Charging connector and mating portion

Abstract

A charging connector and a mating portion are disclosed. In the charging connector, contacts are divided into a first terminal group and a second terminal group. The first terminal group is positioned above the second terminal group. A housing has a first surrounding portion that protrudes from a main surface thereof and surrounds the first terminal group. The mating portion has an attachment portion, a second surrounding portion, and an upper protection portion. The attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing. The attachment portion is provided with an opening that penetrates in a front-rear direction. The first surrounding portion of the housing extends forward through the opening. The second surrounding portion is positioned below the opening. The second surrounding portion protrudes forward from the attachment portion and surrounds the second terminal group. The upper protection portion is positioned above the opening and protrudes forward from the attachment portion. The charging connector has a structure that can ensure arrangement accuracy of the terminal groups and allow replacement of a portion that is easily broken due to a fall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a charging connector, and more particularly to the structure of a charging connector. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an example of a charging connector.

[0003] like Figure 15 As shown, the charging connector 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a housing body 92, a housing portion 94, and an attachment portion (assembly portion) 96. The housing portion 94 has insertion elements 941 and 943. The insertion elements 941 and 943 correspond to each contact (not shown). The housing portion 94 is connected to the housing body 92. On the other hand, the attachment portion 96 has insertion portions 961 and 963. The attachment portion 96 is attached to the housing body 92.

[0004] like Figure 15 As shown, the insertion portion 961 of the attachment portion 96 surrounds the insertion element 941 of the housing portion 94. The insertion portion 963 of the attachment portion 96 surrounds the insertion element 943 of the housing portion 94. In the event of an accidental drop of the charging connector 90, the insertion portions 961 and 963 of the attachment portion 96 prevent the insertion elements 941 and 943 of the housing portion 94 from directly impacting the floor or ground. The attachment portion 96 is attached to the housing body 92 by means of a fastening portion 98, so that it can be easily replaced even if it breaks due to a drop.

[0005] Patent document 1 is US 10,644,433B2.

[0006] When the charging connector 90 disclosed in Patent Document 1 conforms to the standard of Combined Charging System Type 1 (CCS1), the arrangement of the insertion elements 941 and 943 (or contacts) must be determined using the insertion portions 961 and 963 as a reference. However, in the charging connector 90 of Patent Document 1, the housing portion 94 and the attachment portion 96 are different and separate from each other. Therefore, the charging connector 90 of Patent Document 1 may have an issue with the accuracy of the arrangement of the insertion elements 941 and 943 (or contacts) relative to the insertion portion 961. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a charging connector and a mating part, wherein the charging connector has a structure that can ensure the arrangement accuracy of the terminal group and allow for easy replacement of parts that are prone to breakage due to drops.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] More specifically, a charging connector according to one aspect of the present invention includes a mating portion, a main portion, and a body. The main portion includes a plurality of contacts and a housing, wherein the plurality of contacts are respectively connectable to mating contacts of a mating connector, and the housing holds each of the contacts. All the contacts are divided into a first terminal group and a second terminal group. The first terminal group is located above the second terminal group in a vertical direction. The housing has a main surface and a first surrounding portion, the main surface facing forward in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the first surrounding portion projecting forward from the main surface in the front-rear direction and surrounding the first terminal group in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The body at least partially accommodates and holds the main portion. The mating portion is located in front of the body in the front-rear direction. The mating portion has an attachment portion, a second surrounding portion, and an upper protective portion. The attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing. The attachment portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The attachment portion has an opening extending through the front-rear direction. The first surrounding portion of the housing extends forward through the opening. The second surrounding portion is located below the opening in the vertical direction. The second surrounding portion protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction and surrounds the second terminal group in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The upper protective portion is located above the opening in the vertical direction and protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction.

[0010] Another aspect of the mating portion of the present invention is a mating portion of a charging connector. The charging connector includes a main portion. The main portion has a main surface facing forward in a front-rear direction and a first surrounding portion projecting forward from the main surface. The mating portion has an attachment portion, a second surrounding portion, and an upper protective portion. The attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the main portion. The attachment portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The attachment portion is provided with an opening extending through in the front-rear direction. When the attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the main portion, the first surrounding portion of the main portion extends forward through the opening. The second surrounding portion is located below the opening in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The second surrounding portion projectes forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction. The upper protective portion is located above the opening in the vertical direction and projects forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction.

