Connector, fitting opening, and mounting member

Abstract

The connector includes a fitting port for charging and an attachment portion for attaching the fitting port to a vehicle, and the attachment portion includes: a panel portion having a first surface and a second surface and having an opening formed between the first surface and the second surface; and a flange part having a mounting member for mounting the panel part to the vehicle and formed around the panel part, the fitting opening including a cylindrical housing containing a terminal group for charging therein, the housing having a contact part that comes into contact with a peripheral edge part of the opening part on the second surface side when the housing is fitted to the opening part from the second surface side, and the contact part being configured to contact the peripheral edge part of the opening part on the second surface side when the housing is fitted to the opening part from the second surface side. The top end of the housing is located at a position having a predetermined relationship with the first surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector, a fitting port and a mounting component. Background Art

[0002] Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Electric vehicles require the batteries they use to power the vehicles, which require charging as needed. This requires equipment. The deployment of charging equipment, a key factor in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, is progressing, and the adoption of electric vehicles is expected to accelerate in the future.

[0003] When charging electric vehicles using charging equipment, in order for vehicles from all manufacturers to utilize the same charging equipment, the necessary charging hardware must be common across all vehicles. To achieve this, standards are established. Each vehicle is equipped with a connector that serves as a charging port that complies with the standards. These connectors are not manufactured by the manufacturer but are generally delivered to each automaker by the company that manufactures the connectors.

[0004] On the other hand, there are numerous automobile manufacturers worldwide, each manufacturing and selling vehicles with a variety of body styles. Therefore, manufacturing connectors tailored to each vehicle model presents the problem of increased costs. In particular, the production of automotive parts, including connectors, is expected to see increased participation from diverse manufacturers in the future, leading to demands for connectors that meet required specifications while maintaining the necessary strength and at a lower cost.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a proposal to address this issue. The connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing divided into a vehicle body mounting portion and a connector body. The vehicle body mounting portion has a cylindrical outer portion, into which the connector body engages. The connector body is common to all vehicles, while the vehicle body mounting portion has a shape that matches the vehicle. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-26287 Summary of the Invention Solutions to Problems

[0007] The connector of one aspect of the present invention includes a mating port for charging and a mounting portion for mounting the mating port on a vehicle, the mounting portion including: a panel portion having a first surface and a second surface, an opening portion formed between the first surface and the second surface; and a flange portion having a mounting piece for mounting the panel portion on a vehicle, the flange portion being formed around the panel portion, the mating port including a cylindrical shell containing a terminal group for charging therein, the shell having an abutment portion, and when the shell is mated with the opening portion from the second surface side, the abutment portion abuts against the peripheral portion of the second surface side of the opening portion, so that the top end of the shell is in a position having a predetermined relationship with the first surface.

[0008] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector before assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the assembled connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the assembled connector as seen from the back. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a mounting member for mounting the connector on a vehicle. Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the connector mounting member 60 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the rear side. Figure 6 This is the main view of the installation component. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view in the direction 7-7. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 10 This is a front view of the fitting port of the connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken in the 11-11 direction. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 14It is a front view of the connector 50 after assembly. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken in the 15-15 direction. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a connector before assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the connector after assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the assembled connector as seen from the back. Figure 21 yes Figure 18 An enlarged view of a portion of the mounting member is shown. Figure 22 This is a perspective view of a mounting member of the connector for mounting on a vehicle, as seen from the rear. Figure 23 It will Figure 22 A magnified portion of the image. Figure 24 It is a perspective view of a fitting opening according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 It is from Figure 24 Stereoscopic images of the fitting viewed from different angles. Figure 26 This is the main view of the installation component. Figure 27 yes Figure 26 A cross-sectional view taken in the direction 27-27. Figure 28 yes Figure 27 A magnified view of a portion of the area. Figure 29 yes Figure 27 A magnified view of a portion of the area. Figure 30 yes Figure 26 A cross-sectional view taken in the 30-30 direction. Figure 31 yes Figure 30 A magnified view of a portion of the area. Figure 32 yes Figure 30 A magnified view of a portion of the area. Figure 33 This is the front view of the fitting. Figure 34 yes Figure 33A cross-sectional view taken along the 34-34 direction. Figure 35 yes Figure 34 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 36 yes Figure 34 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 37 yes Figure 33 A cross-sectional view taken in the direction 37-37. Figure 38 yes Figure 37 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 39 yes Figure 37 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 40 This is a front view of the connector when the fitting is assembled to the mounting member. Figure 41 yes Figure 40 A cross-sectional view taken in the direction 41-41. Figure 42 yes Figure 41 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 43 yes Figure 41 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 44 yes Figure 40 A cross-sectional view taken in the direction 44-44. Figure 45 yes Figure 44 A partial enlarged view of . Figure 46 yes Figure 44 A partial enlarged view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the connector body is formed so that it penetrates the outer tube, and the entire inner circumference of the outer tube is in close contact with the outer circumference of the connector body. However, such a structure may deteriorate the assembly workability when inserting the connector body into the outer tube.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector, a fitting port, and a mounting member that facilitate assembly of components.

