Charging connector

Abstract

To provide a technique for easily preventing a terminal from being detached in a charging connector. A charging connector includes a power terminal, a signal terminal, a housing that holds the power terminal and the signal terminal, and a holding body that is integrated with the housing. The signal terminal is formed by bending a metal plate. The signal terminal has a cylindrical portion provided at a tip end side, a wire connection portion provided at a rear end side, and an intermediate portion provided between the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion. A terminal of an external charging connector is inserted into the cylindrical portion, and the wire connection portion is electrically connected to a signal line. The intermediate portion has a protruding portion that protrudes toward a direction intersecting with a direction of insertion and extraction, more than the cylindrical portion. The holding body has a terminal pressing portion that extends along the wire connection portion and presses the protruding portion toward the housing.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a terminal retainer for a charging connector mounted in a vehicle. The terminal retainer is mounted on a housing into which a terminal is inserted. An annular flange is formed on the terminal. By pressing the annular flange with the terminal retainer, the terminal is prevented from detaching from the housing. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-216176 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In charging connectors, it is rather troublesome to provide an annular flange like the one described in Patent Document 1 to prevent the terminal from detaching.

[0005] Therefore, the aim is to provide a technology that can easily prevent terminals from detaching in charging connectors. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] The charging connector disclosed herein is mounted on a vehicle and engages with an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle for charging a battery provided by 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, thinner than the first and second power terminals, formed by bending a metal plate; a housing that holds the first and second power terminals and the plurality of signal terminals, engaging with the external charging connector at its front end along the insertion / removal direction; and a retainer that engages with the rear end of the housing, together with the housing, to hold the battery. The first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals; and a plurality of signal lines, each connected to the plurality of signal terminals respectively. Each of the plurality of signal terminals has a cylindrical portion disposed at the end, a wire connection portion disposed at the rear end, and a middle portion disposed between the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion. The terminal of the external charging connector is inserted into the cylindrical portion. The wire connection portion is electrically connected to the signal line. The middle portion has a protrusion that protrudes beyond the cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The retaining body has a terminal pressing portion that extends along the wire connection portion and presses the protrusion toward the housing. Invention Effects

[0007] According to this disclosure, in a charging connector, terminals can be easily prevented from detaching. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1 and its assembly method. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the charging connector of Embodiment 1. Figure 4 This is a front view showing the charging connector 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 wires with terminals and their storage locations. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the wire path in a charging connector. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the differences between the signal terminals. Figure 9 This is a rear view showing the rear end of the main body of the housing. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the housing body and the signal terminals. Figure 11 This is a rear view showing the retainer. Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view showing the retainer. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the situation where the retainer presses the terminal from the rear. Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which three signal terminals are housed in a regular terminal housing. Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a signal terminal housed in three different terminal housings. Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another state in which signal terminals are housed in three different terminal housings. Figure 17 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another type of signal terminal housed in three different terminal housings. Figure 18 This is a schematic rear view showing the state in which two signal terminals are housed in a regular terminal housing. Figure 19 This is a rear view showing the charging connector of the second embodiment. Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the signal terminals. Figure 21 This is a rear view showing the retainer. Figure 22 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the signal terminals housed in the terminal housing section. Detailed Implementation

[0009] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0010] The charging connector disclosed herein is as follows.

[0011] (1) A charging connector mounted in a vehicle and engaging with an external charging connector connected to an external power source of the vehicle for charging a battery provided in the vehicle, the charging connector comprising: a first power terminal and a second power terminal for supplying power to the battery; a plurality of signal terminals, thinner than the first power terminal and the second power terminal, formed by bending a metal plate; a housing holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, engaging with the external charging connector at a front end along the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector; and a retaining body engaging with the rear end of the housing, holding the battery together with the housing. The device includes a first power terminal, a second power terminal, and a plurality of signal terminals; and a plurality of signal lines connected to the plurality of signal terminals respectively. Each of the plurality of signal terminals has a cylindrical portion at its end, a wire connection portion at its rear end, and a middle portion between the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion. A terminal of the external charging connector is inserted into the cylindrical portion, and the wire connection portion is electrically connected to the signal line. The middle portion has a protrusion that protrudes beyond the cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The retaining body has a terminal pressing portion that extends along the wire connection portion, pressing the protrusion toward the housing. The signal terminal uses the protrusion to prevent detachment. The signal terminal with this protrusion is formed by bending a metal plate, thereby simplifying the installation of the signal terminal. In the charging connector, terminal detachment can be easily prevented.

[0012] (2) In the charging connector of (1), the cylindrical portion may also have a cylindrical body and a plurality of elastic tabs disposed on the end side of the cylindrical body, and a body-side slit extending from one end of the cylindrical body to the other end is formed in the cylindrical body. Thus, the cylindrical portion has room for radial deformation during insertion and removal.

[0013] (3) In the charging connector of (1) or (2), the protrusion may have a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending in opposite directions, and a first groove and a second groove are formed in the housing for the first protrusion and the second protrusion to be respectively inserted. This suppresses rotation of the signal terminal about an axis along the insertion / removal direction.

[0014] (4) In any of the charging connectors in (1) to (3), the wire connection portion may have a cylinder crimped to the signal wire, and the crimping portion of the cylinder and the signal wire is sealed by a water-stopping portion. Because the crimping portion is water-stopping, it is not necessary to provide an additional structure for sealing the water between the retainer and the signal terminal. This simplifies the structure of the charging connector.

[0015] (5) In the charging connector of (4), the water-stop portion may also have a shrink tube covering the crimp portion. Compared to the case where the water-stop portion is only made of adhesive, the installation of the water-stop portion becomes easier.

[0016] (6) In any of (1) to (5), the signal terminal may have a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, wherein the size of the protrusion of the first signal terminal and the size of the protrusion of the second signal terminal are different from each other. Thus, the protrusion can easily prevent misassembly of the signal terminal.

[0017] (7) In the charging connector of (6), the size of the protrusion of the first signal terminal may be larger than the size of the protrusion of the second signal terminal in the insertion / removal direction. Therefore, when the first signal terminal is housed in the terminal housing for the second signal terminal, the locking portion of the retainer collides with the protrusion of the first signal terminal during installation, preventing the retainer from being installed. This prevents the product from being produced with the first and second signal terminals incorrectly assembled.

