Charging connector

Abstract

To provide a technique that makes the installation work of a wire cover easy. A charging connector (10) has a power terminal (22), a signal terminal (24), a housing (50) that holds the power terminal (22) and the signal terminal (24), a holding body (60) that is integrated with the housing (50), a relay terminal (28) that is electrically connected to the power terminal (22) and extends in a direction that intersects with a plugging direction of an external charging connector, a power line (32) that is electrically connected to the power terminal (22) via the relay terminal (28), a signal line (34) that is electrically connected to the signal terminal (24), and a wire cover (90) that covers the rear end portion of the housing (50) and the intermediate portions of the power line (32) and the signal line (34). The holding body (60) has a wall that protrudes in the plugging direction, and the wall has a limiting wall (65) that limits the position of the relay terminal (28), and a reinforcing rib (67) is provided on the outer surface of the end portion in the extending direction of the relay terminal (28) in the limiting wall (65).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a socket assembly installed in a vehicle that uses an external power source to charge an internally mounted energy storage device. A cable protector is installed on the back side of the socket base described in Patent Document 1. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-175764 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] The installation of the cable sleeve is troublesome.

[0005] Therefore, the aim is to provide a technology that facilitates the installation of cable sheaths. 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 of 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; a housing that holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, engaging with the external charging connector at its front end along the insertion / removal direction of the external charging connector; a retaining body that engages with the rear end of the housing, holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals together with the housing; and a first relay terminal and a second relay terminal electrically connected to the respective rear ends of the first power terminal and the second power terminal. The housing extends in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction; a first power line and a second power line are electrically connected to the first power terminal and the second power terminal respectively via the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal; multiple signal lines are electrically connected to the multiple signal terminals respectively; and a cable sleeve covers the rear end of the housing up to the middle portion of the power line and the signal line, the cable sleeve having an opening covering the rear end of the housing, the retainer having a wall protruding along the insertion / removal direction, the wall having a limiting wall restricting the position of the relay terminal, the limiting wall having a reinforcing rib on the outer surface of the end in the extension direction of the relay terminal, and the cable sleeve having a flange portion disposed around the opening. Invention Effects

[0007] According to this disclosure, the installation of the cable sheath becomes easier. 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 the front view showing the cable sheath. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the situation where the cable sheath is temporarily held in the retainer. Figure 10 This is a rear view of the casing. Figure 11 This is a top view showing the cable sheath installed in the housing and retainer. Figure 12 This is a top view showing the cable sheath temporarily held in place by the retainer. Figure 13 This is a rear view showing a modified example of the charging connector. 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 of the vehicle, the charging connector comprising: a first power terminal and a second power terminal for supplying power to the battery; a plurality of signal terminals; 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; a retaining body engaging with the rear end of the housing, holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals together with the housing; and a first relay terminal and a second relay terminal engaging with the respective rear ends of the first power terminal and the second power terminal. The housing comprises a housing extending in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction; a first power line and a second power line electrically connected to the first power terminal and the second power terminal respectively via the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal; multiple signal lines electrically connected to the multiple signal terminals respectively; and a cable sheath covering the rear end of the housing up to the middle portion of the power line and the signal line. The cable sheath has an opening covering the rear end of the housing. The retainer has a wall protruding along the insertion / removal direction, the wall having a limiting wall restricting the position of the relay terminal. A reinforcing rib is provided on the outer surface of the end of the limiting wall in the extending direction of the relay terminal. The cable sheath has a flange portion surrounding the opening. When installing the cable sheath, the peripheral portion of the opening in the cable sheath can be temporarily held by hooking onto the reinforcing rib of the retainer wall. Furthermore, when installing the cable sheath, the operator can hold the flange portion. Thus, the installation of the cable sheath becomes easy.

[0012] (2) In the charging connector of (1), the limiting wall may also have a first limiting wall and a second limiting wall facing each other across the relay terminal, and the reinforcing ribs provided on the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall are formed in opposite directions. Thus, when installing the cable sheath, the periphery of the opening in the cable sheath can easily hook onto the reinforcing ribs of the retainer.

[0013] (3) In the charging connector of (1) or (2), the cable sleeve may also have a drain opening that intersects the insertion / removal direction. The wall has a partition wall that divides the rear end portion of the retainer into a first region corresponding to the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, and a second region located closer to the drain opening than the first region. The end of the partition wall abuts against the inner surface of the cable sleeve. Thus, the space where the terminal is located and the space where the drain opening is located are separated by the lower side wall and the cable sleeve, making it difficult for dust and other contaminants that enter the cable sleeve from the drain groove to reach the space where the terminal is located.

[0014] (4) In the charging connector of (3), the insertion / removal direction, the direction of the drain opening, and the direction in which the power line extends inside the cable sleeve may intersect each other. Thus, when the cable sleeve is configured with the drain opening facing vertically downwards, the power line extends in a direction that intersects with vertical downwards, making it difficult for water to seep in from the outlet of the power line.

