Connector device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a connector device. In the connector device, in a state where a charging control unit is connected to a connection portion, the charging control unit, the connection portion, a cable, and a socket connection portion form a charging path configured to be able to supply electric power to a vehicle connected to the socket connection portion. The connection portion to which the charging control unit is not connected is configured to be able to be electrically connected to an external load different from the charging control unit. In a state where the external load is electrically connected to the connection portion, the socket connection portion, the cable, and the connection portion form a power supply path configured to be able to supply electric power from the vehicle connected to the socket connection portion to the external load connected to the connection portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connector devices. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-211146 discloses an external power supply connector. This external power supply connector includes an external connector body. The external connector body is shaped like a pistol grip. The external connector body is snap-fitted into a socket that serves as both a charging and discharging port for a vehicle, enabling power discharged from the vehicle side to be supplied from the socket to an external load. The external connector body has a receptacle portion for attaching and detaching a plug for an external load. Summary of the Invention

[0003] When a connector device with a conventional gun-grip shape is installed in a vehicle's socket, the connector device's receptacle (connection portion) is relatively close to the vehicle. If the vehicle is outdoors, for example, external factors such as dust and water droplets can easily come into contact with external loads, such as electrical products connected to the connector device's connection portion. Therefore, depending on the vehicle's location, the types of external loads that can be powered from the vehicle may be limited, reducing user convenience.

[0004] This disclosure provides a connector device that can easily protect an external load connected to the connection from external factors.

[0005] The connector device of this disclosure includes a connector unit and a charging control unit.

[0006] The connector unit includes a socket connection, a cable, and a connection part.

[0007] The connector is configured to connect to a vehicle.

[0008] The cable extends from the plug connection.

[0009] The connector is located at the end of the cable.

[0010] The charging control unit is configured to be detachable from the connection part.

[0011] When the charging control unit is connected to the connector, the charging control unit, the connector, the cable, and the socket connector form a charging path that is configured to supply power to the vehicle connected to the socket connector.

[0012] When connected, the charging control unit is configured to control the current flowing through the charging path.

[0013] In the connected state, the charging control unit is configured to send a signal related to the current flowing in the charging path to the vehicle connected to the socket connection via the connection part, cable and socket connection part.

[0014] The connection part that is not connected to the charging control unit is configured to be electrically connected to an external load that is different from the charging control unit.

[0015] When the external load is electrically connected to the connector, the socket connector, the cable, and the connector form a power supply path that is configured to supply power from the vehicle connected to the socket connector to the external load connected to the connector.

[0016] According to this disclosure, external loads connected to the connection part can be easily protected from external factors. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and are attached as follows:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a connector device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a connector device and a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a side view of the connecting part;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the charging control unit viewed from the direction where the connection is made;

[0022] Figure 5 This diagram shows the connector unit of the charging control unit and the external load removed;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure in which the vehicle is interconnected with an external load via a connector unit. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, a connector device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or equivalent reference numerals in the drawings will not be repeated in their description.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a connector device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a connector device and a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the connector device 1 of one embodiment of this disclosure can be connected to a vehicle VE0. The vehicle VE0 is, for example, an electric vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

[0027] The specific structure of vehicle VE0 is not particularly limited. Vehicle VE0 may include, for example, a socket VE1, a power conversion device VE2, a battery VE3, and a vehicle control circuit VE4.

[0028] The socket VE1 includes two AC connection parts VE11 and VE12 and three communication parts VE13, VE14 and VE15.

[0029] The power conversion unit VE2 is electrically connected to the AC connection units VE11 and VE12. The battery VE3 is electrically connected to the power conversion unit VE2. The vehicle control circuit VE4 is electrically connected to the communication units VE13, VE14, and VE15 via communication lines L3a, L4a, and L5a, respectively. Communication line L3a is grounded. The vehicle control circuit VE4 is also electrically connected to the power conversion unit VE2. The vehicle control circuit VE4 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown).