[0018] (8) In the charging connector of (6) or (7), the size of the protrusion of the second signal terminal may be larger than the size of the protrusion of the first signal terminal in the extending direction of the protrusion. Therefore, when the second signal terminal is to be inserted into the terminal receiving portion for the first signal terminal, the protrusion of the second signal terminal collides with the periphery of the terminal receiving portion, preventing insertion. This prevents the product from being produced with the first and second signal terminals incorrectly assembled.

[0019] (9) In any of the charging connectors in (6) to (8), the first signal terminal may be disposed on the opposite side of the second signal terminal, separated from the first power terminal and the second power terminal. Thus, even if the protrusions have different sizes, it is easy to ensure sufficient space in the housing for arranging the protrusions.

[0020] (10) In any of the charging connectors in (1) to (9), the cylindrical portion of the signal terminal may have a plurality of elastic tabs, wherein the width between adjacent elastic tabs is smaller than the width of the wall appearing at the rear end of the housing when viewed from the insertion / removal direction. Thus, when the signal terminal is inserted into the housing, the wall appearing at the rear end of the housing can be prevented from entering between the elastic tabs, improving the assemblability of the charging connector.

[0021] (11) In any of the charging connectors in (1) to (10), the power terminal may also be formed by bending a metal plate that is thicker than the metal plate of the signal terminal. This makes it easier to reduce processing time compared to the case where the power terminal is a cut terminal.

[0022] (12) In any of the charging connectors in (1) to (11), a grounding terminal may be further provided. The grounding terminal has a smaller diameter than the power terminal and a larger diameter than the signal terminal. It is formed by bending a metal plate that is thicker than the metal plate of the signal terminal. The grounding terminal has a grounding terminal side cylindrical portion provided at the end, a grounding terminal side wire connection portion provided at the rear end, and a grounding terminal side intermediate portion provided between the grounding terminal side cylindrical portion and the grounding terminal side wire connection portion. The terminal of the external charging connector is inserted into the grounding terminal side cylindrical portion. The grounding terminal side wire connection portion is electrically connected to a grounding wire. The grounding terminal side intermediate portion has a grounding terminal side protrusion that protrudes from the grounding terminal side cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The retainer has a grounding terminal pressing portion that extends along the grounding terminal side wire connection portion and presses the grounding terminal side protrusion toward the housing. Thus, similar to the signal terminal, the grounding terminal can be prevented from detaching.

[0023] (13) In any of the charging connectors in (1) to (12), it may further include: a relay terminal installed between the power terminal and the power line, extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction; and an outer component that covers the rear end of the housing up to the middle portion of the power line and the signal line, wherein the power line is thicker than the signal line, the signal line extends while bending inside the outer component, and the power line extends in a straight line within the outer component. Thus, when assembling the charging connector, bending of the thick power line can be minimized, thereby improving the assemblability of the charging connector.

[0024] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] 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 variations within the meaning and scope of the claims, as shown by the claims.

[0025] [Implementation Method 1] The charging connector of Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0026] <About Vehicles> First, let's explain vehicles equipped with charging connectors.

[0027] A vehicle equipped with a charging connector is an electric vehicle that has an energy storage device and a motor. The vehicle moves by using electricity from the energy storage device to drive the motor. The vehicle can be either an electric vehicle with only a motor as its drive source, or a hybrid vehicle with both a motor and an engine. The energy storage device in the vehicle is charged by electricity supplied from an external power source. The charging connector is configured to be inserted into and electrically connected to an external charging connector. The external charging connector is a connector for a charging cable extending from an external power source.

[0028] 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, on the other hand, assumes the use of a dedicated power source, such as a charging station. The charging connector described herein is assumed to be a fast charging connector.

[0029] <Charging connector in the vehicle> Reference 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.

[0030] The charging connector 10 is, for example, mounted on a mounting portion 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.

[0031] A connection portion for connecting to an external charging connector is provided on the front side of the charging connector 10. The connection portion includes a part that is inserted into and electrically connected to the external charging connector. A portion of the charging connector 10, including the connection portion, protrudes through a through hole 104 and extends to the outside of the panel 102. Another portion of the charging connector 10 is disposed on the inner side of the vehicle, closer to the panel 102. Typically, a body side cover 106 is provided in the mounting portion 100. The body side cover 106 is mounted to the panel 102 in an openable and closable manner via 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.

[0032] 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 vertical 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, components not in the installed state will also be described according to the directions corresponding to the X, Y, and Z directions when they are in the installed state.

[0033] <Overall Structure> remove Figure 1 In addition, refer to Figures 2 to 7 The overall structure of the charging connector 10 is described below. 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 terminald 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 The wire 30 is omitted. Additionally, in Figure 6 A portion of the wires with terminals, number 38, is omitted.

[0034] The charging connector 10 includes terminals 20, wires 30, a thermistor unit 40, a housing 50, a retainer 60, a wire cover 70, a cover unit 80, and a wire sheath 90.

[0035] <Terminal> 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 opposite 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 located between the power terminals 22 and the wire 30. The number of relay terminals 28 is the same as the number of power terminals 22 (two in this case). The two power terminals 22 are an example of the first and second power terminals. Furthermore, either of the two power terminals 22 can be the first power terminal.

[0036] Power terminal 22 has a parallel connection portion 23a, a terminal fixing portion 23b, and a protrusion 23c. Power terminal 22 further 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.

[0037] 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 respectively 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 parts pressed by the retaining body 60. The thermistor mounting section 23d is the part where the thermistor unit 40 is mounted.

[0038] 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 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 terminal 22. The plate thickness of the relay terminal 28 is the same as the plate thickness of the power terminal 22.

[0039] The signal terminal 24 is thinner than the power terminal 22 and the ground terminal 26, and the ground terminal 26 is thinner than the power terminal 22. The opposite-side connecting portions 23a, 25a, and 27a of the power terminal 22, signal terminal 24, and ground terminal 26 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The opposite-side connecting portion 25a of the signal terminal 24 has a smaller diameter compared to the opposite-side connecting portions 23a and 27a of the power terminal 22 and the ground terminal 26, respectively, and the opposite-side connecting portion 27a of the ground terminal 26 has a smaller diameter compared to the opposite-side connecting portion 23a of the power terminal 22.

