Charging device

Abstract

In a charging device, a connector includes a front end portion and a first protrusion. The front end portion is connected to a vehicle by being inserted into the vehicle. The first protrusion protrudes from the front end portion in a direction intersecting with an insertion direction of the front end portion into the vehicle. A bracket holds the connector by inserting the front end portion and the first protrusion into the bracket in the insertion direction of the front end portion along an insertion direction of the bracket. First and second guide portions included in the bracket are juxtaposed in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and extend along the insertion direction. A distance between the first and second guide portions continuously decreases toward the insertion direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-93976 discloses a conventional charging device. This charging device includes a housing, a charging gun, and a concave gun sleeve. The charging gun is located at the end of a cable extending from the housing. The concave gun sleeve houses the charging gun housed within the housing. The concave gun sleeve includes a rotation limiting part and a locking mechanism. The rotation limiting part restricts the rotation of the charging gun when it is housed. The locking mechanism is located vertically downwards from the rotation pivot point and locks the charging gun in place.

[0003] When the charging gun (connector) is housed in the bracket by inserting it, for example, if the connector has been pre-positioned in the rotational direction relative to the bracket, the connector can be inserted into the bracket. However, depending on the shape of the connector, positioning the connector relative to the bracket at the start of insertion may not be easy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a charging device that facilitates the positioning of the connector relative to the bracket at the start of insertion.

[0005] This disclosure relates to a charging device comprising a connector and a bracket. The connector includes a front end and a first protrusion. The front end is configured to connect to a vehicle by insertion. The first protrusion protrudes from the front end in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the front end toward the vehicle. The bracket is configured to hold the connector by inserting the front end and the first protrusion into the bracket in the insertion direction of the front end along the insertion direction of the bracket. The bracket includes a first guide and a second guide. The first guide and the second guide are parallel to each other in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and extend along the insertion direction. The distance between the first guide and the second guide continuously decreases toward the insertion direction.

[0006] In the charging device of this disclosure, the first guide portion may have a generally trapezoidal shape when viewed from the central axis of the bracket.

[0007] In the charging device of the present disclosure and configuration, the first guide portion and the second guide portion may also be configured such that after the insertion of the front end into the bracket begins, the first protrusion passes between the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

[0008] In the charging device configured according to the present disclosure, the first guide portion may also include a first inclined surface, which faces the second guide portion in the circumferential direction, and the inclination is such that it approaches the second guide portion towards the insertion direction. Furthermore, the second guide portion may also include a second inclined surface, which faces the first guide portion in the circumferential direction, and the inclination is such that it approaches the first guide portion towards the insertion direction.

[0009] In the charging device of the present disclosure and its configuration, the connector may also include a locking portion. The locking portion may be disposed at the front end facing a direction intersecting the insertion direction. The bracket may also include a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a locking portion. The first wall portion may extend from the first guide portion toward the insertion direction. The second wall portion may extend from the second guide portion toward the insertion direction. The locking portion may be formed in either the first guide portion or the first wall portion. The connector may be held in the bracket by locking the locking portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. Furthermore, when the locking portion locks with the locking portion, the front end of the first protrusion in the insertion direction may be located between the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0010] In a charging device configured as described above, the locking portion may also be formed on the first guide portion. Furthermore, the dimension in the insertion direction from the front end portion of the first guide portion to the rear end edge of the locking portion may be shorter than the dimension in the insertion direction from the front end of the first protrusion to the locking portion.

[0011] In the charging device configured according to this disclosure, the first protrusion may extend parallel to the insertion direction. The bracket may also include a first wall and a second wall. The first wall may extend from the first guide in the insertion direction. The second wall may extend from the second guide in the insertion direction. The surface of the first wall facing the second wall may be connected to the surface of the first guide facing the second guide in the insertion direction, and extend parallel to the insertion direction. Alternatively, the surface of the second wall facing the first wall may be connected to the surface of the second guide facing the first guide in the insertion direction, and extend parallel to the insertion direction.

[0012] In the charging device disclosed herein, the insertion direction may be obliquely upward. Furthermore, the gap between the first guide portion and the second guide portion may be located above the front end portion when the bracket is inserted into the front end portion.

[0013] In the charging device configured according to this disclosure, the connector may further include a second protrusion, which may protrude from the front end in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. The bracket may also include a third guide. The third guide may be parallel to the first guide in the circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction and extend along the insertion direction. Furthermore, the distance between the first guide and the third guide may continuously decrease towards the insertion direction.