[0012] [Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, a connector, a fitting port, and a mounting member that facilitate assembly of components can be provided.

[0013] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] In the following description and accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same components. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated. In addition, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0014] (1) The connector of the first aspect of the present invention includes a fitting port for charging and a mounting portion for mounting the fitting port on a vehicle, the mounting portion including: a panel portion having a first surface and a second surface, an opening portion formed between the first surface and the second surface; and a flange portion having a mounting member for mounting the panel portion on a vehicle, the flange portion being formed around the panel portion, the fitting port may also include a cylindrical shell, the shell containing a terminal group for charging inside, the shell having an abutment portion, and when the shell is fitted into the opening portion from the second surface side, the abutment portion abuts against the peripheral portion of the second surface side of the opening portion, so that the top end of the shell is in a position having a predetermined relationship with the first surface. This structure facilitates assembly of components.

[0015] (2) In the above (1), the peripheral edge of the opening on the second surface side of the panel portion is chamfered. This structure facilitates fitting the housing and the opening of the panel portion.

[0016] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the outer peripheral surface of the housing is formed such that the taper from the top end side of the housing to the predetermined area adjacent to the abutting portion is larger than the taper from the predetermined area to the top end of the housing. This structure facilitates assembly of components.

[0017] (4) In the above (1) or (2), a step is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing at a position away from the abutment portion toward the tip end by a predetermined distance. This structure facilitates assembly of components and positioning of the fitting opening.

[0018] (5) In the above (3), the inner peripheral shape of the opening of the panel portion has a taper such that the inner diameter of the opening increases as it approaches the predetermined region from the first surface. This structure facilitates assembly of components.

[0019] (6) In any one of (1) to (5) above, the connector may further include three or more housing-side crushing ribs, wherein the three or more housing-side crushing ribs are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing from the top end side of the housing to a predetermined area in contact with the abutting portion. With this structure, assembly of the components becomes easier, and positioning of the mating opening also becomes easier.

[0020] (7) In the above (6), the connector may include four or more of the housing-side crushing ribs. This structure facilitates assembly of components and positioning of the fitting opening.

[0021] (8) In the above (6) or (7), the housing has a central axis oriented in the same direction as the direction in which the housing is inserted into the opening, and the three or more housing side flattening ribs are formed at positions rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis. This structure facilitates assembly of the components and positioning of the fitting opening.

[0022] (9) In any one of the above (6) to (8), the three or more housing-side crushing ribs are formed at line-symmetrical positions. This structure facilitates assembly of components and positioning of the fitting opening.

[0023] (10) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the connector may further include three or more panel-side crushing ribs, wherein the three or more panel-side crushing ribs are formed on an inner peripheral surface of the opening portion of the panel portion in a region closer to the first surface than to the second surface. This structure facilitates assembly of components and positioning of the mating opening.

[0024] (11) In the above (10), the connector may include four or more panel-side crushing ribs. This structure facilitates assembly of components and positioning of the fitting opening.

[0025] (12) In the above (10) or (11), the housing has a central axis oriented in the same direction as the direction in which the housing is inserted into the opening, and the three or more panel-side flattening ribs are formed at positions that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the housing when the housing is engaged with the opening. This structure facilitates assembly of the components and positioning of the engagement opening.

[0026] (13) In the above (10) or (11), the three or more panel-side crushing ribs are formed at line-symmetrical positions. This structure facilitates assembly of components and positioning of the fitting opening.