[0040] <Wire> 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 machine mounted in the vehicle. Such a machine is appropriately set according to the type of wire 30, for example, a battery, 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.

[0041] 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 easy-to-bend wire and a difficult-to-bend wire at the same angle, the radius of curvature of the difficult-to-bend wire is larger than that of the easy-to-bend wire, and correspondingly, a larger arrangement space is required.

[0042] 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 exterior of the vehicle and the vehicle's control unit. The ground terminal 26 and the ground line 36 are used for grounding.

[0043] <Wires with terminals> Terminal 20 and wire 30 are electrically connected to each other and fixed together during the manufacturing process of charging connector 10. Thus, a wire with integrated wire 30 and terminal 20 is sometimes referred to as a terminald wire 38. In this example, there are terminald wires 38 with integrated power line 32 and relay terminal 28, signal line 34 and signal terminal 24, and grounding wire 36 and grounding terminal 26.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, a shrink tube 39 can also be used to cover the wire 38 with terminals to form a water-stopping part. The shrink tube 39 covers the connection part between the wire 30 and the terminal 20. This can prevent water from splashing onto the connection part between the wire 30 and the terminal 20, and prevent water from seeping into the covered part. The connection part between the wire 30 and the terminal 20 is the crimping part of the core wires of the signal wire 34, the grounding wire 36, and the power wire 32 in the wire connection parts 25b, 27b, and 29b.

[0045] The shrink tubing 39 covers, for example, the portion of the terminal 20 that is forward of the portion connecting the wire 30, up to the portion of the wire 30 that has a covered portion. The shrink tubing 39 is a heat-shrinkable tube that shrinks by heating. The heat-shrinkable tube 39 covers the terminald wire 38 in its large-diameter state before heating. Then, when the heat-shrinkable tube 39 shrinks due to heating, it changes to a shape corresponding to the shape of the connecting portion, thereby allowing it to fit tightly against the connecting portion. For example, a hot-melt adhesive may be provided on the inner surface of the heat-shrinkable tube 39. This allows the hot-melt adhesive to fill the gaps between the heat-shrinkable tube 39 and the terminal 20, and between the heat-shrinkable tube 39 and the wire 30, improving the water resistance of the shrink tubing 39. Alternatively, the hot-melt adhesive may not be provided on the inner surface of the heat-shrinkable tube 39.

[0046] In the terminald wire 38, the waterproofing portion may not necessarily be the shrink tube 39. For example, an adhesive or resin may be used instead of the shrink tube 39. Alternatively, in the terminald wire 38, the waterproofing portion may be exposed instead of being provided at the crimping section. The terminald wire 38 may also be waterproofed using a rubber plug or similar material.

[0047] <Thermistor Unit> The thermistor unit 40 measures the temperature of the power supply circuit. In the charging connector 10 for fast charging, because a large current flows in the power supply circuit used to charge the battery, 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, excessively high temperatures in the power supply circuit can be prevented. The thermistor unit 40 includes a thermistor 42 and a thermistor wire 44. In this example, thermistors 42 are installed on a pair of power terminals 22 respectively 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, like the other end of the wire 30, extends outward from the cable sleeve 90. 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 wire 32 and the ground wire 36. Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 is easier to bend than the power wire 32 and the ground wire 36.

[0048] <Shell> 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.

[0049] 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 installed at the front of the housing body 51. A retainer 60 is installed at the rear of the housing body 51.

[0050] The vehicle mounting portion 54 is used to mount the charging connector 10 to the mounting portion 100. The vehicle mounting portion 54 is formed as a plate protruding from the middle portion of the housing body 51 towards the periphery of the outer frame portion 52. The vehicle mounting portion 54 is mounted to the mounting portion 100, for example, by screws S.

[0051] 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 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 grounding wire 36.

[0052] <Maintaining Body> The retainer 60 prevents the terminal 20 from detaching from the housing 50. The retainer 60 is assembled with the rear end of the housing 50 and together with the housing 50 retains the terminal 20. The retainer 60 includes a terminal pressing portion 61 and ribs 69a and 69b.

[0053] 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 detaching from the housing 50 rearward. The terminal pressing part 61 includes a rear cover part 62 and a plurality of protruding cylindrical parts 63. The protruding cylindrical parts 63 press against the signal terminal 24. The terminal pressing part 61 further 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 parts 63P, and the ground terminal 26 is pressed by the ground terminal pressing parts 63G.

[0054] The rear cover 62 blocks 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. A protruding cylindrical portion 63 is formed at a position corresponding to each of the six signal terminals 24 in the terminal receiving portion 53. The protruding cylindrical portions 63 are inserted into the terminal receiving portion 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 retainer 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 ends of each protruding cylindrical portion 63 press the protrusions 25c of the corresponding signal terminal 24 toward the housing 50 from the rear. The signal line 34 is led out from the opening at the rear of the corresponding protruding cylindrical portion 63.

[0055] Two power terminal pressing parts 63P and one grounding terminal pressing part 63G protrude from the rear cover 62 toward the front (housing 50 side). The power terminal pressing parts 63P are cylindrical, similar to the protruding cylindrical part 63. The grounding 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 grounding terminal pressing part 63G presses the protrusion 27c of the grounding 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 are fastened with screws while in contact. 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 blocked by the relay terminal 28. The grounding wire 36 is led out from the hole below the grounding terminal pressing part 63G.

[0056] Ribs 69a and 69b protrude rearward from the rear cover 62. Ribs 69a and 69b separate the relay terminals 28 from each other. Additionally, ribs 69a and 69b separate the relay terminals 28 from the signal terminals 24. Ribs 69a and 69b also position the relay terminals 28. The portion of the relay terminal 28 that connects to the power terminal 22 is arranged along ribs 69a and 69b. Ribs 69a and 69b separate the terminal 20 storage space and the drainage space inside the sheath 90. This prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the drainage space from the drain outlet 93 from reaching the terminal 20 storage space. Therefore, it prevents dust and other contaminants from adhering to the terminals 20.

[0057] The housing 50 and the retainer 60 are provided with locking portions. In this example, the locking portions include a locking protrusion formed on the housing 50 and a locking tab formed on the retainer 60. The housing 50 and the retainer 60 are maintained in a mutually mounted state by the locking tab engaging with the locking protrusion.