[0014] In a charging device configured as described above, the first guide portion and the third guide portion may be arranged such that, after the insertion of the front end into the bracket begins, the second protrusion passes between the first guide portion and the third guide portion.

[0015] According to the method and configuration of this disclosure, positioning of the connector relative to the bracket at the start of insertion becomes easy. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 The diagram shows a charging device and a vehicle as an example embodiment of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view showing the connector that supplies power to the vehicle from the aforementioned charging device.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the connector as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a charging device in which the connector is held in place by the bracket provided by the charging device.

[0021] Figure 5 This diagram schematically illustrates the state of the connector just before it is inserted into the bracket.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the support structure viewed along the insertion direction.

[0023] Figure 7Observe in the direction of the arrow on line VII-VII Figure 6 The above-mentioned bracket is a cross-sectional view.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an example of the state after the connector has just been inserted into the bracket, viewed along the insertion direction.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the state immediately following the insertion of the connector into the bracket, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0026] Figure 10 This is another example of the state after the connector has just been inserted into the bracket, viewed along the insertion direction.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the state after the connector has just been inserted into the bracket, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the state of the first protrusion of the connector reaching the front end of the first guide portion of the bracket along the insertion direction.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the first protrusion reaching the front end of the first guide portion when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the first protrusion traveling between the first wall and the second wall in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the connector remains on the bracket, viewed in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the bracket of the charging device in the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, a charging device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, in this specification, "circumferential direction orthogonal to a certain direction" refers to a circumferential direction centered on a virtual central axis parallel to that certain direction.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a charging device and a vehicle as an example embodiment of this disclosure. (See diagram for details.) Figure 1As shown, the charging device 1, which is an example embodiment of the present disclosure, is a device for charging a battery mounted on an electric vehicle 2, and is also referred to as a charging station. The charging device 1 includes a connector 10, a bracket 20, a housing 30, and a charging cable 40. In addition, the charging device 1 may also have a housing 30 with a plurality of connectors 10, a plurality of brackets 20 corresponding to the plurality of connectors 10, and a plurality of charging cables 40 corresponding to the plurality of connectors 10.

[0035] First, connector 10 will be described. Connector 10 is configured to connect to the charging interface 2a of vehicle 2. Through connector 10 connected to charging interface 2a, charging device 1 supplies power to vehicle 2. Connector 10 is a so-called pistol type. Connector 10 is located at the front end of charging cable 40 extending from housing 30.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a partial 3D view of the connector. Figure 3 This is a diagram of the connector viewed from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. (Example) Figures 1 to 3 As shown, connector 10 includes a front end portion 11, a first protrusion 12, a second protrusion 13, and a locking portion 14. In this embodiment, these configurations in connector 10 have a structure conforming to the CHAdeMO (Japanese Fast Charging Standard) (registered trademark) method. However, these configurations in connector 10 are not limited to a structure conforming to this method.

[0037] The front end portion 11 is configured to connect to the vehicle 2 by inserting it into the vehicle 2 in the insertion direction D1. The front end portion 11 has a generally cylindrical shape that extends in the insertion direction D1 with a virtual connector central axis C1 extending in the insertion direction D1 as the center.

[0038] The front end portion 11 includes an end face 11a, an outer peripheral surface 11b, a plurality of holes 11c, and a plurality of connecting terminals 11d. The end face 11a faces the insertion direction D1. The end face 11a extends parallel to a virtual plane orthogonal to the connector's central axis C1. The end face 11a has a circular shape when viewed from the insertion direction D1.

[0039] The outer peripheral surface 11b extends from the edge of the end face 11a in the opposite direction to the insertion direction D1. The outer peripheral surface 11b has a generally cylindrical shape centered on the connector's central axis C1.

[0040] Multiple holes 11c are formed on the end face 11a. The multiple holes 11c are formed to extend from the end face 11a in the opposite direction to the insertion direction D1.

[0041] Multiple connection terminals 11d are located in multiple holes 11c. The multiple connection terminals 11d are configured not to protrude forward compared to the end face 11a in the insertion direction D1. When the front end 11 of the connector 10 is connected to the charging interface 2a of the vehicle 2, the multiple connection terminals 11d respectively contact multiple terminal groups, P terminals, and N terminals (not shown) of the charging interface 2a.