[0027] (14) In any one of the above (1) to (5), the connector may further include: three or more shell-side crushing ribs formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shell from the top end side of the shell to a predetermined area in contact with the abutting portion; and three or more panel-side crushing ribs formed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening portion of the panel portion in an area closer to the first surface than the second surface, at least one of the three or more shell-side crushing ribs and at least one of the three or more panel-side crushing ribs being formed at positions facing each other and not interfering with each other when the fitting opening and the opening are fitted. With this structure, assembly of the components becomes easier and positioning of the fitting opening also becomes easier.

[0028] (15) The second aspect of the present invention is a fitting port for a connector mounted on a vehicle, the connector including the fitting port and a mounting portion for mounting the fitting port on the vehicle, the mounting portion including: a panel portion having a first surface and a second surface, an opening formed between the first surface and the second surface; and a flange portion having a mounting member for mounting the panel portion on the vehicle, the flange portion being formed around the panel portion, the fitting port including a cylindrical housing containing a terminal group for charging therein, the housing having a contact portion, the contact portion contacting a peripheral portion of the second surface side of the opening when the housing is fitted into the opening from the second surface side, so that the top end of the housing is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the first surface, and a tapered angle from the top end side of the housing to a predetermined area adjacent to the contact portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing to be larger than the tapered angle from the predetermined area to the top end of the housing. This structure facilitates assembly of the components.

[0029] (16) A mounting member according to a third aspect of the present invention is used to mount a charging port on a vehicle. The mounting member includes: a panel portion having a first surface and a second surface, an opening formed between the first and second surfaces; and a flange portion having a mounting member for mounting the panel portion on the vehicle, the flange portion being formed around the panel portion, wherein the peripheral edge of the opening on the second surface side is chamfered. This structure facilitates assembly of the components.

[0030] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] The following describes specific examples of the connector, fitting port, and mounting member according to the embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0031] 1. First Implementation Figure 1This is a perspective view showing the connector 50 before the mounting member 60 and the fitting opening 62 are assembled according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A perspective view of the connector 50 after the mounting member 60 and the fitting opening 62 are assembled is shown. Figure 3 Viewed from the back Figure 2 FIG. 50 of the connector shown in FIG. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the connector 50 includes a mounting member 60 and a fitting opening 62 formed of an insulating resin.

[0032] 1-1. Mounting member 60 The mounting member 60 includes a panel portion 66 in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the panel portion 66 has a substantially square front surface 70. The panel portion 66 has an opening portion 64, and the fitting opening 62 fits into the opening portion 64. The outer periphery of the opening portion 64 is substantially circular and is defined by the inner peripheral surface 72 of the panel portion 66. The mounting member 60 also includes a flange 68 formed around the panel portion 66 on the side opposite to the front surface 70. The flange 68 has a mounting part for mounting the mounting member 60 on the vehicle body. The fitting opening 62 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The fitting opening 62 is as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the front portion of the fitting opening 62 is fitted into the opening 64 from the rear side.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the mounting member 60 as viewed from the front. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the mounting member 60 as viewed from the rear. Figure 6 It is a front view of the mounting member 60 . Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view in the direction 7-7. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of the area 180, Figure 9 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of area 182. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 The detailed shape of the mounting member 60 will be described.

[0034] In particular, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The mounting member 60 includes a rectangular parallelepiped panel portion 66 having a substantially square front surface 70 as described above, and a flange 68 provided on the back side of the panel portion 66. A substantially circular opening 64 is formed in the panel portion 66. The outer periphery of the opening 64 is substantially circular, but recesses 74, 76, 78, and 80 are formed on its inner peripheral surface 72. The protrusion formed on the outer periphery of the front portion of the fitting opening 62 is inserted into the recesses 74, 76, 78, and 80.

[0035] Flange 68 also has a square shape with rounded corners. Mounting holes 82, 84, 86, and 88 are provided at the four corners of flange 68 as mounting elements. These mounting elements are used to insert screws that attach mounting member 60 to the vehicle body. In this embodiment, front surface 90 of flange 68 is parallel to front surface 70.