[0011] In another aspect, the mating portion of the present invention is a mating portion of a charging connector. The charging connector includes a main portion and a body. The main portion includes a plurality of contacts and a housing, wherein the plurality of contacts are respectively connectable to mating contacts of a mating connector, and the housing holds each of the contacts. All the contacts are divided into a first terminal group and a second terminal group. The first terminal group is located above the second terminal group in a vertical direction. The housing has a main surface and a first surrounding portion, the main surface facing forward in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the first surrounding portion projecting forward from the main surface in the front-rear direction and surrounding the first terminal group in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The body at least partially accommodates and holds the main portion. The mating portion is located in front of the body in the front-rear direction. The mating portion has an attachment portion, a second surrounding portion, and an upper protective portion. The attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing. The attachment portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The attachment portion is provided with an opening extending through the front-rear direction. When the attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing, the first surrounding portion of the housing extends forward through the opening. The second surrounding portion is located below the opening in the vertical direction. When the attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing, the second surrounding portion protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction and surrounds the second terminal group in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The upper protective portion is located above the opening in the vertical direction and protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction.

[0012] In one aspect of the charging connector of the present invention, the housing has a first surrounding portion surrounding a first terminal group. The first surrounding portion extends forward through an opening provided in a mating portion. The mating portion has a second surrounding portion surrounding a second terminal group and an upper protective portion. In the vertical direction, the second surrounding portion is located below the opening, while the upper protective portion is located above the opening.

[0013] The advantages of this invention are:

[0014] In the above structure, the first surrounding portion is part of the housing, so that even when the first surrounding portion is used as a reference for the arrangement of the first and second terminal groups, it will not cause problems with the arrangement accuracy of the first and second terminal groups. Furthermore, the upper protective portion and the second surrounding portion are located above and below the first surrounding portion respectively in the vertical direction, minimizing the possibility of damage to the first surrounding portion caused by a drop of the charging connector. Moreover, both the upper protective portion and the second surrounding portion are part of a mating portion, so that repairs to damage caused by a drop of the charging connector can be completed by replacing the mating portion with another mating portion.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the mating portion of the charging connector allows the first surrounding portion of the housing to serve as a reference for the arrangement of the first and second terminal groups, and ensures the positional accuracy of the terminal groups. The same applies to the mating portion of the charging connector in another aspect of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the charging connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the charging connector is shown. The main part of the charging connector is held by a first body part included in the main body.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The front view of the charging connector is shown.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of the charging connector is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 Is included Figure 1 A perspective view of the front of the housing in the main part of the charging connector is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the rear of the casing is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The front view of the casing is shown.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The rear view of the casing is shown.

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 The side view of the casing is shown.

[0025] Figure 10 Is included Figure 1 A front perspective view of the mating portion in the charging connector is shown.

[0026] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional view of the rear of the mating section is shown.

[0027] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The front view of the matching section is shown.

[0028] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 The rear view of the mating section is shown.

[0029] Figure 14 yes Figure 10 A side view of the mating section is shown.

[0030] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of the charging connector disclosed in Patent Document 1. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In detail, in one aspect of the charging connector of the present invention, the portion corresponding to the insertion portion 961 of the charging connector 90 is provided to the portion corresponding to the housing portion 94, and the protective portion for receiving drop impact instead of the insertion portion 961 is provided to the attachment portion 96.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The charging connector 10 of this embodiment of the invention includes a main body 20, a mating part 30, and a main part 40. The charging connector 10 is connected to one end of a cable 70. The charging connector 10 is matable and detachable from a mating connector (not shown) in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the front-back direction is the Y direction. The negative Y direction points forward, and the positive Y direction points backward.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 20 has a first main body portion 22 and a second main body portion 24, which are separated from each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the transverse direction is the X direction. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the first main body 22 and the second main body 24 are fixed to each other using a plurality of screws 26.