[0042] The first protrusion 12 protrudes from the front end portion 11 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1 of the front end portion 11 toward the vehicle 2. Specifically, the first protrusion 12 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 11b. The first protrusion 12 protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1. The first protrusion 12 protrudes radially about the connector central axis C1. The first protrusion 12 extends parallel to the insertion direction D1. The circumferential width of the first protrusion 12 about the connector central axis C1 is substantially constant. The first protrusion 12 extends along the entire outer peripheral surface 11b.

[0043] The second protrusion 13 protrudes from the front end portion 11 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1. Specifically, the second protrusion 13 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 11b. The second protrusion 13 protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1. The second protrusion 13 protrudes radially about the connector's central axis C1. The second protrusion 13 extends parallel to the insertion direction D1. The circumferential width of the second protrusion 13 about the connector's central axis C1 is substantially constant. The second protrusion 13 extends along the entire outer peripheral surface 11b. The second protrusion 13 is separate from the first protrusion 12 in the circumferential direction about the connector's central axis C1.

[0044] The locking portion 14 is provided on the front end portion 11 facing a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D1. Specifically, the locking portion 14 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 11b. When the front end portion 11 of the connector 10 is connected to the charging interface 2a of the vehicle 2, the locking portion 14 is configured to lock with the charging interface 2a. In addition, the locking portion 14 is configured to be displaceable relative to the outer peripheral surface 11b toward the connector central axis C1. When the locking portion 14 is displaced relative to the outer peripheral surface 11b in this way, pressure is applied to the locking portion 14 in a direction away from the connector central axis C1. Thus, after the front end portion 11 of the connector 10 is initially inserted into the charging interface 2a, the front end portion 11 is smoothly inserted into the charging interface 2a by the displacement of the locking portion 14 toward the connector central axis C1. In addition, when the locking portion 14 locks with the charging interface 2a, the connector 10 can be locked to the charging interface 2a by the aforementioned pressure.

[0045] Next, the stent 20 will be explained. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a charging device where the connector is held in place by a bracket. Figure 5This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the connector just before it is inserted into the bracket. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the support structure viewed along the insertion direction. Figure 7 Observe in the direction of the arrow on line VII-VII Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the bracket. Figure 5 In the middle, the bracket 20 is shown in cross-section.

[0046] like Figure 1 as well as Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the bracket 20 is configured to hold the connector 10 by inserting the front end portion 11, the first protrusion 12, the second protrusion 13, and the locking portion 14 into the bracket 20 such that the insertion direction D1 of the front end portion 11 is along the insertion direction D2 of the bracket 20. The insertion direction D2 faces obliquely upward. The bracket 20 is disposed on the housing 30. However, the bracket 20 may also be disposed in a position separate from the housing 30.

[0047] The bracket 20 includes a first guide portion 21, a second guide portion 22, a third guide portion 23, a locking portion 24, a first wall portion 25, a second wall portion 26, a third wall portion 27, an opposing wall portion 28, and an inner wall portion 29. When the bracket 20 is viewed along the insertion direction D2, the first guide portion 21, the second guide portion 22, the third guide portion 23, and the opposing wall portion 28 all extend in an arc shape with respect to a virtual bracket central axis C2 extending along the insertion direction D2 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0048] The first guide portion 21 extends along the insertion direction D2. Furthermore, when viewed from the central axis C2 of the support, the first guide portion 21 has a generally trapezoidal shape (see reference). Figure 7 That is, the first guide portion 21 has a shape in which its circumferential dimension increases with respect to the central axis C2 of the support as it travels toward the insertion direction D2. The first guide portion 21 includes a surface 21a and a surface 21b. Surface 21a faces the second guide portion 22 in the aforementioned circumferential direction and is inclined such that it approaches the second guide portion 22 as it travels toward the insertion direction D2. Surface 21a corresponds to the "first inclined surface" in this disclosure. Surface 21b faces the third guide portion 23 in the aforementioned circumferential direction and is inclined such that it approaches the third guide portion 23 as it travels toward the insertion direction D2.

[0049] The second guide portion 22 extends along the insertion direction D2. The second guide portion 22 is parallel to the first guide portion 21 in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D2. More specifically, the second guide portion 22 is spaced apart from the first guide portion 21 in a circumferential direction centered on the central axis C2 of the support. The second guide portion 22 includes a surface 22a. Surface 22a is opposite to the first guide portion 21 in the aforementioned circumferential direction and is inclined as it approaches the first guide portion 21 toward the insertion direction D2. Surface 22a corresponds to the "second inclined surface" in this disclosure.