[0015] (5) In any of the charging connectors in (1) to (4), the housing may have a housing body that holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, and a vehicle mounting portion for bolt fastening to the vehicle. The vehicle mounting portion has a flange portion protruding outward from the housing body and a first rib and a second rib protruding from the flange portion in the insertion / removal direction. The cable sheath has a protrusion disposed on the outside of the opening of the housing and protruding toward the vehicle mounting portion, the protrusion being embedded between the first rib and the second rib. This suppresses rotation of the cable sheath and the housing.

[0016] (6) In the charging connector of (5), the vehicle mounting part may also have a connecting rib that connects the first rib and the second rib to each other, and the protrusion is inserted between the first rib and the second rib at a position that avoids the connecting rib. Thus, the protrusion is used to prevent rotation, and the connecting rib is used to improve the rigidity of the mounting part.

[0017] (7) In any of the charging connectors in (1) to (6), the housing may have a housing body that holds the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, and a vehicle mounting portion for bolt fastening to the vehicle. The vehicle mounting portion has a flange portion protruding outward from the housing body and a plurality of ribs protruding from the flange portion in the insertion / removal direction. A first mounting hole and a second mounting hole closer to the housing body than the first mounting hole are formed in the flange portion. The plurality of ribs are arranged such that the rigidity of the portion with the second mounting hole is increased compared to the rigidity of the portion with the first mounting hole. Because the second mounting hole is closer to the cylindrical portion of the housing than the first mounting hole, the force applied from the vehicle to the portion with the second mounting hole is more likely to be greater than the force applied to the portion with the first mounting hole. Even in this case, by increasing the rigidity of the portion with the second mounting hole, cracking of the vehicle mounting portion can be suppressed.

[0018] [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.

[0019] [Implementation Method 1] The charging connector of Embodiment 1 will be described below.

[0020] <About Vehicles> First, let's explain vehicles equipped with charging connectors.

[0021] 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 electrically connected by being inserted into an external charging connector. The external charging connector is a connector for a charging cable extending from an external power source.

[0022] Charging methods for energy storage devices in vehicles generally include regular charging and fast charging. Fast charging achieves charging in a shorter time by using a larger current than regular charging. Regular charging assumes the use of household power or an equivalent external power source. Fast charging assumes the use of a dedicated power source, such as a charging station. The charging connector described herein is assumed to be a fast charging connector.

[0023] <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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 electrically connected by being inserted into the external charging connector. A portion of the charging connector 10, including the connection portion, protrudes through the through hole 104 and extends to the outer side 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 on the mounting portion 100. The body side cover 106 is installed and can be opened and closed 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] <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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] <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). Each terminal 20 is formed by pressing (bending) a metal plate. The two power terminals 22 are examples of the first and second power terminals. The two relay terminals 28 are examples of the first and second relay terminals. Furthermore, either of the two power terminals 22 can be designated as the first power terminal. Either of the two relay terminals 28 can be designated as the first relay terminal.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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. The signal terminal 24, ground terminal 26, and relay terminal 28 are crimped to the ends of their respective wires 30 via the wire connecting portions 25b, 27b, and 29b. Thus, the signal terminal 24, ground terminal 26, and relay terminal 28 are electrically connected to and fixed to their respective wires 30. Protrusions 23c, 25c, and 27c are provided in the middle of each connector terminal 21. The protrusions 23c, 25c, and 27c are the parts pressed by the retaining body 60. The thermistor mounting portion 23d is the part for mounting the thermistor unit 40.

[0032] <Wire> One end of each wire 30 is connected to terminal 20. The other end of each wire 30 extends outward from the cable sheath 90. When the charging connector 10 is mounted in the vehicle, the other end of each wire 30 is connected to another device mounted in the vehicle. Such a device is appropriately configured depending on the type of wire 30, for example, a battery, an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. The number and type of wires 30 correspond to the number and type of connector terminals 21. In this embodiment, the wires 30 include two power lines 32, six signal lines 34, and one ground line 36. One end of the power line 32 is connected to relay terminal 28. The power line 32 is connected to power terminal 22 via relay terminal 28. One end of the signal line 34 is connected to signal terminal 24. One end of the ground line 36 is connected to ground terminal 26. One end of the thermistor wire 44 is connected to the thermistor 42.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] <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, the integrated structure of 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.

[0036] like Figure 5As shown, a shrink tube 39 can also be used to cover the wire 38 with terminals. The shrink tube 39 covers the connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20. This prevents water from splashing onto the connection portion between the wire 30 and the terminal 20, and from water seeping into the covering portion 31b. For example, the shrink tube 39 covers the portion of the terminal 20 that is forward of the portion connecting the wire 30 to the portion of the wire 30 with the covering portion 31b. The shrink tube 39 is a heat-shrinkable tube 39 that shrinks by heating. The heat-shrinkable tube 39 covers the wire 38 with terminals in its large diameter state before heating. Then, when the heat-shrinkable tube 39 is heated and shrunk, it becomes a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection portion, thereby allowing it to fit tightly against the connection portion. For example, a hot melt adhesive can 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 tube 39. Alternatively, the heat-shrink tubing 39 may not be provided on its inner surface. In the terminald wire 38, the shrink tubing 39 may be left exposed at the connection between the wire 30 and the terminal 20. In the terminald wire 38, an adhesive or resin may be used instead of the shrink tubing 39 at the connection between the wire 30 and the terminal 20.