[0034] from Figure 2 To understand this, the front end of the main body 20 is provided with a plurality of elongated protrusions 201. Each elongated protrusion 201 protrudes forward from the front surface 203 of the main body 20 in the front-rear direction. In addition, each elongated protrusion 201 is located inside the outer edge of the front surface 203 of the main body 20 in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0035] from Figure 2 To understand this, the body 20 at least partially accommodates and holds the main portion 40. In this embodiment, the body 20 partially accommodates the main portion 40. In this embodiment, the main portion 40 comprises all components of the charging connector 10, except for the body 20 and the mating portion 30.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the matching part 30 is located in front of the main body 20 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the matching part 30 is attached to the front end of the main body 20. With the matching part 30 attached to the main body 20, the matching part 30 partially covers the main body 40 from the front.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the mating part 30 is secured to the body 20 using fastening members 50. In other words, the charging connector 10 is also provided with fastening members 50 that connect the mating part 30 to the body 20. The fastening members 50 connect the mating part 30 to the body 20. In this embodiment, the number of fastening members 50 is four. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The number of fastening members 50 should be at least one.

[0038] from Figure 2 In this embodiment, each fastening member 50 is provided with a screw 52 and a nut 54. The screw 52 has a head 521 and a shank 523. In this embodiment, the screw 52 is a pan head screw. The nut 54 is a square nut having a square shape when viewed in the front-back direction. However, the invention is not limited to this. The screw 52 can be a screw 52 with a head 521 whose shape is different from that of a pan head; for example, the screw 52 can be a mushroom head screw. Furthermore, the nut 54 can be a nut 54 having a shape other than a square; for example, it can be a rectangular nut. However, for the purpose of preventing rotation, it is preferred that the nut 54 is not a ring nut or a hexagonal nut.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 20 has a plurality of nut retaining portions (retaining portions) 204 that respectively retain the nuts 54. The number of nut retaining portions 204 is equal to the number of fastening members 50. In this embodiment, the number of nut retaining portions 204 is four. Each nut retaining portion 204 has a nut receiving portion that opens inward in the lateral direction. The nut 54 is inserted into or press-fitted into the nut receiving portion and is received in the nut receiving portion. Therefore, the nut 54 is held by the nut retaining portion 204 or the main body 20. With respect to the nut 54 held by the nut retaining portion 204, the back-and-forth movement, the outward movement in the lateral direction, and the rotational movement about the axis in the back-and-forth direction are adjusted.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main part 40 is provided with a plurality of contacts 42 and a housing 44 for holding each contact 42. Each contact 42 is connected to at least one end of a wire (not shown) included in the cable 70. Each contact 42 corresponds to a mating contact (not shown) provided in a mating connector (not shown). When the charging connector 10 mates with the mating connector, each contact 42 contacts and is electrically connected to the mating contact.

[0041] from Figure 3To understand this, the contacts 42 are divided into a first terminal group 421 and a second terminal group 423 based on their intended use. Each contact 42 has a shape and size according to its intended use. Descriptions of the shape and size of the contacts 42 are omitted here. In this embodiment, the number of contacts 42 belonging to the first terminal group 421 is three. The number of contacts 42 belonging to the second terminal group 423 is two. The first terminal group 421 is located above the second terminal group 423 in the vertical direction perpendicular to both the front-back and lateral directions. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z-direction.

[0042] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the outer casing 44 has a partition wall 441, which has a main surface (front surface) 4431, a plurality of covering portions 461, a plurality of receiving portions 463, and a first surrounding portion 467. The partition wall 441 has an integrally formed front portion 443 and a rear portion 445. In the front-rear direction, the front portion 443 is located in front of the rear portion 445. Furthermore, in the front-rear direction, the main surface 4431 faces forward, while the rear surface 4451 of the rear portion 445 faces rearward. In a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the rear portion 445 protrudes outward from the front portion 443, except for its own portion.