[0050] The first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 are configured such that the distance between them continuously decreases as they move toward the insertion direction D2. In this embodiment, the surface 21a of the first guide portion 21 facing the second guide portion 22 in the circumferential direction is inclined as it approaches the second guide portion 22 as it moves toward the insertion direction D2. The surface 22a of the second guide portion 22 facing the first guide portion 21 in the circumferential direction is inclined as it approaches the first guide portion 21 as it moves toward the insertion direction D2. Furthermore, the gap between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 in the circumferential direction is located above the central axis C2 of the support. Moreover, "continuously decreasing" the distance between one part and other parts in the prescribed direction means that the distance does not decrease intermittently or gradually in the prescribed direction. "Continuously decreasing" the distance in the prescribed direction includes, for example, a situation where the distance gradually decreases as the opposing surfaces of the one part and the other parts are inclined or bent in the prescribed direction.

[0051] The third guide portion 23 extends along the insertion direction D2. In a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D2, the third guide portion 23 is parallel to the first guide portion 21 on the opposite side of the second guide portion 22. More specifically, in a circumferential direction centered on the central axis C2 of the support, the third guide portion 23 is spaced apart from the first guide portion 21 on the opposite side of the second guide portion 22. The third guide portion 23 includes a surface 23a. Surface 23a is opposite to the first guide portion 21 in the aforementioned circumferential direction and is inclined such that it approaches the first guide portion 21 towards the insertion direction D2.

[0052] The first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23 are configured such that the distance between them continuously decreases as they move toward the insertion direction D2. In this embodiment, the surface 21b of the first guide portion 21 facing the third guide portion 23 in the circumferential direction is inclined as it approaches the third guide portion 23 in the insertion direction D2. The surface 23a of the third guide portion 23 facing the first guide portion 21 in the circumferential direction is inclined as it approaches the first guide portion 21 in the insertion direction D2. Furthermore, the gap between the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23 in the circumferential direction is located above the central axis C2 of the support.

[0053] When the connector 10 is inserted into the bracket 20, the locking portion 24 engages with the locking portion 14, thereby retaining the connector 10 within the bracket 20. More specifically, the locking portion 14 engages with the locking portion 24 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D2, thereby retaining the connector 10 within the bracket 20. The locking portion 24 is formed in the first guide portion 21. The locking portion 24 is formed to be radially recessed toward the bracket central axis C2 relative to the surface of the first guide portion 21 facing the bracket central axis C2. The locking portion 24 may also be provided in the first wall portion 25, described later. The dimension (L2) in the insertion direction D2 from the front end portion 21c of the first guide portion 21 to the rear end edge 24a of the locking portion 24 is greater than the dimension (L1) from the front end of the first protrusion 12 to the locking portion 14 in the insertion direction D1 (see reference). Figure 3 )short.

[0054] The first wall portion 25 extends from the first guide portion 21 in the insertion direction D2 (see reference) Figure 7 Specifically, the first wall portion 25 extends further from the front end portion 21c of the first guide portion 21 in the insertion direction D2. The first wall portion 25 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the central axis C2 of the bracket.

[0055] The second wall portion 26 and the third wall portion 27 extend from the second guide portion 22 and the third guide portion 23 respectively in the insertion direction D2. The second wall portion 26 and the third wall portion 27 have rectangular shapes when viewed from the central axis C2 of the support.

[0056] In the aforementioned circumferential direction, the surface 25a of the first wall portion 25 facing the second wall portion 26 and the surface 21a of the first guide portion 21 facing the second guide portion 22 are connected in the insertion direction D2 and extend parallel to the insertion direction D2. In the aforementioned circumferential direction, the surface 25b of the first wall portion 25 facing the third wall portion 27 and the surface 21b of the first guide portion 21 facing the third guide portion 23 are connected in the insertion direction D2 and extend parallel to the insertion direction D2.

[0057] In the aforementioned circumferential direction, the surface 26a of the second wall portion 26 facing the first wall portion 25 and the surface 22a of the second guide portion 22 facing the first guide portion 21 are connected in the insertion direction D2 and extend parallel to the insertion direction D2. In the aforementioned circumferential direction, the surface 27a of the third wall portion 27 facing the first wall portion 25 and the surface 23a of the third guide portion 23 facing the first guide portion 21 are connected in the insertion direction D2 and extend parallel to the insertion direction D2.