[0036] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 An opening portion 130 that is approximately square and larger than the opening portion 64 is formed on the back side 148 of the panel portion 66. The periphery of the opening portion 130 is defined by the side surface 134. The deepest part of the opening portion 130 forms the bottom surface 132. The opening portion 64 opens on the back side of the bottom surface 132. Chamfered portions 138 are formed at the corners of the boundary portion of the opening portion 64. Due to the chamfered portions 138, the operation of inserting the fitting port 62 into the opening portion 64 can be carried out smoothly, the assembly becomes easy, and the working efficiency is improved. Furthermore, the four corners of the opening portion 130 are chamfered, and the bottom surface 132 near them is formed with threaded holes 140, threaded holes 142, threaded holes 144 and threaded holes 146 for fixing the fitting port 62.

[0037] 1-2. Fitting port 62 Figure 10 is a front view of the fitting opening 62, Figure 11 yes Figure 10 The cross-sectional view in the 11-11 direction. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An enlarged view of area 300, Figure 13 yes Figure 11 An enlarged view of the region 302 is shown. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13, the fitting port 62 includes a shell 240. The shell 240 includes: a cylindrical fitting portion 250 having a space 254, the space 254 internally containing a plurality of electrode terminals (terminal groups) for charging; a rear shell 252, connected to the tail of the fitting portion 250, and having a radius one circle larger than the fitting portion 250. At the connection portion between the fitting portion 250 and the rear shell 252, an abutment surface 362 is formed on the outside of the fitting portion 250. When the fitting port 62 is inserted into the opening 64 of the mounting member 60, the abutment surface 362 is abutted against the fitting portion 250 by contacting the fitting portion 250. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The bottom surface 132 shown abuts against the fitting opening 62, thereby preventing the fitting opening 62 from moving further into the opening 64. Due to the function of the abutment surface 362, when the fitting opening 62 is fitted into the opening 64 of the mounting member 60, the top portion of the fitting opening 62 is substantially coplanar with the front surface 70 of the mounting member 60.

[0038] In addition, at the four locations around the rear housing 252 that contact the abutment surface 362, there are respectively provided protruding portions 260, 262, 264, and 266. Openings are formed in each of these protruding portions. By passing screws through these openings and screwing them in, Figure 5 The fitting opening 62 is fixed to the mounting member 60 by the screw hole 140 etc. shown.

[0039] In addition, the outer periphery of the fitting portion 250 is generally circular, but convex portions 270, 272, 274, and 276 are formed at predetermined portions. These are determined by the specifications, and are positioned so that the plug on the charging side is correctly connected to the mounting member 60 during charging. Spaces are formed inside these convex portions. In particular, the convex portion 276 at the bottom has the function of collecting water that has penetrated into the space 254 during rainy days and draining it to the outside. Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, recesses 78, 76, 80, and 74 are formed on the inner circumference of opening 64 at positions corresponding to convex portions 270, 272, 274, and 276, respectively. The shape of inner circumferential surface 72, which defines the periphery of opening 64, and which generally corresponds to the outer circumference of fitting portion 250 of fitting opening 62, is shown. However, mounting member 60 and fitting opening 62 are formed so that the diameter of inner circumferential surface 72 is slightly larger than the diameter of fitting portion 250. By engaging convex portions such as convex portion 270 with recesses 78 and the like, the side surfaces of convex portions 270 and the like abut against the side surfaces of recesses 78, preventing fitting opening 62 from rotating within opening 64.

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the protrusion 270 shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown, the fitting portion 250 is continuously formed at the frontmost portion of the rear housing 252. A space 360 is formed within the protrusion 270, which is continuous with the space 254. The upper portion of the fitting portion 250 is raised higher than the rest of the body due to the protrusion 270, but comprises a top surface 350, a top side surface 352, and a side surface 354. The side surface 354 is formed to taper from the top of the fitting portion 250, increasing the outer diameter of the fitting portion 250. The side surface 354 tapers slightly in an area 358 where it contacts the abutment surface 362 of the rear housing 252, thereby forming a step. This step is much smaller than the outer periphery of the fitting portion 250. This step is formed not only in the protrusion 270 portion but also along the entire circumference of the fitting portion 250.

[0041] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the protrusion 276. Figure 13 In this part, a space 390 is formed inside the convex portion 276 and is continuous with the space 254. The space 390 has a drain port (not shown) connected to the outside of the housing 240. In this part, the fitting portion 250 also has a top surface 350, a top side surface 352, and a side surface 354 that expands outward at a certain taper. An area 358 adjacent to the abutment surface 362 in the side surface 354 is formed. Figure 12 Similarly, a portion having a smaller taper than other portions of the side surface 354 is formed. A step that is much smaller than the outer peripheral portion of the fitting portion 250 is formed in the region 358 .