[0058] <Wire Cover> A wire cover 70 is installed on the wire pressing part 57. The wire cover 70 prevents the wire 30 from falling off the wire pressing part 57. The wire cover 70 and the wire pressing part 57 cover the entire circumference of the wire 30. In this embodiment, two wire covers 70 are provided. One of the two wire covers 70 presses two power lines 32. The other of the two wire covers 70 presses a grounding wire 36.

[0059] <Cover Unit> The cover unit 80 is closable and positioned at the front of the housing body 51. Opening the cover unit 80 exposes the connection port of the housing body 51, allowing connection of an external charging connector to the charging connector 10. Closing the cover unit 80 locks the connection port of the housing body 51. 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 position. During charging operations, the operator can operate the locking unit 86 to open the cover 82.

[0060] <Wire Protector> The cable sheath 90 is an example of an external component that covers the rear end of the housing 50 up to the middle portion of the power line 32 and signal line 34. The cable sheath 90 covers the housing 50 and the retainer 60. The cable sheath 90 includes a first protective portion 91 and a second protective portion 94. The first protective portion 91 covers the rear end of the housing body 51 and the retainer 60. The second protective portion 94 covers the wire pressing portion 57. The cable sheath 90 is, for example, made of an elastic material such as EPDM.

[0061] 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 outwards towards the cable protector 90 through the housing outlet 92. The drain outlet 93 is an opening for draining water that has entered the charging connector 10 to the outside. It is conceivable that water might enter through the opening of the housing body 51, for example, when the cover unit 80 is opened. A cable tie 98 is attached to the outer surface of the housing outlet 92. The cable protector 90 is attached to the housing 50 using the cable tie 98.

[0062] A wire outlet 95 is formed in the second protective section 94. The other end of the wire 30 extends outward from the sheath 90 through the wire outlet 95. Three wire outlets 95 are provided in one sheath 90. Two of the three wire outlets 95 are configured as two power lines 32. One power line 32 passes through each of the two wire outlets 95. The remaining wire outlet 95 contains a signal line 34, a grounding wire 36, and a thermistor wire 44.

[0063] <Wire path in the charging connector> The power line 32 extends in a straight line from one end connected to the relay terminal 28 toward the other end within the sheath 90, and extends out of the 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 retainer 60.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 retainer 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 terminal 22, and signal wire 34B is connected to the signal terminal 24 located below the power terminal 22. After extending from the through hole 64, signal wire 34A passes between a pair of power wires 32 and merges with signal wire 34B, extending in the Y direction.

[0066] One end of the grounding wire 36 is inserted into the terminal receiving portion 53. The grounding wire 36 extends from one end to the other through hole 64 of the retainer 60, bending within the sheath 90 while moving together with the signal wire 34 toward the wire outlet 95 of the sheath 90. As described above, because the grounding wire 36 is more difficult to bend than the signal wire 34, the radius of curvature of the grounding wire 36 tends to be larger than that of the signal wire 34 at the portion where both the signal wire 34 and the grounding wire 36 bend from the X direction to the Y direction. By pressing the other end of the grounding wire 36 using the wire pressing portion 57 of the housing 50 and the wire cover 70, excessive bulging of the grounding wire 36 within the sheath 90 is prevented.

[0067] 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 retainer 60, bending within the cable sheath 90 while heading towards the outlet of the cable sheath 90. The thermistor wire 44 passes through the portion in the through hole 64 for insertion of the terminald wire 38. The thermistor wire 44 extends in the Y direction along with the signal line 34 while passing between a pair of power lines 32.

[0068] <Regarding the relationship between the housing body and the signal terminals> Further reference 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 The diagram shows that the arrangement of the connector terminals 21 is the same as that of the terminal storage portion 53. It is a rear view showing the rear end 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.

[0069] 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 center line of the terminal housing portion 53 connecting 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 on either side of terminal housing portion 53A. In the Z direction, one terminal housing portion 53B is located next to the lower side of terminal housing portion 53A. Terminal housing portion 53A and its lower terminal housing portion 53B are located in the center of the terminal housing portion 53 of the two power terminals 22 in the Y direction.

[0070] 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 protrusion and the second protrusion 25c extend in opposite directions. The connecting portion in the middle of each signal terminal 24, which connects the opposite-side connecting portion 25a and the wire connecting portion 25b, is formed into 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 ends of the first and second protrusions 25c, measured from the semi-cylindrical connecting portion, is the maximum width dimension of the signal terminal 24.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 protrusion and the second protrusion 25c is the width dimension of the signal terminal 24. Figure 8 In the example, width dimensions W2A, W2B, and W2C are the respective width dimensions of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C. For example... 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.

[0073] Additionally, each signal terminal 24 has a cylindrical portion 25a serving as a connecting portion 25a to the opposite side. The cylindrical portion 25a is located at the 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 end portion of the cylindrical body 25d toward the end side. The plurality of elastic tabs 25e constitute the end portion of the signal terminal 24. A semi-cylindrical connecting portion protrudes from the rear end portion of the cylindrical body 25d toward the rear end side.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 distal end of the protrusion 25c in the signal terminal 24. 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 distal end of the protrusion 25c in 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 appears on the rear end side via the second storage portion 53e. When the signal terminal 24 is to be moved in the insertion / removal direction closer to the end side of the terminal storage portion 53 than the predetermined position, the protrusion 25c hooks onto the rear end face of the first storage portion 53d, restricting further movement.

[0076] 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 on both sides of the lowermost portion in the Z direction in the inner surface of the first receiving portion 53d. The protrusion 53g is located in the lowermost portion in the Z direction in the inner surface of the first receiving portion 53d. The two recesses 53f are recessed downward in the Z direction. The amount by which the rear end of the recess 53f is recessed in the Z direction is greater than that of the end portion of the recess 53f. On 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.