[0058] The opposing wall portion 28 is located below the central axis C2 of the bracket. The opposing wall portion 28 is opposite to the first guide portion 21, the second guide portion 22, the third guide portion 23, the locking portion 24, the first wall portion 25, and the second wall portion 26 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D2. In the aforementioned circumferential direction, the opposing wall portion 28 is connected to the second guide portion 22, the third guide portion 23, the second wall portion 26, and the third wall portion 27.

[0059] The inner wall portion 29 is located at the front end of the bracket 20 in the insertion direction D2. The inner wall portion 29 extends parallel to a virtual plane orthogonal to the insertion direction D2. However, the inner wall portion 29 may also be provided with multiple holes 11c that can respectively connect to the connector 10 (see reference). Figure 2 Multiple fitting parts are fitted together. The inner wall 29 is connected to the first wall 25, the second wall 26, the third wall 27 and the opposing wall 28.

[0060] Next, in order to insert the connector 10 into the bracket 20, the operator aligns the connector 10 relative to the bracket 20 and inserts the connector 10 into the bracket 20, keeping the connector 10 in the bracket 20. The operation of the connector 10 during this process will be explained.

[0061] Figure 8 This is an example of a diagram showing the state of the connector after it has just been inserted into the bracket, along the direction of insertion. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the state immediately following the insertion of the connector into the bracket, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. Figure 9 And in the schematic figures shown thereafter, sometimes only the bracket 20 is shown in sectional views for convenience.

[0062] After the staff roughly aligned the connector center axis C1 of connector 10 with the bracket center axis C2 of bracket 20 (refer to...), Figure 5 ),like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9As shown, the front end portion 11 is initially inserted into the bracket 20. At this point, when viewed in the insertion direction D2, the front end portion 11 is in a state of counterclockwise rotation about the connector's central axis C1, compared to when it is finally held in the bracket 20. However, through the sliding contact between the first protrusion 12 and the surface 21a of the first guide portion 21, and the sliding contact between the second protrusion 13 and the surface 23a of the third guide portion 23, the front end portion 11 rotates clockwise about the connector's central axis C1 as it travels in the insertion direction D2.

[0063] Figure 10 This is another example of the state after the connector has just been inserted into the bracket, viewed along the insertion direction. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the state immediately following the insertion of the connector into the aforementioned bracket, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. (Example) Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, when the operator begins to insert the connector 10 into the bracket 20, the front end 11 may be in a state of clockwise rotation about the connector's central axis C1, compared to when it is finally held in the bracket 20. However, because the first protrusion 12 slides in contact with the surface 22a of the second guide 22, and the second protrusion 13 slides in contact with the surface 21b of the first guide 21, the front end 11 moves in the insertion direction D2 and rotates counterclockwise about the connector's central axis C1.

[0064] Thus, the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 are arranged such that after the insertion of the front end portion 11 into the bracket 20 begins, the first protrusion 12 passes between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22. Furthermore, the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23 are arranged such that after the insertion of the front end portion 11 into the bracket 20 begins, the second protrusion 13 passes between the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23. Also, the gap between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 is located on the upper side of the front end portion 11 when the bracket 20 is inserted into the front end portion 11 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0065] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the state of the first protrusion reaching the front end of the first guide portion along the insertion direction. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the first protrusion reaching the front end of the first guide portion, viewed in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. (Example) Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, when the operator further pushes the connector 10 in the insertion direction D2 so that the first protrusion 12 is parallel to the front end portion 21c of the first guide portion 21 in the circumferential direction (refer to...), Figure 13 When viewed along the insertion direction D2, the front end 11 is corrected to the same posture as when it is finally held in the support 20 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0066] Furthermore, the dimension (L2) in the insertion direction D2 from the front end portion 21c of the first guide portion 21 to the rear end edge 24a of the locking portion 24 is shorter than the dimension (L1) in the insertion direction D1 from the front end of the first protrusion 12 to the locking portion 14. Therefore, in Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 In the shown state, the locking portion 14 does not overlap with the locked portion 24 in the radial direction. Thus, the locked portion 24 is configured such that when the front end of the first protrusion 12 in the insertion direction D1 is located between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22, it does not lock with the locking portion 14.