[0037] <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, and the temperature of each pair of power terminals 22 is measured. 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 line 32 and the ground wire 36. Therefore, the thermistor wire 44 is easier to bend than the power line 32 and the ground wire 36.

[0038] <Shell> The housing 50 holds the connector terminal 21 in a predetermined position (a position where it can connect to the connector terminal 21 of an external charging connector). The housing 50 includes a housing body 51, a vehicle mounting portion 54, and a wire pressing portion 57.

[0039] The housing body 51 houses the connector terminal 21. The housing body 51 has an outer frame portion 52 and multiple terminal holding portions 53. Each of the multiple terminal holding 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 holding portions 53. At the middle portion of the terminal holding portions 53, the multiple terminal holding 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] <Maintaining Body> The retainer 60 prevents the terminal 20 from detaching from the housing 50. The retainer 60 includes a terminal pressing portion 61 and walls 65 and 66.

[0043] The terminal pressing part 61 is pressed and housed behind the connector terminal 21 of the housing 50. This prevents the connector terminal 21 from falling off the housing 50 to the rear. The terminal pressing part 61 includes a rear cover part 62 and a plurality of protruding cylindrical parts 63.

[0044] The rear cover 62 blocks the opening at the rear of the outer frame 52. Multiple through holes are formed in the rear cover 62. These through holes are located at positions corresponding to the terminal holding portions 53. Through the through holes corresponding to the power terminal 22, 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 side of the rear cover 62. Signal lines 34 and ground lines 36 are led out from the through holes corresponding to the signal terminal 24 and the ground terminal 26.

[0045] Multiple protruding cylindrical portions 63 protrude from the rear cover portion 62 toward the front (housing 50 side). The multiple protruding cylindrical portions 63 are formed at positions corresponding to each terminal holding portion 53. Each protruding cylindrical portion 63 communicates with each through hole. The end of each protruding cylindrical portion 63 is inserted into the corresponding terminal holding portion 53, pressing the corresponding protrusions 23c, 25c, and 27c from the rear.

[0046] Walls 65 and 66 protrude rearward from the rear cover 62 along the insertion / removal direction. Wall 65 is a limiting wall that restricts the position of the relay terminal 28. The portion of the relay terminal 28 that connects to the power terminal 22 is arranged along the limiting wall 65. The limiting wall 65 separates the relay terminals 28 from each other. In addition, the limiting wall 65 separates the relay terminal 28 and the signal terminal 24. Wall 66 is a partition wall 66 inside the cable sheath 90 that separates the storage space and drainage space for the terminal 20.

[0047] 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 held in a mutually mounted state by locking the locking tab with the locking protrusion.

[0048] <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.

[0049] <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.

[0050] <Wire Protector> Regarding the 90mm cable sheath, besides Figures 1 to 7 In addition, refer to Figure 8 illustrate. Figure 8 This is a front view showing the cable sheath 90.

[0051] 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 a flexible component. The cable sheath 90 is, for example, made of an elastic material such as EPDM. The cable sheath 90 is, for example, a molded integral product.

[0052] A housing outlet 92 and a drain outlet 93 are formed in the first protective section 91. The housing outlet 92 is an example of an opening covering the rear end of the housing 50. Through the housing outlet 92, the front end of the housing body 51 extends outward toward the outside of the cable sleeve 90. The housing outlet 92 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The drain outlet 93 is an opening for draining water that has entered the charging connector 10 to the outside. It is conceivable that such water may enter from the front end of the housing body 51, for example, when the cover unit 80 is opened. The drain outlet 93 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the Z direction.

[0053] A cable tie 98 is installed on the outer surface of the housing outlet 92. The cable sheath 90 is installed on the housing 50 using the cable tie 98. An annular rib 92a is provided on the inner surface of the housing outlet 92. The annular rib 92a is provided all around the inner circumference of the housing outlet 92. The annular rib 92a is in close contact with the outer surface of the housing body 51. By being tightened by the cable tie 98 through the housing outlet 92, the annular rib 92a is compressed between the inner surface of the housing outlet 92 and the outer surface of the housing body 51. As a result, the water-tightness between the outer surface of the housing body 51 and the inner surface of the housing outlet 92 is improved.

[0054] The cable sheath 90 has a flange 92b and a protrusion 92c. The flange 92b and the protrusion 92c are disposed around the housing outlet 92.

[0055] A flange 92b is provided around the end side of the cylindrical housing outlet 92. By providing the flange 92b, the operator can hold the flange 92b during the installation of the cable sleeve 90. Additionally, by providing the flange 92b, misalignment of the cable tie 98 towards the end side of the housing outlet 92 can be prevented. The flange 92b is provided around the entire circumference of the housing outlet 92. Alternatively, the flange 92b may be provided only around a portion of the housing outlet 92. A protrusion 92c protrudes from the flange 92b toward the vehicle mounting portion 54. The protrusion 92c is used for positioning (anti-rotation) of the housing 50 and the cable sleeve 90. This will be described in detail later.

[0056] 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 provided for 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.