[0077] A groove 53h is formed in the second receiving portion 53e of a portion of the terminal receiving portions 53B and 53C, and a protrusion 25c is embedded in the groove 53h. A first groove and a second groove 53h are formed in the second receiving portion 53e of the terminal receiving portions 53B and 53C, and a first protrusion and a second protrusion 25c are embedded in the first groove and the second groove 53h, respectively. The first groove and the second groove 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 protrusion and the second protrusion 25c extend in the Y direction. The first groove and the second groove 53h in the terminal housing portion 53B are recessed in the Y direction from the inner surface of the second housing portion 53e. The signal terminal 24C is housed in the terminal housing portion 53C with the first protrusion and the second protrusion 25c extending in directions intersecting the Y and Z directions. The first groove and the second groove 53h in the terminal housing portion 53C are recessed in the Y direction from the inner surface of the second housing portion 53e. The first protrusion and the second protrusion 25c of the signal terminals 24B and 24C are housed in the first groove and the second groove 53h of the terminal housing portions 53B and 53C. As a result, rotation of the signal terminals 24B and 24C about the axis along the insertion / removal direction can be suppressed.

[0078] 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 9 As shown, viewed from the X direction, the rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i is located at a different position than the recess 53f and the protrusion 53g.

[0079] A slit 25f is formed at the end of the cylindrical portion 25a. The slit 25f separates one circumferential portion of the cylindrical portion 25a from another portion. Here, slits 25f are formed between a plurality of elastic tabs 25e. The plurality of elastic tabs 25e protrude from positions where they are separated from each other circumferentially along 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.

[0080] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the width dimension W3 is the width of the end 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 that appears 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.

[0081] Furthermore, the width of the end of the slit 25f in signal terminals 24A and 24B is the same as the width of the end 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.

[0082] Furthermore, in Figure 10In 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 that appears 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, any wall at the rear end of the housing 50 can be prevented from entering the slit 25f, making terminal insertion easier.

[0083] The slit 25f extends rearward from the end 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.

[0084] 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 greater than the width dimension W3 of the end of slit 25f.

[0085] The multiple elastic sheets 25e are bent in the middle such that their ends are located closer to the radial center than their rear ends. Consequently, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the ends of the multiple elastic sheets 25e is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the rear ends of the multiple elastic sheets 25e. Consequently, the spacing between adjacent elastic sheets 25e at their ends is smaller than the spacing between adjacent elastic sheets 25e at their rear ends.

[0086] Furthermore, in each elastic sheet 25e, the width of the rear end portion is smaller than the width of the end portion. As a result, the spacing between adjacent elastic sheets 25e at the end portion is smaller than the spacing between adjacent elastic sheets 25e at the rear end portion.

[0087] 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.

[0088] <Regarding the relationship between the retainer and the terminal> Further reference Figures 11 to 13 The relationship between the retainer 60 and the connector terminal 21 is explained. Figure 11 This is a rear view showing the retainer 60. Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the retainer 60. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the situation where the retainer 60 presses down on the connector terminal 21 from the rear.

[0089] A plurality of through holes 64 are formed in the retainer 60. Each through hole 64 penetrates the retainer 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 further 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 retainer 60 corresponding to the terminal receiving portions 53 of the six signal terminals 24.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 the through holes 64A and 64B is separated from the hollow portion 65 of the other protruding cylindrical portions 63.

[0092] 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.

[0093] After the six signal terminals 24 are connected to the signal line 34 to form a terminald wire 38, they pass through the holding body 60 through the through holes 64 corresponding to the terminal receiving part 53 that houses them. Specifically, the signal terminal 24A and the signal terminal 24B adjacent to the left of the signal terminal 24A pass through the holding body 60 through the through hole 64C. The signal terminal 24B adjacent to the right of the signal terminal 24A passes through the holding body 60 through the through hole 64A. The signal terminal 24B adjacent to the lower side of the signal terminal 24A passes through the holding body 60 through the through hole 64B. The two signal terminals 24C pass through the holding body 60 through the through hole 64D.

[0094] 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.

[0095] The maximum width of the middle portion of the signal terminal 24 is greater 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.

[0096] The minimum width dimension of the signal terminal 24 on the side of the protrusion 25c closest to 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 independently of the protruding cylinder 63. Insulating wall 68D2 extends downward in the Z direction from the end of insulating wall 68D1. Furthermore, the four through holes 64 are separated by the rear cover portion 62 of the retaining 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.

[0099] The opening at the rear of the cylindrical power terminal pressing part 63P is blocked by the relay terminal 28. Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 cannot be led out through the opening at the rear of the power terminal pressing part 63P. The thermistor wire 44 passes through the holding 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 holding body 60 through the through hole 64A. The thermistor wire 44 of the thermistor 42 connected to the other power terminal 22 passes through the holding body 60 through the through hole 64C.

[0100] <Regarding the prevention of misassembly of signal terminals> Further reference Figures 14 to 17 Instructions are provided on preventing the misassembly of the three signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C. 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 housings 53A, 53B, and 53C. Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a signal terminal 24A housed in three terminal housing sections 53A, 53B, and 53C. Figure 16 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which another signal terminal 24B is housed in three terminal housing 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 housing sections 53A, 53B, and 53C.

[0101] 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 stored in a terminal storage portion 53 other than its corresponding terminal storage portion 53A, 53B, and 53C. Here, the statement that the signal terminal 24 cannot be properly stored in the terminal storage portion 53 includes not only the case where the signal terminal 24 cannot be inserted into the terminal storage portion 53, but also the case where the retainer 60 is not mounted on the housing 50 even when the signal terminal 24 is inserted into the terminal storage portion 53.

[0102] like Figure 14 As shown, when the retainer 60 is installed on the housing 50 with each signal terminal 24A, 24B, and 24C housed in its corresponding terminal housing portion 53A, 53B, and 53C, each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into a predetermined position in the second housing portion 53e of each terminal housing portion 53. Thus, the housing 50 and the retainer 60 can be locked in place at the locking portion, allowing the housing 50 and the retainer 60 to be installed.

[0103] like Figure 15 As shown, signal terminal 24A can be inserted into terminal housing portions 53B and 53C. This is because the maximum width of signal terminal 24A is smaller than the maximum width of signal terminals 24B and 24C and the width of their corresponding terminal housing portions 53B and 53C. However, the length of the cylindrical portion 25a in signal terminal 24A is longer than the length 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 the retainer 60 is mounted on housing 50 with signal terminal 24A inserted into terminal housing portions 53B and 53C, 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. Consequently, housing 50 and retainer 60 cannot be locked at the locking portion, and housing 50 and retainer 60 cannot be installed. Therefore, misassembly of signal terminal 24A to terminal housing parts 53B and 53C can be suppressed.