[0042] 1-3. Assembly Figure 14 6 is a front view of the connector 50 obtained by assembling the mounting member 60 and the fitting opening 62. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The cross-sectional view in the 15-15 direction. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 An enlarged view of region 430 in FIG. Figure 17 yes Figure 15 An enlarged view of area 432 in FIG.

[0043] Reference Figures 14 to 17 ,in particular Figure 16 and Figure 17When the fitting opening 62 is mated with the opening 64 of the mounting member 60, as described above, the chamfered portion 138 is formed at the boundary between the bottom surface 132 and the inner circumferential surface 72 of the mounting member 60, making it easier to insert the fitting opening 62 into the opening 64. This improves work efficiency. Furthermore, as described above, the abutment surface 362 of the rear housing 252 abuts the bottom surface 132 of the mounting member 60, positioning the fitting opening 62 in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the fitting opening 62 is assembled to the mounting member 60 so that the front surface 70 of the mounting member 60 and the top surface 350 of the fitting opening 62 are substantially coplanar. Furthermore, in the region 358, the inner circumferential surface 72 of the panel portion 66 and the stepped portion 358 of the outer circumference of the fitting portion 250 of the fitting opening 62 mate, positioning the fitting opening 62 radially within the opening 64. In this embodiment, the stepped portion of region 358 extends along the entire periphery of fitting portion 250, enabling fitting portion 250 of fitting opening 62 to be accurately positioned in the center of opening 64. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a very small gap is formed between inner circumferential surface 72 of mounting member 60 and side surface 354 of fitting portion 250, closer to the tip of region 358. For example, if a lighting system is provided behind fitting opening 62 during charging to indicate charging is in progress, light will evenly leak out toward the front of the connector through this gap, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a step is formed around the entire circumference of the fitting portion 250, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. A step may be formed only around a portion of the circumference of the fitting portion 250. In this case, to ensure accurate alignment between the fitting opening 62 and the mounting member 60, the step is preferably provided at a position symmetrical about the vertical or horizontal centerline of the opening 64, or at a position rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline of the opening 64.

[0045] In this embodiment, a step portion such as region 358 is formed outside the fitting portion 250. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Alternatively, a step may be provided in the region adjacent to the chamfered portion 138 within the opening 64 to reduce the inner diameter of the opening 64.

[0046] 2. Second Implementation In the first embodiment described above, a step is provided along the entire outer periphery of the fitting portion 250. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment in which a step is provided along the outer periphery of the fitting portion 250 or the inner periphery of the opening 64 of the mounting member 60. Instead of providing a step on the surface, a projection of an appropriate size, such as a crushed rib, may be formed at an appropriate position. This second embodiment is an example of such a configuration.

[0047] Reference Figure 18 、 Figure 19 and Figure 20 The connector of the second embodiment includes a mounting member 460 having an opening 64 and a fitting opening 462 that fits into the opening 64 of the mounting member 460. The mounting member 460 and the fitting opening 462 are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, but as will be described later, a feature of the connector is that, in place of the step provided on the outer periphery of the fitting opening 6 in the first embodiment, a crushing rib is provided on a portion of the outer periphery of the fitting opening 462 and a portion of the inner periphery of the opening 64.