[0043] from Figure 3 To understand this, each covering part 461 corresponds to each contact 42. For example... Figure 7 As shown, all covers 461 are divided into a first cover group 4611 and a second cover group 4613, respectively corresponding to the first terminal group 421 and the second terminal group 423. Furthermore, from... Figure 7 and Figure 8 To understand this, each covering part 461 corresponds to each receiving part 463. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the cover 461 protrudes forward from the main surface 4431 of the partition wall 441 in the front-back direction.

[0044] from Figure 3 To understand this, in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction, each contact 42 is covered by its respective cover 461. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, in the front-to-back direction, the tip of each contact 42 is covered by each cover portion 461.

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, the first surrounding portion 467 protrudes forward from the main surface 4431 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 7As shown, the first surrounding portion 467 surrounds the first covering portion group 4611 in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction. In other words, the first surrounding portion 467 surrounds the first terminal group 421 in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the first surrounding portion 467 has a cylindrical shape. In other words, the first surrounding portion 467 has a circular shape in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction. The circular shape of the first surrounding portion 467 facilitates its use as a layout reference for the covering portion 461 and helps improve the layout accuracy of the covering portion 461.

[0046] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer casing 44 is provided with a base 465. The base 465 is shared among the various covers 461 of the second cover assembly 4613. Figure 9 As shown, the base 465 protrudes forward from the main surface 4431. Figure 7 To understand this, when viewed along the front-to-back direction, the base 465 has a specific shape other than a circle. In this embodiment, the specific shape is a runway shape. However, the invention is not limited to this. The specific shape of the base 465 can be any shape other than a circle.

[0047] like Figure 9 As shown, the receiving portion 463 protrudes rearward from the rear surface 4451 of the partition wall 441. In the front-rear direction, the internal space of each covering portion 461 and the internal space of the receiving portion 463 corresponding to each covering portion 461 are in communication with each other. Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, each receiving portion 463 is connected to one or more other receiving portions 463. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Each receiving portion 463 can be independent of each other.

[0048] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the partition wall 441 has a plurality of holes 447 extending through it in the front-to-back direction. Each hole 447 corresponds to a fastening member 50. Each hole 447 is located near the edge of the partition wall 441. The inner diameter of each hole 447 is larger than the outer diameter of the shank 523 of the screw 52 of the fastening member 50 (see Figure 547). Figure 2 Furthermore, the inner diameter of hole 447 is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of hole 325 of mating part 30, which will be described later.

[0049] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the rear surface 4451 of the partition wall 441 is also provided with a rearwardly protruding fall arrestor 449. The fall arrestor 449 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the lateral direction. The fall arrestor 449 has a side surface 4491 facing outward in the lateral direction. Each side surface 4491 corresponds to any one of the holes 447. When viewed in the front-rear direction, each side surface 4491 faces the hole 447 corresponding to it.

[0050] like Figure 2 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the matching part 30 has an attachment part 32, a second surrounding part 34, an edge part 36, an upper protection part 38, a plurality of first adjacent parts 3231 and a plurality of receiving parts 3211.

[0051] like Figures 12 to 14 As shown, the attachment portion 32 extends in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The attachment portion 32 has a front surface 321 facing forward in the front-rear direction and a rear surface (contact surface) 323 facing backward in the front-rear direction.

[0052] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the attachment portion 32 is provided with a first opening 3271, a second opening 3273, and a third opening 3275 extending through the attachment portion 32 in the front-to-back direction. The first opening 3271, the second opening 3273, and the third opening 3275 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction. The first opening 3271 is located between the second opening 3273 and the third opening 3275 in the vertical direction. The second opening 3273 is located below the first opening 3271 in the vertical direction. The third opening 3275 is located above the first opening 3271 in the vertical direction.

[0053] remove Figure 12 , Figure 13 In addition, please refer to Figure 2 The first opening 3271 corresponds to the first surrounding portion 467 of the outer casing 44. The second opening 3273 corresponds to the base 465 of the outer casing 44. The third opening 3275 corresponds to the latch portion 48 of the main portion 40.

[0054] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, when viewed along the front-to-back direction, the first opening 3271 has a circular shape. The second opening 3273 has a racetrack shape. The third opening 3275 has a generally T-shaped shape.