[0104] like Figure 16 As shown, signal terminal 24B cannot be inserted into terminal housing portion 53A. This is because the maximum width of signal terminal 24B is greater than the maximum width of signal terminal 24A and the width of its corresponding terminal housing portion 53A. Therefore, misassembly of signal terminal 24B into terminal housing portion 53A can be prevented.

[0105] 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 retainer 60 is installed on the housing 50 with the signal terminal 24B inserted into the terminal housing 53C, 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 retainer 60 cannot be locked at the locking portion, and the housing 50 and the retainer 60 cannot be installed. Therefore, misassembly of the signal terminal 24B into the terminal housing 53C can be suppressed.

[0106] like Figure 17 As shown, signal terminal 24C cannot be inserted into terminal housing portions 53A and 53B. This is because the maximum width of signal terminal 24C is greater than the maximum width of signal terminals 24A and 24B, as well as the width 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.

[0107] 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 protrusion 25c of signal terminals 24A and 24C. Therefore, 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 in the insertion / removal direction is the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C and the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C.

[0108] 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, 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 in the extending direction of the protrusion 25c is a combination of signal terminals 24A and 24B, a combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C, and a combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above example, signal terminals 24A and 24B are disposed on the opposite side of signal terminal 24C, separated by two power 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 terminals 22, is the combination of signal terminals 24A and 24C and the combination of signal terminals 24B and 24C.

[0110] 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.

[0111] <Regarding the holding state of signal terminals> Further reference 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 housings 53A and 53B.

[0112] With the signal terminal 24A housed in the terminal housing 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 direction of rotation, the protrusion 25c contacts the rotation-suppressing protrusion 53i, thus suppressing further rotation. Consequently, the rotation of the signal terminal 24A about the axis along the insertion / removal direction is suppressed to less than one turn. This also prevents an increase in the amount of twist in the signal line 34 connected to the signal terminal 24A.

[0113] 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, 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, because the terminal pressing portion side slit 67 is closed by the anti-rotation protrusion 53i, when the signal terminal 24A rotates around an axis along the insertion / removal direction, it is possible to prevent the signal terminal 24A or the signal line 34 connected to it from being inserted into the terminal pressing portion side slit 67.

[0114] With the signal terminal 24B housed in the terminal housing portion 53B, as follows Figure 18 As shown, the first protrusion and the second protrusion 25c are respectively housed in the first groove and the second groove 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 protrusion 25c and the inner surface of the groove 53h. The amount of rotation of the signal terminal 24B about the axis along the insertion / removal direction is small, compared to the amount of rotation of the signal terminal 24A about the axis along the insertion / removal direction.

[0115] Similarly to signal terminal 24B, signal terminal 24C is housed in the first groove and the second groove 53h by the first protrusion and the second protrusion 25c respectively, thereby suppressing rotation about the axis along the insertion / removal direction.

[0116] 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, within the cylindrical body 25d, signal terminal 24A is supported on the terminal housing 53 at a longer distance in the insertion / removal direction compared to 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).

[0117] 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 so, 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).

[0118] <Regarding the relationship between the grounding terminal, housing, and retainer> 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 further than the grounding terminal side cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion and removal direction. The grounding terminal pressing portion 63G of the retaining body 60 extends along the wire connecting portion 27b and presses the protrusion 27c toward the housing 50.

[0119] 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 periphery above the terminal insertion hole 66D in the front surface of the rear cover portion 62. The grounding terminal pressing portion 63G is formed as a flat plate extending in the Y-direction, pressing the ends of the first and second protrusions 27c.

[0120] In this example, the grounding terminal 26 can also pass through the retainer 60 as a wire 38 with terminals. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the through hole 64D is formed to the size through which the wire 38 with a terminal of the grounding terminal 26 can be inserted.

[0121] <Effects, etc.> According to the charging connector 10 configured as described above, the signal terminal 24 uses a protrusion 25c to prevent detachment. The signal terminal 24 with the protrusion 25c is formed by bending a metal plate, thereby making it easy to install. In the charging connector 10, the signal terminal 24 can be easily prevented from detaching.

[0122] Furthermore, a body-side slit 25g is formed in the main body 25d, extending from one end of the main body 25d to the other end. This allows for radial deformation of the main body 25a during insertion and removal.

[0123] Furthermore, the housing 50 has a first protrusion and a second protrusion 25c that are respectively inserted into a first groove and a second groove 53h. This suppresses the rotation of the signal terminal 24 about an axis along the insertion / removal direction.

[0124] Furthermore, since the crimped joint between the wire connection 25b and the signal line 34 is waterproof, it is not necessary to install additional structures such as rubber plugs for waterproofing between the retainer 60 and the signal terminal 24. This simplifies the structure.

[0125] In addition, the water-stopping part has a shrink tube 39 covering the crimping part. As a result, the installation of the water-stopping part becomes easier compared to the case where the water-stopping part is only made of adhesive.

[0126] Furthermore, the protrusions 25c of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C are of different dimensions. Therefore, the protrusions 25c can easily prevent misassembly of signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C.

[0127] Furthermore, 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, when signal terminal 24B is housed in the terminal housings 53A and 53C for signal terminals 24A and 24C, during the installation of the retainer 60, the protruding cylindrical portion 63 of the retainer 60 collides with the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24B, preventing the retainer 60 from being installed. This prevents the product from being produced with signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C incorrectly assembled.

[0128] Furthermore, in the extending direction of the protrusion 25c, the size of the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24C is larger than the size of the protrusions 25c of the signal terminals 24A and 24B. Therefore, when the signal terminal 24C is to be inserted into the terminal receiving portions 53A and 53B used for the signal terminals 24A and 24B, the protrusion 25c of the signal terminal 24C collides with the periphery of the terminal receiving portions 53A and 53B, preventing insertion. This prevents the product from being produced in a state of mis-assembly of the signal terminals 24A, 24B, and 24C.