[0057] <Wire path in the charging connector> The power line 32 extends straight from one end connected to the relay terminal 28 towards the other end within the sheath 90, and extends outward through the outlet into the sheath 90. Therefore, one end of the power line 32 is not inserted into the through hole.

[0058] 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 terminal 28. More specifically, the two relay terminals 28 are respectively disposed on the rear cover 62. Relay terminal 28A of the two relay terminals 28 is connected to the power terminal 22 closer to the outlet, and relay terminal 28B is connected to the power terminal 22 farther from the outlet. 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 wires 30. Relay terminal 28A extends straight along the rear cover 62 between the portions connected to the power terminals 22 and the portions connected to the power lines 32. Relay terminal 28B bends away from the rear cover 62 midway from the portion connected to the power terminals 22 toward the portion connected to the power lines 32.

[0059] One end of the signal wire 34 is inserted into the terminal holding part 53. The other end of the signal wire 34 extends out from the through hole, bending within the cable sheath 90 while heading towards the outlet 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 specific terminal 22, and signal wire 34B is connected to the signal terminal 24 located below the power specific terminal 22. After extending out of the through hole, signal wire 34A passes between a pair of power lines 32 while merging with signal wire 34B and extending in the Y direction.

[0060] One end of the grounding wire 36 is inserted into the terminal holding part 53. The grounding wire 36 extends from one end to the other through the through hole, bending within the sheath 90 while moving towards the outlet of the sheath 90 together with the signal wire 34. 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 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 with the wire pressing part 57 and the wire cover 70, excessive bulging of the grounding wire 36 within the sheath 90 is prevented.

[0061] 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 through a through-hole toward the rear cover 62, bending within the cable sheath 90 while heading toward the outlet of the cable sheath 90. The thermistor wire 44 passes through the portion of the through-hole into which the terminald wire 38 is inserted. The thermistor wire 44 extends in the Y direction along with the signal line 34 while passing between a pair of power lines 32.

[0062] The insertion / removal direction, the opening direction of the drain outlet 93, and the direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the sheath 90 are intersecting directions. Here, the insertion / removal direction is the X direction. The opening direction of the drain outlet 93 is the Z direction. The direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the sheath 90 is the Y direction. The insertion / removal direction, the opening direction of the drain outlet 93, and the direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the sheath 90 are orthogonal to each other, but they can also intersect at angles other than orthogonal.

[0063] <Drainage structure of charging connector> The drainage structure of the charging connector 10 will be explained.

[0064] During charging, water may seep into the interior of the housing 50 from the outside of the panel 102 along the holes formed in the housing 50. This water is discharged to the outside through the dewatering hole 64 of the retainer 60 and the drain port 93 of the cable sleeve 90.

[0065] A dewatering hole 64 penetrates the rear cover 62 of the retainer 60 in the X direction. The dewatering hole 64 is formed in the second region. The dewatering hole 64 prevents water from accumulating inside the housing 50. Water inside the housing 50 reaches the interior of the cable sheath 90 through the dewatering hole 64 and is discharged to the exterior of the cable sheath 90 through the drain port 93.

[0066] Even with a drain outlet 93, dust or other contaminants may still enter the interior of the cable sheath 90 through the drain outlet 93. The partition wall 66 prevents this dust from adhering to the terminals. Specifically, the partition wall 66 divides the rear end portion of the retainer 60 into a first region and a second region. The first region corresponds to the power terminal 22 and the signal terminal 24. The second region is located closer to the drain outlet 93 than the first region. The end portion of the partition wall 66 in the X direction abuts against the inner surface of the cable sheath 90. Therefore, even if dust enters the interior of the cable sheath 90 through the drain outlet 93, it is difficult for the dust to reach the first region from the second region.

[0067] Furthermore, a barrier 93a is provided above the drain outlet 93 in the cable sheath 90. As a result, dust entering the cable sheath 90 from the drain outlet 93 is weakened by colliding with the barrier 93a. Therefore, dust entering the cable sheath 90 has difficulty reaching the first area.

[0068] In the rear cover 62, a through hole for a terminal is formed in the first region. Water may also seep in through this through hole towards the rear end of the rear cover 62. This water is guided along the partition wall 66 to the second region where a drain outlet 93 is located. Specifically, the portion of the limiting wall 65 located below the relay terminal B also serves as the partition wall 66. The partition wall 66 extends along the Y direction from the portion that serves as both the limiting wall 65 and the partition wall 66. The Y-direction end of the partition wall 66 is located below the Z-direction portion of the portion that serves as both the limiting wall 65 and the partition wall 66. Thus, water can be guided along the partition wall 66 to the lower second region.

[0069] The portion of the cable sheath 90 that contacts the end of the partition wall 66 is formed as a thick-walled portion 91a, which is thicker than the other portions and therefore less prone to deformation. Because the partition wall 66 contacts the thick-walled portion 91a, even if the cable sheath 90 is pressed by the partition wall 66, it is easy to maintain the contact between the cable sheath 90 and the partition wall 66.

[0070] In the X direction, the protrusion of the partition wall 66 is greater than that of the limiting wall 65. Therefore, the partition wall 66 can easily contact the sheath 90. Furthermore, the thick-walled portion 91a protrudes further inward along the X direction than other portions, thus becoming thicker than the other portions. Therefore, the thick-walled portion 91a is closer to the partition wall 66 along the X direction than other portions, making it easier for the partition wall 66 to contact the sheath 90.