[0048] 2-1. Mounting member 460 Figure 21 It will Figure 18 An enlarged view of a portion of mounting member 460 is shown. Figure 22 The back side of the mounting member 460 is shown. Figure 23 It will Figure 22 A part of the image is enlarged. Figure 26 4 is a top view of the mounting member 460 . Figure 27 yes Figure 26 A cross-sectional view taken in the direction 27-27. Figure 28 yes Figure 27 An enlarged view of region 530, Figure 29 yes Figure 27 Further, Figure 30 yes Figure 26 A cross-sectional view taken in the 30-30 direction. Figure 31 yes Figure 30 An enlarged view of area 560, Figure 32 yes Figure 30 An enlarged view of area 562.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 21 、 Figure 22 、 Figure 23 、 Figure 26 、 Figure 27 、 Figure 28 ,in particular Figure 26 、 Figure 28 、 Figure 29 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32 The difference between the mounting member 460 and the mounting member 60 of the first embodiment is that the front surface 70 side has four locations of the inner peripheral surface 72, namely, the upper, lower, left, and right, of the mounting member 460. Figure 21 、 Figure 22 、 Figure 23 、 Figure 26 and Figure 29 )、Flattened rib 484( Figure 21 、 Figure 22 、 Figure 26 and Figure 32 ), flattened rib 486 ( Figure 26 and Figure 28 ) and flattened rib 488 ( Figure 26 and Figure 31 The length of these flattening ribs is less than half the width of the inner circumferential surface 72, and their height is much smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 64. Flattening rib 486 is formed in the recess 78 of the inner circumferential surface 72, and flattening rib 482 is formed in the recess 74 of the inner circumferential surface 72. Flattening rib 484 and flattening rib 488 are each formed in the portion of the inner circumferential surface 72 other than the recess.

[0050] Except for the formation of these crushed ribs, the mounting member 460 is the same as the mounting member 60 of the first embodiment.

[0051] 2-2. Fitting port 462 Figure 24 and Figure 25 These are perspective views of the fitting opening 462 viewed from different angles. Figure 33 It is a front view of the fitting opening 462. Figure 34 yes Figure 33 A cross-sectional view taken along the 34-34 direction. Figure 35 yes Figure 34 An enlarged view of area 600, Figure 36 yes Figure 36 An enlarged view of area 602 is shown. Figure 37 yes Figure 33 A cross-sectional view taken in the direction 37-37. Figure 38 yes Figure 37 An enlarged view of region 630, Figure 39 yes Figure 37 An enlarged view of area 632 is provided.

[0052] Reference Figure 24 and Figure 25 The fitting port 462 includes a housing 510. The housing 510 includes a rear housing 252 having the same structure as the fitting port 62 of the first embodiment, and a fitting portion 520 provided at the top end of the rear housing 252 and substantially the same as the fitting portion 250 of the first embodiment.

[0053] The fitting portion 520 is different from the fitting portion 250 in the first embodiment and does not have the area 358 ( Figure 12 and Figure 13 ) steps. Instead, such as Figure 33 、 Figure 35 、 Figure 36 、 Figure 8 and Figure 39 As shown, the engaging portion 520 has a flattening rib 500 ( Figure 33 and Figure 35), flattened rib 502 ( Figure 33 and Figure 38 ), flattened rib 504 ( Figure 33 and Figure 36 ) and flattened rib 506 ( Figure 33 and Figure 39 These flattening ribs are positioned so as to oppose the four flattening ribs 486, 488, 482, and 484 provided on the inner circumferential surface 72 of the mounting member 460, respectively, when the fitting opening 462 is fitted into the mounting member 460. Flattening ribs 500, 502, 504, and 506 are all of the same size, with their length in a direction parallel to the central axis of the housing 510 being less than half the width of the housing 510, and their height being significantly smaller than the outer diameter of the fitting portion 520. In other respects, the fitting opening 462 is identical to the fitting opening 62 of the first embodiment. Typically, when fitting opening 462 is fitted into mounting member 460, the four crushed ribs 486, 488, 482, and 484 provided on inner circumferential surface 72 of mounting member 460 are of the same size as crushed ribs 500, 502, 504, and 506. Therefore, when fitting opening 462 is fitted into opening 64 of mounting member 460, the crushed ribs of mounting member 460 and the crushed ribs of fitting opening 462 do not interfere with each other.

[0054] 2-3. Assembly Figure 40 The connector 450 of the second embodiment is shown in a state where the fitting opening 462 is assembled to the mounting member 460 . Figure 41 yes Figure 40 A cross-sectional view taken along the direction 41-41 is shown. Figure 42 yes Figure 41 An enlarged view of region 640, Figure 43 yes Figure 41 An enlarged view of area 642. Figure 44 yes Figure 40 A cross-sectional view taken along the direction 43-43 is shown. Figure 45 yes Figure 44 An enlarged view of region 670, Figure 46 yes Figure 44 An enlarged view of area 672.

[0055] In addition, reference numerals are marked in these figures, such as Figure 22 、 Figure 23 、 Figure 28 、 Figure 29 、 Figure 31 and Figure 32As shown, a chamfered portion 138 is formed at the boundary between the bottom surface 132 of the mounting member 460 and the opening 64, similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the fitting opening 462 can be easily inserted into the opening 64 of the mounting member 460, improving work efficiency.