[0055] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the second surrounding portion 34 is located below the first opening 3271 in the vertical direction and protrudes forward from the attachment portion 32 in the front-back direction. In detail, the second surrounding portion 34 corresponds to the second opening 3273 and is a cylindrical portion that protrudes forward from the edge of the second opening 3273.

[0056] like Figure 7 and Figure 12 As shown, the second opening 3273 and the second surrounding portion 34 have a shape corresponding to the base 465 of the outer casing 44 (see figure). Figure 7As described above, in this embodiment, when viewed along the front-back direction, the second opening 3273 has a racetrack shape. When viewed along the front-back direction, the shape of the second surrounding portion 34 is similar to the shape of the second opening 3273 and also has a racetrack shape. The second opening 3273 and the second surrounding portion 34 can at least partially receive the base 465.

[0057] like Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the upper protective portion 38 has a plate-like shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. The upper protective portion 38 is located above the first opening 3271 in the vertical direction. The upper protective portion 38 is supported by a pair of support portions 381 intersecting the vertical direction. Each support portion 381 is located outside the first opening 3271 in the horizontal direction. The upper protective portion 38 and the support portions 381 protrude forward from the attachment portion 32 in the front-rear direction.

[0058] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the attachment portion 32 also has a plurality of holes 325 extending through the attachment portion 32 in the front-rear direction. These holes 325 correspond to the screws 52 of the fastening member 50. Each hole 325 also corresponds to a hole 447 formed in the housing 44 (see...). Figure 7 and Figure 8 Correspondingly, the inner diameter of each hole 325 is larger than the outer diameter of the shank 523 of the screw 52 (see...). Figure 2 However, it is smaller than the outer diameter of the head 521 of screw 52 (see...). Figure 2 Furthermore, the inner diameter of hole 325 is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of hole 447 of housing 44.

[0059] like Figure 12 As shown, each receiving portion 3211 corresponds to a hole 325. Each receiving portion 3211 is recessed rearward from the front surface 321 of the attachment portion 32. The inner diameter of the receiving portion 3211 is larger than the inner diameter of the hole 325. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the receiving portion 3211 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the head 521 of the screw 52 of the fastening member 50 (see...). Figure 2 When the matching part 30 is connected to the main body 20 (see...) Figure 2 Each receiving part 3211 receives the head 521 of the screw 52 of each fastening member 50.

[0060] like Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the edge portion 36 extends along the edge of the rear surface 323 of the attachment portion 32 and protrudes rearward.

[0061] from Figure 11 and Figure 13To understand this, each first abutment portion 3231 is disposed on the rear surface 323 of the attachment portion 32. In this embodiment, each first abutment portion 3231 corresponds to each hole 325. As described below, the first abutment portion 3231 abuts against a second abutment portion 4433 (see...) disposed on the housing 44. Figure 7 When viewed along the front-to-back direction, each first adjacent portion 3231 has an annular shape. The first adjacent portion 3231 protrudes rearward from the rear surface 323. The first adjacent portion 3231 surrounds a corresponding hole 325. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Each first adjacent portion 3231 may not correspond to a hole 325. Furthermore, the number of first adjacent portions 3231 should be at least three.

[0062] See also Figure 2 The main part 40 is also provided with a latching part 48. When the charging connector 10 mates with the mating connector, the latching part 48 latches the charging connector 10 to the mating connector (not shown). However, in this invention, the latching part 48 is not necessary. Without the latching part 48, the third opening 3275 of the mating part 30 is unnecessary.

[0063] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 To understand this, when the housing 44 is held by the body 20 and the mating part 30 is attached to the body 20, the latching part 48 protrudes forward from the main surface 4431 of the housing 44 in the front-rear direction and from the attachment part 32 of the mating part 30. In detail, the latching part 48 protrudes forward over the housing 44 and through the third opening 3275 of the mating part 30.

[0064] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the upper protective portion 38 is positioned above the latch portion 48 in the vertical direction and protects the latch portion 48. With this structure, damage to the latch portion 48 can be prevented when the charging connector 10 is accidentally dropped.