[0030] The connector device 1 will be described below. The connector device 1 includes a connector unit 100, a charging control unit 200, and an external power supply connection part 300.

[0031] The connector unit 100 includes a socket connection portion 110, a cable 120 (first cable) and a connection portion 130.

[0032] The connector 110 is configured to connect to the connector VE1 of vehicle VE0. The connector 110 has a pistol grip shape. The connector 110 includes one end 111, another end 112, a mating part 113, a locking part 114, and a user switch 115. The other end 112 is located on the opposite side of the first end 111. The mating part 113 and the locking part 114 are each located on one end 111. The mating part 113 is configured to connect (mate) with the connector VE1. The locking part 114 locks the mating part 113 mating with the connector VE1. By pressing the user switch 115, the locking between the mating part 113 and the connector VE1 based on the locking part 114 is released.

[0033] The connector 110 also includes a first wiring L1, a second wiring L2, a third wiring L3, a fourth wiring L4, and a fifth wiring L5. The fourth wiring L4 branches off from the third wiring L3. When the fitting part 113 is engaged with the connector VE1, the first wiring L1, the second wiring L2, the third wiring L3, the fourth wiring L4, and the fifth wiring L5 are electrically connected to the vehicle VE0. When the connector 110 is connected to the connector VE1, the first wiring L1, the second wiring L2, the third wiring L3, the fourth wiring L4, and the fifth wiring L5 are electrically connected to the AC connection parts VE11 and VE12 and the communication parts VE13, VE14, and VE15, respectively.

[0034] The socket connection part 110 also includes a resistor element part 116. The resistor element part 116 includes a resistor R1, a resistor RC, and a switch S1. The resistor R1 and the switch S1 are connected in parallel to form a parallel circuit 116a. The resistor RC is connected in series with the parallel circuit 116a. When the socket connection part 110 is connected to the socket VE1, the resistor RC is positioned between the parallel circuit 116a and the communication part VE14.

[0035] Switch S1 is the switch corresponding to user switch 115. Specifically, when user switch 115 is operated (pressed), switch S1 is in the open state, and when user switch 115 is not operated (not pressed), switch S1 is in the closed state.

[0036] When the connector 110 is not connected to the connector VE1, a signal determined solely by the structure of the vehicle control circuit VE4 is generated on the communication line L4a as the connector connection signal PISW. When the connector 110 is connected to the connector VE1 and the user switch 115 is in an inactive state, a signal with a potential determined based on the structure of the vehicle control circuit VE4 and the resistance RC is generated on the communication line L4a as the connector connection signal PISW. When the connector 110 is connected to the connector VE1 and the user switch 115 is in an active state, a signal with a potential determined based on the structure of the vehicle control circuit VE4, the resistance R1, and the resistance RC is generated on the communication line L4a as the connector connection signal PISW.

[0037] Cable 120 is a so-called rubber-insulated cable, which has higher durability (e.g., waterproofing in rainy weather) when installed outdoors compared to household appliance cables used in typical household appliances. In addition, cable 120 also has higher durability when unwound from a coiled state or when stretched, as well as higher withstand current when carrying currents of 1A to 50A than household appliance cables.

[0038] Cable 120 extends from the other end 112 of the socket connection 110. Cable 120 is fixedly connected to the other end 112. The length of cable 120 is, for example, more than 5m and less than 15m.

[0039] The cable 120 includes a wire 121 (first wire), a second wire 122, a grounding communication wire 123, a communication conductor 125, multiple insulators 126, and an outer casing 127.

[0040] Wire 121 is electrically connected to the first wiring L1. Wire 122 is electrically connected to the second wiring L2. Grounding communication wire 123 is electrically connected to the third wiring L3. Communication wire 125 is electrically connected to the fifth wiring L5.

