201] Signal terminals 24, 24A, 24B, 24C, and 124

[0202] 25a and 125a: Connecting part (cylinder) to the opposite side.

[0203] 25b Wire connection part

[0204] 25c, 125c protrusions

[0205] 25d cylindrical body

[0206] 25e and 125e elastic sheets

[0207] 25f slit

[0208] 25g Main body side slit

[0209] 26 Grounding terminal

[0210] 27a Side connection part (grounding terminal side tube part)

[0211] 27b Wire connection part (grounding terminal side wire connection part)

[0212] 27c Protrusion (Protrusion on the grounding terminal side)

[0213] 28, 28A, 28B relay terminals

[0214] 29a Terminal fixing part

[0215] 29b Wire connection part

[0216] 30 wires

[0217] 31a core wire

[0218] 31b Covering section

[0219] 32 Power lines

[0220] 34 signal lines

[0221] 36 ground wire

[0222] 38 Wires with Terminals

[0223] 39 Shrink tubing

[0224] 40 Thermistor Units

[0225] 42 Thermistor

[0226] 44. Wires for thermistors

[0227] 50, 150 housing

[0228] 51. Main body of the casing

[0229] 52 Outer frame

[0230] Terminal storage section for 53, 53A, 53B, 53C, and 153

[0231] 53d First Storage Department

[0232] 53e Second Storage Department

[0233] 53f concave part

[0234] 53g convex part (wall)

[0235] 53h tank

[0236] 53i Suppressing Rotational Protrusion

[0237] 54 Vehicle Assembly Department

[0238] 56 arms

[0239] 57. Wire pressing part

[0240] 60, 160 stop body

[0241] 61 Terminal pressing part

[0242] 62 Rear Cover

[0243] 63, 163 protruding cylinder section

[0244] 63a Protruding cylindrical body

[0245] 63b convex part

[0246] 63P Power Terminal Pressing Part

[0247] 63G Grounding Terminal Press Part

[0248] Through holes: 64, 64A, 64B, 164, 164A, 164B

[0249] 64C and 64D share a through hole.

[0250] Hollow sections of 65, 65C1, 65C2, 65D1, and 65D2

[0251] 66, 66C1, 66C2, 66D1, 66D2 universal terminal jacks

[0252] 67, 67C, 67C1, 67C2, 67D1, 67D2, 167, 167A, 167B Terminal pressing part side slit

[0253] 68, 68C, 68D1, 68D2 Insulating Wall

[0254] 69a, 69b wall

[0255] 70 Wire Cover

[0256] 80 cover units

[0257] 82 covers

[0258] 84 hinge units

[0259] 86 Locking Units

[0260] 89 Sealing components

[0261] 90 Cable Protector (Protector)

[0262] 91 First Protection Department

[0263] 92 Shell Outlet

[0264] 93 Drainage outlet

[0265] 94 Second Protection Department

[0266] 95. Electrical wire outlet

[0267] 98 Cable ties

[0268] Assembly Department 100

[0269] 102 Panel

[0270] 104 Through Hole

[0271] 106 Body side cover

[0272] S screw

Claims

1. A charging connector mounted on a vehicle and engaging with an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle for charging a battery of the vehicle, the charging connector comprising: The first power terminal and the second power terminal are used to supply power to the battery; Multiple signal terminals, with a board thickness thinner than that of the first power terminal and the second power terminal, transmit signals between the exterior of the vehicle and the control unit of the vehicle; The housing holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and a plurality of signal terminals, and engages with the external charging connector at its front end along the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector; as well as The stop body, which is assembled with the rear end of the housing, together with the housing, holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals. Each of the plurality of signal terminals has a cylindrical portion disposed on the top side for insertion of a terminal of the external charging connector. A slit is formed at the top end of the cylindrical portion to separate one part of the cylindrical portion from another part along the circumferential direction. The width of the apex of the slit is smaller than the width of the wall exposed at the rear end of the housing when viewed from the insertion / removal direction. Each of the plurality of signal terminals further comprises a wire connection portion disposed on the rear end side and electrically connected to the signal line, and an intermediate portion disposed between the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion. The middle portion has a protrusion that protrudes beyond the cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The stop body has a terminal pressing portion that extends along the wire connection portion and presses the protrusion toward the housing. The stop body has a through hole extending through it along the insertion / removal direction. The terminal pressing portion is formed around the periphery of the through hole. The terminal pressing portion has a protruding cylindrical portion on the side closer to the wire connection portion than the protrusion, and the protruding cylindrical portion is formed in a cylindrical shape to surround the signal terminal. The through hole has: a hollow portion of the protruding cylindrical part; and a terminal insertion hole located on the outside of the protruding cylindrical part; And a terminal pressing side slit, formed in the protruding cylindrical portion and communicating with the hollow portion and the terminal insertion hole, The terminal insertion hole of the through hole is larger than the maximum width dimension of the middle portion of the signal terminal.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, wherein, The minimum width dimension of the signal terminal relative to the protrusion on the electrical connection side, or the diameter of the signal line connected to the signal terminal, is the same as or smaller than the width dimension of the slit on the terminal pressing side. The maximum width of the middle portion is larger than the width of the slit on the side of the terminal pressing portion.

3. The charging connector according to claim 2, wherein, A common through hole is provided as the through hole, which is configured such that: one of the terminal insertion holes communicates with the hollow portion of the first protruding cylinder via the first terminal pressing part side slit, and also communicates with the hollow portion of the second protruding cylinder via the second terminal pressing part side slit. In the common through hole, an insulating wall is provided in the portion where the first terminal pressing part side slit and the second terminal pressing part side slit are connected by a straight line.

4. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The charging connector also features: The thermistor assembled at the power supply terminal; and The wires assembled with the thermistor, The thermistor and the power supply terminal are housed together in the housing. The wire of the thermistor passes through the through hole and through the stop body.

5. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cylindrical portion has a main body and a plurality of elastic plates protruding from the top end of the main body. Multiple elastic plates protrude from mutually separated positions along the circumference of the cylindrical body. The slits are formed between the plurality of elastic sheets arranged along the circumferential direction. A body-side slit is formed in the main body of the cylindrical section, extending from one end of the main body in the axial direction to the other end.

6. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein, The width of the rear end portion of the plurality of elastic sheets is smaller than the width of the top end portion of the plurality of elastic sheets. The width of the rear end of the slit is greater than the width of the top end of the slit.

7. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein, The diameter of the cylindrical portion at the top end of the plurality of elastic sheets is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion at the rear end of the plurality of elastic sheets.

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