[0071] <Temporary retaining structure for retainer and sheath> Next, refer to Figure 9 The temporary retaining structure of retainer 60 and sheath 90 is described. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the situation where the sheath 90 is temporarily held in the retainer 60.

[0072] A reinforcing rib 67 is provided on the outer surface of the end of the limiting wall 65 in the extending direction of the relay terminal 28. Specifically, reinforcing ribs 67 are provided on the outer surface of the ends of limiting walls 65A and 65B in the limiting wall 65. Limiting walls 65A and 65B extend along the Y direction toward the wire outlet 95 together with the relay terminal 28A. The ends of limiting walls 65A and 65B reach the outer edge of the rear cover 62.

[0073] The end of the limiting wall 65 becomes a terminal. A reinforcing rib 67 increases the rigidity of the end of the limiting wall 65. The reinforcing rib 67 is provided along the entire length of the limiting wall 65 in the X direction. Through this reinforcing rib 67, the cable sheath 90, which covers the middle of the housing 50, is temporarily held in place by the retainer 60. Figure 9 As shown, the cable sheath 90 is temporarily held in the retainer 60 by the reinforcing rib 67 hooking onto the inner surface of the housing outlet 92.

[0074] The outer surface of the reinforcing rib 67 facing the positive Y direction is formed as an inclined surface along the outer edge of the rear cover 62. This inclined surface functions as a guide surface. That is, when the housing outlet 92 of the cable sheath 90 moves from the positive Y direction, even if the inner surface of the housing outlet 92 collides with the guide surface, the movement of the cable sheath 90 is not easily hindered, and the inner surface of the housing outlet 92 easily passes over the reinforcing rib 67. The outer surface of the reinforcing rib 67 facing the negative Y direction is formed as a surface parallel to the XZ plane. This surface is formed as a hook surface. That is, when the cable sheath 90, having passed the reinforcing rib 67, is about to return in the Y direction, the inner surface of the housing outlet 92 hooks onto the hook surface, and the return of the cable sheath 90 is restricted.

[0075] The limiting wall 65 has a first limiting wall 65A and a second limiting wall 65B. The first limiting wall 65A and the second limiting wall 65B face each other across the relay terminal 28A. Reinforcing ribs 67 provided on the first limiting wall 65A and the second limiting wall 65B are formed in opposite directions. The first limiting wall 65A and the second limiting wall 65B are divided into two sides relative to the center of the rear cover 62 in the vertical direction. Here, the relay terminal 28A extends to the center of the rear cover 62 in the vertical direction. The first limiting wall 65A is located on one side (above) of the relay terminal 28A. The second limiting wall 65B is located on the other side (below) of the relay terminal 28A. Reinforcing ribs 67 are provided on the upper surface of the first limiting wall 65A and the lower surface of the second limiting wall 65B, respectively.

[0076] <Positioning structure of housing and cable sheath> Next, refer to Figure 10 The positioning structure of the housing 50 and the cable sheath 90 is described. Figure 10 This is a rear view of housing 50. Furthermore, in Figure 10 The middle arm 56 is omitted, and the main body of the shell 51 is simplified.

[0077] The vehicle mounting portion 54 has a flange portion 54a and a plurality of ribs 55. The flange portion 54a protrudes outward from the housing body 51. A first mounting hole 54b and a second mounting hole 54c are formed in the flange portion 54a. The second mounting hole 54c is closer to the housing body 51 than the first mounting hole 54b. The plurality of ribs 55 protrude from the flange portion 54a in the insertion / removal direction.

[0078] Multiple ribs 55 include ribs 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, 55e, and 55f. Ribs 55a and 55b connect the housing body 51 and the flange portion 54a. Rib 55a extends from the housing body 51 along the Z direction, and rib 55b extends from the housing body 51 along the Y direction. Rib 55c connects the periphery of the first mounting hole 54b and the housing body 51. Rib 55d connects the periphery of the second mounting hole 54c and the housing body 51. Rib 55e connects multiple ribs 55a to each other. Rib 55f connects the periphery of the second mounting hole 54c and the flange portion 54a.

[0079] Multiple ribs 55a are provided. A protrusion 92c of the sheath 90 is embedded between two ribs 55a. These two ribs 55a are the first and second ribs 55a. A connecting rib 55e connects the two ribs 55a. The protrusion 92c is embedded between the first and second ribs 55a in a position avoiding the connecting rib 55e. The ribs 55e protrude from the outer surface of the housing body 51.

[0080] Multiple ribs 55 are provided to increase the rigidity of the portion having the second mounting hole 54c compared to the portion having the first mounting hole 54b. Here, the number and thickness of the ribs 55 differ between the portion having the second mounting hole 54c and the portion having the first mounting hole 54b, thereby increasing the rigidity of the portion having the second mounting hole 54c compared to the portion having the first mounting hole 54b.

[0081] Specifically, in Figure 10 The document describes an imaginary line L that passes through the center of the housing body 51, separating the portion with the first mounting hole 54b from the portion with the second mounting hole 54c. In the vehicle mounting section 54, the portion lower than the imaginary line L is the portion with the first mounting hole 54b, and the portion upper than the imaginary line L is the portion with the second mounting hole 54c.