[0056] Reference Figures 40 to 46 ,in particular Figure 42 、 Figure 43 、 Figure 45 and Figure 46 When the fitting port 462 is assembled to the mounting member 460, the outer peripheral portion of the fitting portion 520 and the inner peripheral surface 72 of the mounting member 460 come into contact with each other. Figure 42 As shown, the flattening ribs 486 formed at the top end of the inner circumferential surface 72 and the flattening ribs 500 formed in the area of the mating portion 520 adjacent to the rear housing 252 ensure that the inner circumferential surface 72 of the opening 64 of the mounting member 460 and the outer circumferential surface of the mating portion 520 of the mating opening 462 are in close contact in the area where these flattening ribs are formed. However, in other areas, a slight gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface 72 of the opening 64 and the outer circumference of the mating portion 520. During insertion, a gap is maintained between the inner circumferential surface 72 of the opening 64 and the outer circumference of the mating portion 520. This ensures that the flattening ribs, such as the flattening ribs 486 and 500, do not contact the mating surface until just before insertion is complete, ensuring ease of assembly of the mating opening 462 into the mounting member 460. Furthermore, upon completion of insertion, the strong contact between the flattening ribs, such as the flattening ribs 486 and 500, and the mating surface ensures that the mounting member 460 securely holds the mating opening 462. Furthermore, these crushing ribs enable accurate positioning of the fitting opening 462 of the opening 64 of the mounting member 460. As a result, the mounting member 460 and the fitting opening 462 can be reliably assembled while ensuring workability.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flattening ribs of mounting member 460 and the flattening ribs of fitting opening 462 are arranged so as to oppose each other when fitting opening 462 and mounting member 460 are engaged. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The flattening ribs can also be arranged so as not to oppose each other when engaged. In this case, the size of the flattening ribs is not necessarily limited. However, to ensure operability, it is best to avoid enlarging the flattening ribs.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flattening ribs of mounting member 460 and the flattening ribs of fitting opening 462 are positioned vertically and horizontally when viewed from the front surface of connector 450 when connector 450 is mounted on a vehicle. Specifically, these flattening ribs are positioned so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to an axis in the vertical direction passing through the center of the front surface of connector 450. Furthermore, these flattening ribs are positioned so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to an axis in the horizontal direction passing through the front surface of connector 450. Furthermore, these flattening ribs are positioned so as to be fourfold rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center point of the front surface of connector 450. This arrangement of the flattening ribs produces the following effects.

[0059] That is, when charging, in order to indicate that charging is in progress, the inside of the connector 450 is sometimes illuminated. In this case, light can be seen leaking forward from the gap formed between the inner circumferential surface 72 of the opening 64 and the outer periphery of the fitting portion 520 in an area other than the area where the flattening ribs are present. Therefore, an aesthetic effect can be achieved in which the top portion of the fitting opening 462 appears to emerge from the surrounding area. At this time, because the flattening ribs are arranged as described above, when viewed from the front, the leaked light is symmetrical on the left and right and the intervals therebetween are equal. Therefore, there is an effect in which the top portion of the fitting opening 462 emerging through the light comes into view. Of course, the same aesthetic effect can be achieved, for example, when the flattening ribs are arranged only symmetrically in the upper and lower parts instead of in the lower and upper parts, or when the flattening ribs are arranged only symmetrically in the upper and lower parts instead of in the upper and lower parts.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the number of flattening ribs formed on both the mounting member 460 and the fitting opening 462 is four. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The number of flattening ribs may differ. The number of flattening ribs may not be four, but may be three or five or more. However, since the flattening ribs have the function of positioning the fitting opening 462 as described above, the number of flattening ribs on both the mounting member 460 and the fitting opening 462 is preferably three or more.

[0061] The projections of appropriate size provided at appropriate positions may be projections other than crushed ribs. For example, they may be ribs other than crushed ribs.