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, when the housing 44 is held by the body 20 and the mating part 30 is connected to the body 20, the attachment part 32 of the mating part 30 is attached to the main surface 4431 of the housing 44. The first surrounding part 467 of the housing 44 extends forward through the first opening 3271 of the mating part 30. The first surrounding part 467 is located between the upper protective part 38 and the second surrounding part 34 in the vertical direction. Therefore, damage to the first surrounding part 467 can be prevented when the charging connector 10 is accidentally dropped. In detail, the upper protective part 38 mainly protects the upper side of the first surrounding part 467, while the second surrounding part 34 mainly protects the lower side of the first surrounding part 467. Therefore, the upper protective part 38 protects not only the latching part 48 but also the first surrounding part 467. Therefore, the upper protective part 38 is necessary even when the charging connector 10 does not have the latching part 48.

[0066] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 To understand this, when the outer casing 44 is held by the main body 20 and the mating portion 30 is connected to the main body 20, the second cover assembly 4613 is inserted into the second surrounding portion 34. Furthermore, the base portion 465 is fitted into the second surrounding portion 34. Because the base portion 465 is fitted into the second surrounding portion 34, rotational movement of the mating portion 30 relative to the outer casing 44 can be prevented even when the shapes of the first surrounding portion 467 and the first opening 3271 are circular.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, the second surrounding portion 34 surrounds the second covering portion assembly 4613 in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In other words, the second surrounding portion 34 surrounds the second terminal assembly 423 in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Furthermore, from... Figure 4 It is understood that the second cover assembly 4613 is located inside the second surrounding portion 34 in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the second surrounding portion 34 protects the second cover assembly 4613 and the second terminal assembly 423. As a result, in the event of an accidental drop of the charging connector 10, damage to the second cover assembly 4613 and the second terminal assembly 423 can be prevented by the second surrounding portion 34.

[0068] Based on the above description, the damage caused by the fall of the charging connector 10 most likely occurred on the mating part 30. This means that it is highly likely that the damaged charging connector 10 can be repaired simply by replacing the mating part 30. Here, the first surrounding part 467 and the cover part 461 are provided on the housing 44. Therefore, replacing the mating part 30 will not change the arrangement of the first surrounding part 467 and the cover part 461. Therefore, the arrangement accuracy of the first terminal group 421 and the second terminal group 423, using the first surrounding part 467 as the arrangement reference, can be maintained at a high level.

[0069] The following will further describe how the housing 44 is held by the body 20 and how the mating part 30 is connected to the body 20.

[0070] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the outer casing 44 is held by the main body 20, the rear portion 445 of the partition wall 441 of the outer casing 44 is located behind the elongated protrusion 201 of the main body 20 and in front of the nut retainer 204. In the front-rear direction, the position of the main surface 4431 of the partition wall 441 is the same as or behind the position of the front surface of the elongated protrusion 201 of the main body 20.

[0071] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the housing 44 has a first contact portion 4453 facing rearward. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the main body 20 has a second contact portion 2041 facing forward. When the outer casing 44 is held by the main body 20, each of the first contact portions 4453 and each of the second contact portions 2041 are opposite to and in contact with each other. With this structure, the rearward movement of the outer casing 44 relative to the main body 20 is adjusted. In other words, each of the first contact portions 4453 and each of the second contact portions 2041 are positioned relative to the main body 20 in the front-rear direction relative to the outer casing 44. In this embodiment, each of the second contact portions 2041 is part of the front surface of each of the nut retaining portions 204. Furthermore, each of the first contact portions 4453 is a component that is part of the rear surface 4451 of the partition wall 441 and faces the second contact portion 2041 in the front-rear direction. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The first contact portion 4453 may be a protrusion that protrudes rearward in the front-rear direction. In this case, each of the second contact portions 2041 may be part of the front surface of the nut retaining portion 204 or a protrusion.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, before the outer casing 44 is held by the main body 20, each nut 54 is inserted into or press-fitted into the nut receiving portion of each nut holding portion 204 of the main body 20. When the outer casing 44 is held by the main body 20, each side surface 4491 of the anti-fall portion 449 faces the side surface of any nut 54, but is separate from the side surface of the nut 54. This structure prevents some nuts 54 from falling off the nut holding portion 204. In this embodiment, two nuts 54 can be prevented from falling off the nut holding portion 204.