[0082] Regarding the number of ribs 55, for example, the number of ribs 55a and 55b on the upper part is greater than the number of ribs 55a and 55b on the lower part. Additionally, for example, the connecting rib 55e is provided on the upper part but not on the lower part. Furthermore, for example, the rib 55f extending from the second mounting hole 54c is provided on the upper part but not on the lower part. These ribs 55a, 55b, 55e, and 55f, which are provided on the upper part but not on the lower part, are reinforcing ribs used to increase the rigidity of the upper part compared to the lower part.

[0083] Regarding the size of rib 55, rib 55c is thicker than rib 55d. For example... Figure 10 As shown, rib 55c is thicker than rib 55d. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the height of rib 55c is greater than the height of rib 55d.

[0084] <Installation of the cable sheath to the housing> Next, refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The installation operation of the cable sheath 90 to the housing 50 is explained. Figure 11 This is a top view showing the cable sheath 90 installed in the housing 50 and the retainer 60. Figure 12 This is a top view showing the cable sheath 90 temporarily held in the retainer 60.

[0085] Before the installation of the cable sheath 90 onto the housing 50, several operations are performed in the assembly of the charging connector 10. These assembly operations (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pre-assemblies) of the charging connector 10 before the installation of the cable sheath 90 onto the housing 50 include, for example, the crimping of terminals 24, 26, and 28; the insertion of the terminald wire 38 of signal terminal 24 and the terminald wire 38 of ground terminal 26 into the retainer 60 and housing 50; the insertion of the thermistor unit 40 into the retainer 60; the installation of the thermistor unit 40 into the power terminal 22; the insertion of the power terminal 22 with the thermistor unit 40 into the housing 50; the installation of the retainer 60 into the housing 50; the installation of the terminald wire 38 of relay terminal 28 into the power terminal 22; and the installation of the cable cover 70. Figure 11 The document describes the situation before the completion of these preparatory works and the upcoming installation of the cable sheath 90 onto the housing 50.

[0086] Imagine that some or all of the aforementioned preliminary work is performed with each wire 30, 44 passing through the sheath 90. That is, one end of each wire 30, 44 extends outward from the sheath 90 through the housing outlet 92, and the other end extends outward from the sheath 90 through the wire outlet 95. In this state, some or all of the aforementioned preliminary work is performed at one end of each wire 30, 44 located outside the sheath 90 through the housing outlet 92.

[0087] In the cable sheath 90, the housing outlet 92 and the wire outlet 95 open in mutually intersecting directions. Therefore, the wires 30 and 44 pass through the cable sheath 90 by bending at least one of the cable sheath 90 and the wires 30 and 44. Which of the bending points in the wires 30, 44, and the cable sheath 90 can be determined, for example, by the rigidity of the wires 30, 44, and the cable sheath 90. If the rigidity of the wires 30 and 44 (especially the power line 32) is higher than the rigidity of the cable sheath 90, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the sheath 90 is bent, and the housing outlet 92 and the wire outlet 95 are arranged. When the rigidity of the sheath 90 is higher than that of the wires 30 and 44, the wires 30 and 44 can also be bent inside the sheath 90.

[0088] from Figure 11 Starting from the indicated state, the cable sheath 90 moves along the wires 30 and 44 toward the housing 50. At this time, the operator pulls out the wires 30 and 44 from the wire outlet 95 while simultaneously retracting the housing 50, retainer 60, and wire cover 70 into the cable sheath 90 through the housing outlet 92. Pulling out the wires 30 and 44 from the wire outlet 95 moves the second protective portion 94 of the cable sheath 90 toward the housing 50. Retracting the housing 50, retainer 60, and wire cover 70 into the cable sheath 90 through the housing outlet 92 moves the first protective portion 91 of the cable sheath 90 toward the housing 50. When moving the first protective portion 91, the operator can hold the flange portion 92b.

[0089] Because the wire outlet 95 is close to the wires 30 and 44, it takes considerable effort to pull or widen the wire outlet 95 when drawing the wires 30 and 44 out from the wire outlet 95. Furthermore, if the housing 50, retainer 60, and wire cover 70 are larger than the housing outlet 92, it takes considerable effort to widen the housing outlet 92. Additionally, because the housing outlet 92 and the wire outlet 95 are open in intersecting directions within the cable sleeve 90, it takes considerable effort to work while the cable sleeve 90 is bent or to change the angle of the cable sleeve 90. Typically, the operation of moving the first protective part 91 toward the housing 50 and the operation of moving the second protective part 94 toward the housing 50 are performed alternately, little by little. That is, after moving the first protective part 91, the second protective part 94 is moved, and then the first protective part 91 is moved again.

[0090] When the cable sheath 90 moves along the wires 30 and 44, and the arm 56 and the wire cover 70 are retracted into the inside of the cable sheath 90 from the housing outlet 92, it becomes... Figure 12 The state shown. Figure 12 The state is Figure 9 The cable sheath 90 is temporarily held in the retaining body 60. This temporary holding of the cable sheath 90 in the retaining body 60 facilitates other operations during this period. Other operations include, for example, moving the second protective portion 94 of the cable sheath 90 to the housing 50.