[0062] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not indicated by the detailed description of the disclosure but by each of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the claims. Description of Reference Numerals

[0063] 50, 450 connectors 60, 460 installation components 62, 462 chimera port 64, 130 opening 66 Panel 68 flange 70, 90 front surface 72 inner circumference 74, 76, 78, 80 concave part 82, 84, 86, 88 mounting holes 132 Bottom 134, 354 side 138 chamfer 140, 142, 144, 146 threaded holes 148 Back Areas 180, 182, 300, 302, 358, 430, 432, 530, 532, 560, 562, 600, 602, 630, 632, 640, 642, 670, 672 240, 510 housing 250, 520 Chimeric part 252 rear housing 254, 360, 390 spaces 260, 262, 264, 266 extensions 270, 272, 274, 276 convex part 350 top surface 352 Top side 362 contact surface 482, 484, 486, 488, 500, 502, 504, 506 flattened ribs

Claims

1. A connector comprising The socket for charging and A mounting portion for mounting the fitting on a vehicle, The mounting portion includes: a panel portion having a first surface and a second surface, wherein an opening is formed between the first surface and the second surface; and The flange portion has a mounting member for mounting the panel portion on a vehicle and is formed around the panel portion. The fitting port includes a cylindrical housing, which contains a terminal group for charging. The shell has a contact portion, and when the shell is engaged with the opening portion from the second surface side, the contact portion contacts the peripheral edge portion of the second surface side of the opening portion, so that the top end of the shell is located in a position having a predetermined relationship with the first surface.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The peripheral edge portion of the opening portion on the second surface side of the panel portion is chamfered.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The outer peripheral surface of the housing is formed such that a predetermined region from the distal end side of the housing to the contact portion has a greater taper than a taper from the predetermined region to the distal end of the housing.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A step is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the contact portion toward the distal end.

5. The connector according to claim 3, wherein The inner peripheral shape of the opening of the panel portion has a taper such that the inner diameter of the opening increases as it approaches the predetermined region from the first surface.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The connector further includes three or more housing-side crushing ribs formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing from the top end side of the housing to a predetermined area in contact with the abutting portion.

7. The connector according to claim 6, wherein: The connector includes four or more shell-side crushing ribs.

8. The connector according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein: The housing has a central axis in a direction consistent with the insertion direction of the housing into the opening. The three or more housing-side crushing ribs are formed at positions rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The three or more shell-side crushing ribs are formed at line-symmetrical positions.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The connector further includes three or more panel-side crushing ribs formed on an inner peripheral surface of the opening portion of the panel portion in a region closer to the first surface than to the second surface. The connector according to claim 10 , wherein: The connector includes four or more panel-side crushing ribs.

12. The connector according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: The housing has a central axis in a direction consistent with the insertion direction of the housing into the opening. The three or more panel-side crushing ribs are formed at positions that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the housing when the housing is fitted into the opening.

13. The connector according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: The three or more panel side crushing ribs are formed at line-symmetrical positions.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The connector further comprises: Three or more shell-side crushed ribs formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shell from the top end side of the shell to a predetermined area in contact with the abutment portion; and Three or more panel-side crushing ribs are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening portion of the panel portion in a region closer to the first surface than to the second surface. At least one of the three or more case-side crushing ribs and at least one of the three or more panel-side crushing ribs are formed at positions that face each other and do not interfere with each other when the fitting port and the opening are fitted together.

15. A fitting port, the fitting port being a component mounted on a connector of a vehicle, the connector comprising the fitting port and a mounting portion for mounting the fitting port on the vehicle. The mounting portion includes: A panel portion having a first surface and a second surface, an opening portion being formed between the first surface and the second surface; and a flange portion having a mounting member for mounting the panel portion on a vehicle, formed around the panel portion, The fitting port includes a cylindrical housing, which contains a terminal group for charging. The housing has a contact portion, and when the housing is engaged with the opening from the second surface side, the contact portion contacts the peripheral edge of the second surface side of the opening, so that the top end of the housing is located in a position having a predetermined relationship with the first surface. The outer peripheral surface of the housing is formed such that a predetermined region from the distal end side of the housing to the contact portion has a greater taper than a taper from the predetermined region to the distal end of the housing.

16. A mounting member for mounting a charging fitting on a vehicle, the mounting member comprising: a panel portion having a first surface and a second surface, wherein an opening is formed between the first surface and the second surface; and The flange portion has a mounting member for mounting the panel portion on a vehicle and is formed around the panel portion. The peripheral edge portion of the opening on the second surface side is chamfered.

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