[0073] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 To understand this, the matching part 30 connects to the front of the main body 20 and the main part 40. Meanwhile, the elongated protrusion 201 of the main body 20 is located inside the edge part 36 of the matching part 30 in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction.

[0074] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the second abutment portion 4433 is provided on the main surface 4431 of the housing 44. Each second abutment portion 4433 is a component that is part of the main surface 4431 and corresponds to each first abutment portion 3231 of the mating portion 30.

[0075] from Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 11 To understand this, when the outer casing 44 is held by the main body 20 and the mating portion 30 is connected to the main body 20 by the fastening member 50, the first abutment portion 3231 and its corresponding second abutment portion 4433 are abutted against each other. As a result, the positioning of the mating portion 30 relative to the main body 20 proceeds in the front-rear direction. Then, the main surface 4431 of the outer casing 44 faces the rear surface 323 of the mating portion 30 in the front-rear direction, but is away from the rear surface 323. However, the invention is not limited thereto. A portion of the front surface of each elongated protrusion 201 of the main body 20 can be used as a second abutment in place of each second abutment portion 4433. In this case, each first abutment portion 3231 may not surround each hole 325. For example, each first abutment portion 3231 may be a square protrusion. Alternatively, each protrusion projecting forward may be provided on the front surface of each elongated protrusion 201 to serve as a second abutment. In any case, at least a portion of the first abutment portion 3231 and the second abutment portion 4433 should project in the front-rear direction. When at least a portion of the first abutment portion 3231 and the second abutment portion 4433 protrudes in the front-rear direction, the rear surface 323 of the mating portion 30 and the main surface 4431 of the housing 44 are opposite to each other in the front-rear direction, but separated from each other. In other words, when the mating portion 30 is connected to the main body 20, the housing 44 does not directly contact the mating portion 30. With this structure, when the charging connector 10 is dropped, the impact on the housing 44 can be suppressed.

[0076] from Figure 2To understand this, each fastening member 50 connects the mating portion 30 to the main body 20. At this time, the heads 521 of the screws 52 of each fastening member 50 are received by the receiving portions 3211 of the mating portion 30. Therefore, the heads 521 of each screw 52 do not directly contact the housing 44. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the hole 447 in the housing 44 is larger than the outer diameter of the shank 523 of the screw 52. Therefore, the shank 523 of the screw 52 generally does not directly contact the housing 44. In other words, the housing 44 is generally positioned away from the shank 523. Even when the shank 523 contacts the housing 44, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the shank 523 is only tangentially within the inner wall of the hole 447, and there is a space between the shank 523 and the inner wall of the hole 447. Furthermore, each nut 54 is held by the main body 20 but away from the anti-fall portion 449. Therefore, each nut 54 does not directly contact the housing 44. Therefore, each fastening member 50 connects the mating portion 30 to the main body 20 without contacting the housing 44 at least in the front-rear direction. With this structure, in the event of an accidental drop of the charging connector 10, the transmission of impact received by the main body 20 or the mating portion 30 to the housing 44 can be prevented or suppressed. As a result, damage to the main part 40 caused by the drop of the charging connector 10, or damage to the latching portion 48, the housing 44, and the contacts 42 caused thereby, is prevented or suppressed. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Each fastening member 50 can connect the mating portion 30 to the main part 40. However, it is preferable that the mating portion 30 is connected to the main body 20, thereby preventing or suppressing damage to the main part 40.

[0077] Although the invention has been specifically described above with reference to embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and substitutions are possible. For example, the housing 44 may have recesses instead of the holes 447. Here, each recess is an empty area of ​​the partition wall 441 in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction. When the mating part 30 is used with the fastening member 50 (see... Figure 2 ) Attached to the main body 20 (see Figure 2 When the screw 52 is in use, the size of each recess is set such that the housing 44 is separate from the shank 523 of each screw 52. With this structure, each fastening member 50 can connect the mating part 30 to the body 20 by passing through the recess without contacting the housing 44.