[0091] When the protective sleeve is 90 Figure 12 As the cable moves further along the Y direction along wires 30 and 44, the rear end of the retainer 60 is housed inside the cable sheath 90 from the housing outlet 92. Then, by releasing the bending deformation of the cable sheath 90 and moving the housing outlet 92 along the X direction, the cable sheath 90 comes to cover the rear end of the housing 50. Finally, by fastening the cable tie 98 around the housing outlet 92, the installation of the cable sheath 90 into the housing 50 is completed.

[0092] <Effects, etc.> According to the charging connector 10 configured as described above, when installing the cable sheath 90, the periphery of the housing outlet 92 in the cable sheath 90 can be temporarily held by hooking onto the reinforcing rib 67 of the wall 65 of the retainer 60. Furthermore, when installing the cable sheath 90, the operator can hold the flange 92b to perform the operation. Therefore, the installation of the cable sheath 90 becomes easier.

[0093] Furthermore, the reinforcing ribs 67 provided on the first limiting wall 65A and the second limiting wall 65B are formed in opposite directions. As a result, when the cable sheath 90 is installed, the periphery of the housing outlet 92 in the cable sheath 90 can easily hook onto the reinforcing ribs 67 of the retainer 60.

[0094] Furthermore, the end of the partition wall 66, which divides the rear end portion of the retainer 60 into the first and second regions, abuts against the inner surface of the cable sheath 90. Thus, the spaces where terminals 22, 24, 26, and 28 are located and the space where the drain outlet 93 is located are separated by the partition wall 66 and the cable sheath 90.

[0095] Furthermore, the insertion / removal direction, the opening direction of the drain outlet 93, and the direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the cable sleeve 90 are mutually intersecting directions. Therefore, when the cable sleeve 90 is configured with the drain outlet 93 facing vertically downwards, the power line 32 extends in a direction intersecting vertically downwards, making it difficult for water to seep in from the wire outlet 95.

[0096] Additionally, the protrusion 92c is embedded between the first and second ribs 55a. This prevents the cable sheath 90 and the housing 50 from rotating.

[0097] Furthermore, the protrusion 92c is inserted between the first and second ribs 55a at a position that avoids the connecting rib 55e. Thus, the protrusion 92c is used to prevent rotation, and the connecting rib 55e is used to increase the rigidity of the vehicle mounting part 54.

[0098] Furthermore, because the second mounting hole 54c is closer to the housing body 51 than the first mounting hole 54b, the force applied to the second mounting hole 54c is more likely to be greater than the force applied to the first mounting hole 54b. By increasing the rigidity of the portion with multiple ribs 55 and the second mounting hole 54c compared to the portion with the first mounting hole 54b, cracking of the vehicle mounting portion 54 is suppressed.

[0099] [Postscript] Figure 13 This is a rear view showing a modified example of the charging connector 110. Furthermore, in Figure 13 In this variation, some components, such as wire 30, are omitted. Furthermore, in the description of this variation, components identical to those previously described are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0100] exist Figure 13 In the charging connector 110 shown, a reinforcing rib 67 is also provided at the end of the partition wall 66. The reinforcing rib 67 of the partition wall 66 is formed in the opposite direction to the reinforcing rib 67 of the second limiting wall 65B. The reinforcing rib 67 of the partition wall 66 can also be used to temporarily hold the retainer 160 and the cable sheath 90. In this case, the temporary holding position of the retainer 160 and the cable sheath 90 using the reinforcing rib 67 of the partition wall 66 is closer to the housing 50 side than the temporary holding position of the retainer 160 and the cable sheath 90 using the reinforcing rib 67 of the second limiting wall 65B. In this way, by providing multiple temporary holding positions, the installation operation of the cable sheath 90 is made easier.

[0101] In addition, Figure 13 The charging connector 110 shown has eight signal terminals 24. Additionally, the ground terminal 26 is omitted in this example. Consequently, the structure of the ground terminal 26 is also omitted in the housing 150 and the retainer 160.

[0102] In addition, the previous description assumed that the reinforcing ribs 67 provided on the first limiting wall 65A and the second limiting wall 65B were formed in opposite directions, but this is not a necessary structure. For example, there may be only one wall with reinforcing ribs 67. Alternatively, reinforcing ribs 67 may be provided on multiple limiting walls 65 with the same orientation.

[0103] Furthermore, it was previously explained that the end of the partition wall 66 abuts against the inner surface of the cable sheath 90, but this is not a necessary structure. For example, the partition wall 66 may not be provided. Alternatively, even if the partition wall 66 is provided, the end of the partition wall 66 may not abut against the inner surface of the cable sheath 90.

[0104] Furthermore, it was previously stated that the insertion / removal direction, the opening direction of the drain outlet 93, and the direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the cable sheath 90 intersect each other, but this is not a necessary structure. For example, any two of the insertion / removal direction, the opening direction of the drain outlet 93, and the direction in which the power line 32 extends inside the cable sheath 90 can also be parallel.