[0041] The outer diameter of each of the wires 121 and 122 can be 1 mm or more, or 2 mm or more, or 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less. Multiple insulators 126 respectively cover the wires 121, 122, grounding communication wire 123, and communication wire 125. An outer casing 127 also integrally covers the multiple insulators 126. The outer casing 127 is also referred to as a sheath. The outer casing 127 is, for example, made of polyvinyl chloride. The thickness of the outer casing 127 can be, for example, 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, preferably 1.5 mm or more.

[0042] The connector 130 is provided at the end of the cable 120 on the side opposite to the plug connector 110 when viewed from the cable 120.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a side view of the connecting part. (Example) Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the connection part 130 includes an electrical plug insertion port 131 (first electrical plug insertion port), an electrical terminal 132 (first electrical terminal), a second electrical plug insertion port 133, a second electrical terminal 134, a grounding plug insertion port 135, a grounding terminal 136, a communication plug insertion port 137, and a communication terminal 138. The electrical terminal 132 is located in the electrical plug insertion port 131. The second electrical terminal 134 is located in the second electrical plug insertion port 133. The grounding terminal 136 is located in the grounding plug insertion port 135. The communication terminal 138 is located in the communication plug insertion port 137.

[0044] Wire 121 is electrically connected to electrical terminal 132. Second wire 122 is electrically connected to second electrical terminal 134. Grounding communication wire 123 is electrically connected to grounding terminal 136. Communication wire 125 is electrically connected to communication terminal 138.

[0045] The charging control unit 200 is also referred to as a CCID (Charge Circuit Interrupt Device). The charging control unit 200 is configured to be detachable from the connection portion 130. Hereinafter, the state in which the charging control unit 200 is connected to the connection portion 130 is sometimes referred to as the "standard connection state." That is, in... Figure 1 The image shows the charging control unit 200 separated from the connection part 130. Figure 2 The standard connection status is shown in the diagram.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the charging control unit viewed from the direction where the connector is attached. (See diagram.) Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 4, the charging control unit 200 includes an electrical plug 210 (first electrical plug), a second electrical plug 220, a grounding plug 230, a communication plug 240, a voltage line 250 (first voltage line), a second voltage line 260, a grounding wire 270, an oscillation circuit 280, and a control circuit 290.

[0047] In the standard connection state, the electrical plug 210 is inserted into the electrical plug insertion port 131 and contacts the electrical terminal 132. In the standard connection state, the second electrical plug 220 is inserted into the second electrical plug insertion port 133 and contacts the second electrical terminal 134. In the standard connection state, the grounding plug 230 is inserted into the grounding plug insertion port 135 and contacts the grounding terminal 136. In the standard connection state, the communication plug 240 is inserted into the communication plug insertion port 137 and contacts the communication terminal 138. The communication plug 240 is configured to transmit signals from the communication plug 240 to the communication terminal 138 in the standard connection state.

[0048] Voltage line 250 is electrically connected to plug 210. A relay 251 (first relay) is mounted on voltage line 250. Second voltage line 260 is electrically connected to second plug 220. Second relay 261 is mounted on second voltage line 260. Grounding wire 270 is electrically connected to grounding plug 230.

[0049] The oscillation circuit 280 is electrically connected to the communication plug 240. The oscillation circuit 280 includes, for example, a switch S2 and a resistor R2. One end of the resistor R2 is connected to the communication plug 240. The other end of the resistor R2 is connected to the switch S2. Details of the operation of the oscillation circuit 280 will be described later.

[0050] The control circuit 290 may include a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and controls various devices (e.g., oscillation circuit 280) based on information stored in the memory. The memory may include, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Furthermore, the various controls performed by the control circuit 290 are not limited to software-based processing; dedicated hardware (electronic circuitry) can also be constructed for processing.

[0051] The control circuit 290 includes a +12V power supply and an oscillating device. Switch S2 is configured to connect either the +12V power supply or the oscillating device of the control circuit 290 to resistor R2. Details of the operation of the control circuit 290 will be described later.