[0129] Furthermore, signal terminals 24A and 24B are positioned on the opposite side of signal terminal 24C, separated from power terminal 22. This ensures sufficient space within the housing 50 for the protrusions 25c to be positioned even if the protrusions 25c have different dimensions. For example, the protrusion 25c of signal terminal 24C is longer than the protrusions 25c of signal terminals 24A and 24B. Signal terminal 24C is housed in terminal housing portion 53C with an inclination about an axis along the insertion / removal direction. Consequently, the direction of the maximum width dimension of signal terminal 24C intersects the direction in which terminal housing portion 53C and the terminal housing portion 53 of ground terminal 26 are arranged. The groove 53h of terminal housing portion 53C is formed in a direction corresponding to the inclination posture of signal terminal 24C.

[0130] Furthermore, the width dimension W3 between adjacent elastic pieces 25e is smaller than the width dimensions W4 and W5 of the walls such as the protrusion 53g that appear at the rear end of the housing 50 when viewed from the insertion / removal direction. As a result, when the signal terminal 24 is inserted into the housing 50, the walls appearing at the rear end of the housing 50 can be prevented from entering between the elastic pieces 25e, thus improving the assemblability of the charging connector 10.

[0131] Furthermore, the power terminal 22 is formed by bending a metal plate that is thicker than the metal plate of the signal terminal 24. This makes it easier to reduce processing time compared to the case where the power terminal 22 is a cut terminal. The protrusion 23c in the power terminal 22 is pressed towards the housing 50 by the power terminal pressing part 63P. Therefore, similar to the signal terminal 24, the power terminal 22 can also be prevented from detaching.

[0132] Furthermore, the protrusion 27c in the grounding terminal 26 is pressed towards the housing 50 by the grounding terminal pressing part 63G. Thus, similar to the signal terminal 24, the grounding terminal 26 can also be prevented from detaching.

[0133] Furthermore, the power line 32 is thicker than the signal line 34. The signal line 34 extends while bending inside the sheath 90, while the power line 32 extends in a straight line inside the sheath 90. As a result, when assembling the charging connector 10, bending of the thicker power line 32 can be minimized, thus improving the assemblability of the charging connector 10.

[0134] [Implementation Method 2] 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 retainer 160 in the charging connector 110. Figure 22 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the signal terminal 124 is housed in the terminal housing portion 153. Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, structural elements that are the same as those previously described are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0135] In the charging connector 110, the grounding terminal 26 and the grounding wire 36 are omitted. Therefore, the structures of the grounding terminal 26 and the grounding wire 36 are omitted in the housing 150 and the retainer 160. Furthermore, the charging connector 110 is provided with eight signal terminals 124. The eight signal terminals 124 are housed in groups of four, separated by the power terminals 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 formed in the same shape.

[0136] In the signal terminal 124, a slit 25f is also formed between the elastic sheets 125e. Additionally, in the housing 150, a wall such as a protrusion 53g also appears at the rear end. In this example, because the width of the slit 25f is smaller than the width of the wall, the wall such as the protrusion 53g can be prevented from embedding into the slit 25f when the signal terminal 124 is inserted into the housing 150.

[0137] like Figure 20 As shown, in signal terminal 124, the width of the end portion of slit 25f is also smaller than the width of the rear portion of slit 25f. Furthermore, in signal terminal 124, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the end of elastic piece 125e is also smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the rear portion of elastic piece 125e. In elastic piece 125e, the width of the end portion is smaller than the width of the rear portion. In the elastic piece 125e of signal terminal 124, as... Figure 20 As shown, the width of the end portion is also smaller than the width of the rear portion. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 125a at the end of the elastic sheet 125e is also smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 25a at the end of the elastic sheet 25e.

[0138] 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, like the protruding cylindrical portion 63, is cylindrical. The end portion of the protruding cylindrical portion 163 presses the first and second protrusions 125c toward the housing 150. Figure 22 As shown, the ends of the first protrusion and the second protrusion 125c are pressed by the protruding cylindrical portion 163.

[0139] Similar to signal terminal 24, signal terminal 124 is formed as a wire 38 with a terminal and passes through the through hole 164 of the retainer 160. The first protrusion and the second protrusion 125c extend in the same direction, therefore the maximum width of signal terminal 124 is smaller than the maximum width of signal terminal 24. Consequently, the through hole 164 in the retainer 160 is also smaller than the through hole 64 of the retainer 60. Furthermore, the retainer 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.

[0140] In the terminal receiving portion 153, a groove 53h for receiving the protrusion 125c is not formed. 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 portion side slit 167 of the protruding cylindrical portion 163 on the rearward side side of the protrusion 125c. Furthermore, because the signal terminals 124 are close together and space is limited, the width of the terminal pressing portion side slit 167A of the three through holes 164A located in the middle of the Y direction is larger than the width of the terminal pressing portion side slit 167B of the other five through holes 164B. Therefore, the width of the anti-rotation protrusion 53i received in the terminal pressing portion side slit 167A is larger than the width of the anti-rotation protrusion 53i received in the terminal pressing portion side slit 167B. In the anti-rotation protrusion 53i housed in the terminal pressing part side slit 167A, two small protrusions are provided circumferentially separated, thereby increasing the width dimension of the anti-rotation protrusion 53i.

[0141] [Postscript] Previously, it was explained that a main body side slit 25g was formed in the main body 25d of the cylindrical section, but this is not a necessary structure. It is also possible not to form the main body side slit 25g in the main body 25d of the cylindrical section. For example, it is also possible to make one end in the circumferential direction overlap the other end in the radial direction, and not to form the main body side slit 25g.

[0142] Furthermore, it was previously explained that the width between adjacent elastic pieces 25e was smaller than the width of the wall such as the protrusion 53g that appears at the rear end of the housing 50 when viewed from the insertion / removal direction, but this is not a necessary structure. The width between adjacent elastic pieces 25e can also be the same as or larger than the width of the wall such as the protrusion 53g.

[0143] Furthermore, while the previous description assumed that the metal plate was bent to form the power terminal 22, this is not a necessary structure. For example, a metal cylindrical member can also be machined to form a power terminal. Similarly, the grounding terminal 26 can also be formed by machining a metal cylindrical member.

[0144] Furthermore, while the charging connector 10 was previously described with a cable sheath 90 as an outer component, this is not a necessary structure. For example, the charging connector could also have a resin-made, low-elasticity protector. Additionally, the charging connector 10 could also be without an outer component. Furthermore, the power lines 32 could extend in a bent manner within the outer component.