[0105] Furthermore, it was previously described that the protrusion 92c was embedded between the first and second ribs 55a, but this is not a necessary structure. For example, the protrusion 93c may not be provided in the cable sheath 90. Also, it was previously described that the protrusion 93c was embedded between the first and second ribs 55a at a position avoiding the connecting rib 55e, but this is not a necessary structure. For example, the connecting rib 55e may not be provided in the vehicle mounting section 54.

[0106] Furthermore, while it was previously described that the multiple ribs 55 were arranged to increase the rigidity of the portion with the second mounting hole 54c compared to the portion with the first mounting hole 54b, this is not a necessary structure. For example, the multiple ribs 55 could be provided in the same way for both the portion with the first mounting hole 54b and the portion with the second mounting hole 54c. Additionally, for example, in the vehicle mounting portion 54, only the flange portion 54a may have sufficient rigidity, and the multiple ribs 55 may be omitted. Furthermore, for example, the multiple mounting holes 54b and 54c may be positioned symmetrically about the housing body 51.

[0107] 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

[0108] 10 Charging connector 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 24 signal terminals 25a Connecting part on the opposite side 25b Wire connection part 25c protrusion 26 Grounding terminal 27a Connecting part on the opposite side 27b Wire connection part 27c Protrusion 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, 34A, 34B signal lines 36 Grounding wire 38. Wires with terminals 39 Shrink tubing 40 Thermistor Units 42 Thermistor 44. Wires for thermistors 50 Housing 51. Main body of the casing 52 Outer frame 53 Terminal holding section 54 Vehicle Installation Department 54a Flange portion 54b First mounting hole 54c No. 2 mounting hole 55, 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d, 55e, 55f ribs 56 arms 57. Wire pressing part 60. Maintain body 61 Terminal pressing part 62 Rear Cover 63. Protruding cylinder section 64 dehydration holes 65 Restriction Wall 65A First Restriction Wall 65B Second Restriction Wall 66. Partition wall 67 Reinforcing Ribs 70 Wire Cover 80 cover units 82 lids 84 hinge units 86 Locking Units 90 cable sheath 91 First Protection Department 91a Thick-walled section 92. Shell outlet (opening) 92a Annular Rib 92b Flange 92c protrusion 93 Drainage outlet 93a barrier 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 of the vehicle, the charging connector comprising: The first power terminal and the second power terminal are used to supply power to the battery; Multiple signal terminals; 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; The first relay terminal and the second relay terminal are electrically connected to the rear ends of the first power terminal and the second power terminal, respectively, and extend in a direction intersecting the insertion and removal direction; The first power line and the second power line are electrically connected to the first power terminal and the second power terminal respectively via the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal; Multiple signal lines are electrically connected to the multiple signal terminals respectively; as well as The cable sheath covers the rear end of the housing up to the middle portion of the power line and the signal line. The cable sheath has an opening that covers the rear end portion of the housing. The retainer has a wall that protrudes toward the cable sheath along the insertion / removal direction. The wall has a limiting wall that restricts the position of the relay terminal. Reinforcing ribs are provided on the outer surface of the end of the relay terminal in the extending direction within the limiting wall. The reinforcing ribs hook onto the inner surface of the opening of the cable sheath covering the middle of the housing, thereby temporarily holding the cable sheath in the retainer. The cable sleeve has a flange portion disposed around the opening.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, wherein, The limiting wall has a first limiting wall and a second limiting wall facing each other across the relay terminal. The reinforcing ribs provided on the first limiting wall and the reinforcing ribs provided on the second limiting wall are formed in opposite directions to each other.

3. The charging connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The cable sleeve is provided with a drain outlet that opens in a direction intersecting the insertion / removal direction. The wall has a partition wall that divides the rear end portion of the retainer into a first region corresponding to the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, and a second region located closer to the drain outlet than the first region. The end of the partition wall abuts against the inner surface of the wire sheath.

4. The charging connector according to claim 3, wherein, The insertion / removal direction, the direction of the drain opening, and the direction in which the power line extends inside the cable sleeve are mutually intersecting directions.

5. The charging connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The housing has a housing body for holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, and a vehicle mounting portion for bolt fastening to the vehicle. The vehicle mounting portion has a flange portion protruding outward from the housing body and a first rib and a second rib protruding from the flange portion in the insertion / removal direction. The cable protector has a protrusion located on the outside of the opening of the housing and protruding toward the vehicle mounting portion. The protrusion is embedded between the first rib and the second rib.

6. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein, The vehicle mounting section has connecting ribs that connect the first rib and the second rib to each other. The protrusion is inserted between the first rib and the second rib at a position that avoids the connecting rib.

7. The charging connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The housing has a housing body for holding the first power terminal, the second power terminal, and the plurality of signal terminals, and a vehicle mounting portion for bolt fastening to the vehicle. The vehicle mounting portion has a flange portion protruding outward from the housing body and multiple ribs protruding from the flange portion in the insertion / removal direction. A first mounting hole and a second mounting hole closer to the housing body than the first mounting hole are formed on the flange portion. The plurality of ribs are arranged such that the rigidity of the portion having the second mounting hole is increased compared to the rigidity of the portion having the first mounting hole.

Images