[0052] The external power connection portion 300 extends further from the charging control unit 200. The external power connector 300 includes an external power plug 310 and a second cable 320. The second cable 320 connects the charging control unit 200 and the external power plug 310 to each other. The external power plug 310 can be connected to an external power outlet (not shown). Alternatively, the connector device 1 may not include the external power connection portion 300, and the charging control unit 200 may be integrated into the external power supply.

[0053] The external power supply plug 310 includes a first external power supply terminal, a first external power supply terminal 311, a second external power supply terminal 312, and a third external power supply terminal 313. The first external power supply terminal 311, the second external power supply terminal 312, and the third external power supply terminal 313 are electrically connected to voltage line 250, second voltage line 260, and grounding wire 270, respectively. The third external power supply terminal 313 is grounded.

[0054] In this embodiment, the connector device 1 in its standard connection state is connected to the vehicle VE0 and an external power source, thereby enabling the vehicle VE0 to be charged using power from the external power source. In the following description of charging, unless otherwise stated, the connector device 1 in its standard connection state will be described as such (see [reference]). Figure 2 ).

[0055] An external power connection 300, a charging control unit 200, a connection 130, a cable 120, and a socket connection 110 form a charging path. The charging path is configured to supply power from an external power source connected to the external power connection 300 to the vehicle VE0 connected to the socket connection 110.

[0056] Specifically, the first external power supply terminal 311, voltage line 250, plug 210, electrical terminal 132, wire 121, and first wiring L1 constitute the first charging path. The second external power supply terminal 312, second voltage line 260, second plug 220, second electrical terminal 134, second wire 122, and second wiring L2 constitute the second charging path.

[0057] The power conversion device VE2 can receive AC power supply via the first charging path, the second charging path, and AC connection parts VE11 and VE12. The power conversion device VE2 converts the supplied AC power into DC power. The power conversion device VE2 uses the converted DC power to charge the storage battery VE3.

[0058] The charging control unit 200 is configured to send a signal related to the current flowing in the charging path to the vehicle VE0 connected to the socket connection 110 via the connection part 130, the cable 120, and the socket connection part 110. Specifically, the communication plug 240, the communication terminal 138, the communication wire 125, and the fifth wiring L5 constitute the various parts of the communication path. The charging control unit 200 sends signals to the vehicle VE0 via the communication path.

[0059] The oscillation circuit 280 sends a pilot signal CPLT to the vehicle control circuit VE4. The potential of the pilot signal CPLT is operated by the vehicle control circuit VE4. In addition, the pilot signal CPLT is used as a signal to notify the vehicle control circuit VE4 of the rated current during AC charging from the oscillation circuit 280.

[0060] The control circuit 290 detects the potential of the pilot signal CPLT output by the oscillation circuit 280 and controls the operation of the oscillation circuit 280 based on the detected potential of the pilot signal CPLT. Furthermore, there are cases where the connector 110 is not connected to the connector VE1, or where the communication terminal 138 and the communication plug 240 are not connected to each other. In this case, the control circuit 290 controls the switch S2 to turn on the +12V power supply and the resistor R2. Moreover, the control circuit 290 controls the operation of the oscillation circuit 280 to output a non-oscillating pilot signal CPLT with a potential of V0 (e.g., +12V).

[0061] Furthermore, the charging control unit 200 is configured to control the current flowing through the charging path. Specifically, the control circuit 290 controls the opening and closing of the relay 251 and the second relay 261 based on the potential of the pilot signal CPLT.

[0062] The vehicle control circuit VE4 sends a signal based on the potential of the connector connection signal PISW and the potential of the pilot signal CPLT to the power conversion device VE2. Based on the signal received from the vehicle control circuit VE4, the power conversion device VE2 begins the aforementioned power conversion operation.

[0063] In this embodiment, the connector unit 100 removed from the charging control unit 200 may also be used as a connector for power supply from the vehicle VE0.