[0078] The above description describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles applied thereto. For those skilled in the art, any obvious changes such as equivalent transformations or simple substitutions based on the technical solutions of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging connector, comprising a mating part, a main part, and a body, characterized in that: The main part includes a plurality of contacts and a housing, wherein the plurality of contacts are respectively capable of being connected to each mating contact of a mating connector, and the housing holds each of the contacts; All of the contacts are divided into a first terminal group and a second terminal group; The first terminal group is positioned above the second terminal group in the vertical direction; The housing has a main surface and a first surrounding portion. The main surface faces forward in a front-back direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first surrounding portion protrudes forward from the main surface in the front-back direction and surrounds the first terminal group in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction. The main body at least partially accommodates and retains the main part; The matching part is located in front of the main body in the front-back direction; The matching part has an attachment part, a second surrounding part, and an upper protective part; The attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing; The attachment portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction; The attachment portion is provided with an opening that extends through the front and rear directions; The first surrounding portion of the outer casing extends forward through the opening; The second surrounding portion is located below the opening in the vertical direction; The second surrounding portion protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction and surrounds the second terminal group in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction; as well as The upper protective portion is located above the opening in the vertical direction and protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-back direction.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main part is provided with a latching part, which latches the charging connector and the mating connector together. The latch portion protrudes forward from the main surface of the housing in the front-rear direction; as well as The upper protective portion is at least partially located above the latch portion in the vertical direction and protects the latch portion.

3. The charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first surrounding portion has a circular shape in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction; The outer shell is provided with a base; The base has a specific shape other than a circle and protrudes forward from the main surface; The second surrounding portion has a shape corresponding to the base portion; as well as The base is assembled in the second surrounding portion.

4. The charging connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charging connector also includes a fastening component; The fastening member secures the mating portion to the body: and The fastening member does not contact the housing at least in the front-rear direction.

5. The charging connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fastening component is equipped with screws and nuts; The screw has a shank and a head; The matching part has a receiving part for receiving the head; The main body has a retaining portion for holding the nut; and The outer casing is located away from the handle.

6. A mating part of a charging connector, characterized in that: The charging connector includes a main part; The main part has a main surface facing forward in the front-rear direction and a first surrounding part protruding forward from the main surface; The matching part has an attachment part, a second surrounding part, and an upper protective part; The attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the main portion; The attachment portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction; The attachment portion is provided with an opening that extends through the front and rear directions; When the attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the main portion, the first surrounding portion of the main portion extends forward through the opening; The second surrounding portion is located below the opening in a vertical direction perpendicular to the front-back direction; The second surrounding portion protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction; as well as The upper protective portion is located above the opening in the vertical direction and protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-back direction.

7. A mating part of a charging connector, characterized in that: The charging connector includes a main part and a body; The main part includes a plurality of contacts and a housing, wherein the plurality of contacts are respectively capable of being connected to each mating contact of a mating connector, and the housing holds each of the contacts; All of the contacts are divided into a first terminal group and a second terminal group; The first terminal group is positioned above the second terminal group in the vertical direction; The housing has a main surface and a first surrounding portion. The main surface faces forward in a front-back direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first surrounding portion protrudes forward from the main surface in the front-back direction and surrounds the first terminal group in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction. The main body at least partially accommodates and retains the main part; The matching part is located in front of the main body in the front-back direction; The matching part has an attachment part, a second surrounding part, and an upper protective part; The attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing; The attachment portion extends in a plane perpendicular to the front-back direction; The attachment portion is provided with an opening that extends through the front and rear directions; When the attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing, the first surrounding portion of the housing extends forward through the opening; The second surrounding portion is located below the opening in the vertical direction; When the attachment portion is attached to the main surface of the housing, the second surrounding portion protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-rear direction and surrounds the second terminal group in a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction; as well as The upper protective portion is located above the opening in the vertical direction and protrudes forward from the attachment portion in the front-back direction.

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