[0145] Furthermore, the structures described in the above embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0146] 10, 110 charging connectors 20 terminals 21 Connector Terminals 22 Power terminals 23a Connecting part on the opposite side 23b Terminal fixing part 23c Protrusion 23d Thermistor Mounting Section Signal terminals 24, 24A, 24B, 24C, and 124 25a and 125a side connection (cylinder part) 25b Wire Connection Part 25c and 125c protrusions 25d cylindrical body 25e and 125e elastic sheets 25f slit 25g Main body side slit 26 Grounding terminal 27a Side connection part (grounding terminal side cylinder part) 27b Wire connection part (grounding terminal side wire connection part) 27c Protrusion (Protrusion on the grounding terminal side) 28, 28A, 28B relay terminals 29a Terminal fixing part 29b Wire connection part 30 wires 31a core wire 31b Covering section 32 Power lines 34 signal lines 36 Grounding wire 38. Wires with terminals 39 Shrink tubing 40 Thermistor Units 42 Thermistor 44. Wires for thermistors 50, 150 housing 51. Main body of the casing 52 Outer frame Terminal storage section for 53, 53A, 53B, 53C, and 153 53d First Storage Department 53e Second Storage Department 53f concave part 53g convex part (wall) 53h tank 53i Suppressing Rotational Protrusion 54 Vehicle Installation Department 56 arms 57. Wire pressing part 60, 160 maintain body 61 Terminal pressing part 62 Rear Cover 63, 163 protruding cylinder 63a Protruding cylindrical body 63b Protrusion pressing protrusion 63P Power Terminal Pressing Part 63G Grounding Terminal Press Part 64, 64A, 64B, 164, 164A, 164B through holes 64C and 64D share a through hole. Hollow sections of 65, 65C1, 65C2, 65D1, and 65D2 Universal socket for 66, 66C, and 66D terminals 67, 67C1, 67C2, 67D1, 67D2, 167, 167A, 167B terminal pressing part side slit 68C, 68D1, 68D2 insulation wall 69a, 69b ribs 70 Wire Cover 80 cover units 82 lids 84 hinge units 86 Locking Units 90mm cable protector (protector) 91 First Protection Department 92 Shell Outlet 93 Drainage outlet 94th Protection Department 2 95. Electrical wire outlet 98 Cable ties 100 Installation Department 102 Panel 104 Through Hole 106 Body side cover 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 provided in 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, thinner than the first and second power terminals, are formed by bending a metal plate; The housing holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the 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; The retainer is assembled with the rear end of the housing, and together with the housing, retains the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals; as well as Multiple signal lines are connected to the multiple signal terminals respectively, wherein, Each of the plurality of signal terminals has a cylindrical portion disposed at an end, a wire connection portion disposed at a rear end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion. The terminals of the external charging connector are inserted into the cylindrical portion, and the wire connection portion is electrically connected to the signal line. The middle portion has a semi-cylindrical connecting portion that connects the cylindrical portion and the wire connection portion, and a protrusion provided on the connecting portion that protrudes from the cylindrical portion in a direction intersecting the insertion / extraction direction. The retainer has a terminal pressing portion that extends along the wire connection portion, pressing the protrusion toward the housing. The protrusion has a first protrusion extending from one end of the connecting portion in a direction away from the connecting portion, and a second protrusion extending from the other end of the connecting portion in a direction away from the connecting portion. The first protrusion and the second protrusion extend in opposite directions. The housing has a first groove for the first protrusion to be inserted and a second groove for the second protrusion to be inserted. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are respectively housed in the first groove and the second groove, thereby suppressing the rotation of the signal terminal about an axis along the insertion / removal direction.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, wherein, The cylindrical portion has a main body and a plurality of elastic plates disposed at the end of the main body. A body-side slit is formed in the cylindrical body, extending from one end of the cylindrical body to the other end.

3. The charging connector according to claim 1, wherein, The wire connection portion has a cylinder that is crimped to the signal wire. The crimped portion of the cylinder and the signal line is sealed with a water-stopping part.

4. The charging connector according to claim 3, wherein, The water-stopping part has a shrink tube covering the crimped part.

5. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The signal terminal has a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal. The dimensions of the protrusion of the first signal terminal and the protrusion of the second signal terminal are different from each other.

6. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein, In the insertion / removal direction, the size of the protrusion of the first signal terminal is larger than the size of the protrusion of the second signal terminal.

7. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein, In the extending direction of the protrusion, the size of the protrusion of the second signal terminal is larger than the size of the protrusion of the first signal terminal.

8. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein, The first signal terminal is disposed on the opposite side of the second signal terminal, separated from the first power terminal and the second power terminal.

9. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cylindrical portion of the signal terminal has multiple elastic tabs. The width between adjacent elastic pieces is less than the width of the wall that appears at the rear end of the housing when viewed from the insertion / removal direction.

10. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The power terminal is formed by bending a metal plate that is thicker than the metal plate of the signal terminal.

11. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The charging connector further includes a ground terminal, which has a smaller diameter than the power terminal and a larger diameter than the signal terminal, and is formed by bending a metal plate that is thicker than the metal plate of the signal terminal. The grounding terminal has a grounding terminal side cylindrical portion disposed at the end, a grounding terminal side wire connection portion disposed at the rear end, and a grounding terminal side intermediate portion disposed between the grounding terminal side cylindrical portion and the grounding terminal side wire connection portion. The terminals of the external charging connector are inserted into the grounding terminal side cylindrical portion, and the grounding terminal side wire connection portion is electrically connected to the grounding wire. The middle portion of the grounding terminal side has a grounding terminal side protrusion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction compared to the cylindrical portion of the grounding terminal side. The retainer has a grounding terminal pressing part that extends along the grounding terminal side wire connection part and presses the grounding terminal side protrusion toward the housing.

12. The charging connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The charging connector further comprises: A relay terminal is installed between the power terminal and the power line, extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction; and An external component covers the rear end of the housing up to the middle portion of the power lines and signal lines. The power line is thicker than the signal line. The signal line extends while bending inside the outer component, while the power line extends in a straight line inside the outer component.

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