[0064] Figure 5 This diagram shows the connector unit of the charging control unit and the external load removed. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure in which the vehicle is interconnected with an external load via a connector unit.

[0065] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the connection portion 130, which is not connected to the charging control unit 200, is configured to be electrically connected to an external load EL0 that is different from the charging control unit 200. The external load EL0 is not particularly limited; for example, it could be an electrical product used by a user in their home, such as a coffee maker, outdoor light, or rice cooker. In the following description, the load connection state will be described as the state in which the connector unit 100 is connected to the vehicle VE0 and the external load EL0 is electrically connected to the connection portion 130.

[0066] The external load EL0 includes an AC plug EL1, an external cable EL2, and an external load body EL3. The external cable EL2 connects the AC plug EL1 and the external load body EL3 to each other. The AC plug EL1 includes a first external electrical plug EL11, a second external electrical plug EL12, and an external grounding plug EL13.

[0067] AC plug EL1 is inserted into electrical plug socket 131, contacting electrical terminal 132. More specifically, first external electrical plug EL11 is inserted into electrical plug socket 131, contacting electrical terminal 132. Furthermore, second external electrical plug EL12 is inserted into second electrical plug socket 133, contacting second electrical terminal 134. External grounding plug EL13 is inserted into grounding plug socket 135, contacting grounding terminal 136.

[0068] In the load-connected state, the socket connection 110, cable 120, and connection 130 form a power supply path. The power supply path is configured to supply power from the vehicle VE0 connected to the socket connection 110 to the external load EL0 connected to the connection 130.

[0069] Specifically, the first wiring L1, wire 121, and electrical terminal 132 constitute the first power supply path. The second wiring L2, second wire 122, and second electrical terminal 134 constitute the second power supply path. The communication terminal 138 is not electrically connected to the external load EL0. That is, when the load is connected, the pilot signal CPLT does not flow through the communication line L5a.

[0070] The power conversion device VE2 converts the DC power supplied by the battery VE3 into AC power. Furthermore, the power conversion device VE2 supplies AC power to the external load body EL3 via the first power supply path, the second power supply path, the AC plug EL1, and the external cable EL2.

[0071] The vehicle control circuit VE4 sends a signal to the power conversion unit VE2 based on the potential of the connector connection signal PISW and the condition that the pilot signal CPLT has not been received. The power conversion unit VE2 then initiates the aforementioned power conversion operation based on the signal received from the vehicle control circuit VE4.

[0072] As described above, a connector device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a connector unit 100 and a charging control unit 200. The connector unit 100 includes a socket connection portion 110, a cable 120, and a connecting portion 130. The socket connection portion 110 is configured to connect to a vehicle VE0. The cable 120 extends from the socket connection portion 110. The connecting portion 130 is provided at the end of the cable 120. The charging control unit 200 is configured to be detachable from the connecting portion 130. In the connected state, the charging control unit 200, the connecting portion 130, the cable 120, and the socket connection portion 110 form a charging path. The charging path is configured to supply power to the vehicle VE0 connected to the socket connection portion 110. In the connected state, the charging control unit 200 is configured to control the current flowing through the charging path. In the connected state, the charging control unit 200 is configured to send a signal related to the current flowing in the charging path to the vehicle VE0 connected to the socket connection 110 via the connection part 130, cable 120, and socket connection part 110. When the charging control unit 200 is not connected, the connection part 130 is configured to be electrically connected to an external load EL0 different from the charging control unit 200. When the external load EL0 is electrically connected to the connection part 130, the socket connection part 110, cable 120, and connection part 130 form a power supply path. This power supply path is configured to supply power from the vehicle VE0 connected to the socket connection part 110 to the external load EL0 connected to the connection part 130.

[0073] According to the above structure, the connector device 1 for charging the vehicle VE0 can also be used as a connector for supplying power from the vehicle VE0 to an external load EL0. Furthermore, the connection portion 130 connecting the external load EL0 is connected to the socket connection portion 110 via a cable 120. This increases the flexibility in the placement of the connection portion 130. For example, the connection portion 130 can be placed in an environment with minimal external factors such as dust and water droplets. By connecting the external load EL0 to the connection portion 130 placed in such an environment, the external load EL0 can be easily protected from external factors.

[0074] In this embodiment, the cable 120 includes a wire 121, a communication conductor 125, multiple insulators 126, and an outer casing 127. The wire 121 is electrically connected to an electrical terminal 132. The communication conductor 125 is electrically connected to a communication terminal 138. The multiple insulators 126 respectively cover the wire 121 and the communication conductor 125. The outer casing 127 also integrally covers the multiple insulators 126.

[0075] According to the above structure, the durable and expensive cable 120 (for example, compared to the external cable EL2) can be converted into a power supply cable. This improves the convenience for users supplying power to the vehicle VE0.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the cable 120 is 5m or more and 15m or less. By making the cable 120 5m or more, the flexibility in the placement of the connector 130 is further improved, and the external load EL0 connected to the connector 130 can be more easily protected from external factors. In addition, by making the cable 120 15m or less, it is possible to prevent the cable 120 from becoming difficult to handle.

[0077] In the description of the above embodiments, the combinable structures can also be combined with each other.

[0078] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is set forth not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications equivalent to and within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A connector device comprising: Connector unit; and Charging control unit, The connector unit includes a socket connection part, a cable, and a connection part. The connector is configured to connect to a vehicle. The cable extends from the socket connection portion. The connecting part is provided at the end of the cable. The charging control unit is configured to be detachable from the connection portion. When the charging control unit is connected to the connecting part, i.e., in the connected state, the charging control unit, the connecting part, the cable, and the socket connecting part form a charging path. This charging path is configured to supply power to the vehicle connected to the socket connecting part. In the connected state, the charging control unit is configured to control the current flowing through the charging path. In the connected state, the charging control unit is configured to send a signal related to the current flowing in the charging path to the vehicle connected to the socket connection via the connection part, the cable, and the socket connection part. The connection portion not connected to the charging control unit is configured to be electrically connected to an external load different from the charging control unit. When the external load is electrically connected to the connection part, the socket connection part, the cable, and the connection part form a power supply path, which is configured to supply power from the vehicle connected to the socket connection part to the external load connected to the connection part.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The connection part includes an electrical plug insertion port, electrical terminals, a communication plug insertion port, and communication terminals. The electrical terminals are located at the plug insertion port. The communication terminal is located at the communication plug insertion port. The charging control unit includes an electrical plug and a communication plug. In the connected state, the electrical plug is inserted into the electrical plug socket, making contact with the electrical terminals, and together with the electrical terminals, forms part of the charging path. In the connected state, the communication plug is inserted into the communication plug insertion port, making contact with the communication terminal, and the signal is transmitted from the communication plug to the communication terminal. When the external load is electrically connected to the connection part, i.e., in the load connection state, an AC plug provided on the external load is inserted into the electrical plug insertion port. In the load-connected state, the electrical terminal is in contact with the AC plug, forming part of the power supply path.

3. The connector device according to claim 2, wherein, The cable includes wires, communication conductors, multiple insulators, and an outer casing. The wire is electrically connected to the electrical terminal. The communication wire is electrically connected to the communication terminal. The plurality of insulators respectively cover the electrical wire and the communication wire. The outer casing also integrally covers the plurality of insulators.

4. The connector device according to claim 3, wherein, The length of the cable is more than 5m and less than 15m.

5. The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The charging control unit also includes a voltage line, an oscillation circuit, and a control circuit. The voltage line forms part of the charging path. The voltage line includes a relay. The oscillation circuit transmits the pilot signal as the signal. The control circuit controls the opening and closing of the relay based on the potential of the pilot signal.

Images