[0067] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the first protrusion between the first wall and the second wall in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the connector held in place by the support, viewed in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. (Example) Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the operator further pushes the connector 10 into the insertion direction D2, so that the first protrusion 12 slides into contact with at least one of the surfaces 25a of the first wall portion 25 or 26a of the second wall portion 26, and the second protrusion 13 slides into contact with at least one of the surfaces 25b of the first wall portion 25 or 27a of the third wall portion 27. Thus, the front end portion 11, while actually maintaining its circumferential posture as viewed in the insertion direction D2, travels in the insertion direction D2 (see reference). Figure 14 Furthermore, by pushing the connector 10 further into the insertion direction D2, the locking portion 14 engages with the locked portion 24. Thus, the locked portion 24 is configured to engage with the locking portion 14 when the front end of the first protrusion 12 is located in front of the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 in the insertion direction D2. In this embodiment, the locking portion 14 engages with the locked portion 24 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D2, and also engages with the locked portion 24 on both sides of the circumference centered on the central axis C2 of the bracket. Therefore, the connector 10 is held in place on the bracket 20.

[0068] Here, the stent of the comparative example will be described. Figure 16This is a diagram showing the bracket of a comparative example charging device. In the bracket 90 of the comparative example, the circumferential spacing between the first guide 91 and the second guide 92 is constant throughout the insertion direction D2. Furthermore, this spacing is set to be practically equal to the size of the first protrusion 12 in the circumferential direction of the connector 10. Therefore, it is not easy for the operator to align the connector 10 relative to the bracket 20 before insertion in order to insert the first protrusion 12 between the first guide 91 and the second guide 92. Additionally, the bracket 90 has multiple holes 11c that can respectively mate with the connector 10 (see reference 10). Figure 2 Multiple fitting parts 99. These multiple fitting parts 99 may also be an important factor that makes it difficult to align the connector 10 with the bracket 20.

[0069] On the other hand, as described above, the charging device 1, as an example embodiment of this disclosure, includes a connector 10 and a bracket 20. The connector 10 includes a front end portion 11 and a first protrusion 12. The front end portion 11 is configured to connect to the vehicle 2 by insertion into the vehicle 2. The first protrusion 12 protrudes from the front end portion 11 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1 of the front end portion 11 toward the vehicle 2. The bracket 20 is configured to hold the connector 10 by inserting the front end portion 11 and the first protrusion 12 into the bracket 20 such that the insertion direction D1 of the front end portion 11 is along the insertion direction D2 of the bracket 20. The bracket 20 includes a first guide portion 21 and a second guide portion 22. The first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 are arranged side by side in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D2 and extend along the insertion direction D2. The distance between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 decreases continuously toward the insertion direction D2.

[0070] According to the above structure, by inserting the front end portion 11 into the bracket 20 with the first protrusion 12 passing between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22, as the front end portion 11 travels in the insertion direction D2, the first protrusion 12 is guided by the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22, whose distance from each other decreases continuously, thereby displacing it in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D2. This corrects the posture of the front end portion 11. On the other hand, as it travels in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D2, the distance between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 increases, so the operator can easily align the first protrusion 12 between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22. Furthermore, positioning the connector 10 relative to the bracket 20 at the start of insertion becomes easier.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 are configured such that after the front end portion 11 is inserted into the bracket 20, the first protrusion 12 passes between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22.

[0072] According to the above structure, the operator can more reliably guide the first protrusion 12 between the first guide 21 and the second guide 22. Furthermore, positioning the connector 10 relative to the bracket 20 at the start of insertion becomes easier.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first guide portion 21 includes a first inclined surface. The first inclined surface faces the second guide portion 22 in the aforementioned circumferential direction and is inclined such that it approaches the second guide portion 22 towards the insertion direction D2. The second guide portion 22 includes a second inclined surface. The second inclined surface faces the first guide portion 21 in the aforementioned circumferential direction and is inclined such that it approaches the first guide portion 21 towards the insertion direction D2.

[0074] According to the above structure, as the front end 11 is inserted into the bracket 20 and the front end 11 travels in the insertion direction D2, the first protrusion 12 is more smoothly guided by the first guide 21 and the second guide 22. As a result, the operator can easily press the front end 11 in.

[0075] In this embodiment, the connector 10 further includes a locking portion 14. The locking portion 14 is disposed at the front end portion 11 facing a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1. The bracket 20 further includes a first wall portion 25, a second wall portion 26, and a locking portion 24. The first wall portion 25 extends from the first guide portion 21 toward the insertion direction D2. The second wall portion 26 extends from the second guide portion 22 toward the insertion direction D2. The locking portion 24 is formed on the first guide portion 21 or the first wall portion 25. The locking portion 14 locks against the locking portion 24 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D2, thereby holding the connector 10 in the bracket 20. When the locking portion 14 locks against the locking portion 24, the front end of the first protrusion 12 in the insertion direction D1 is located between the first wall portion 25 and the second wall portion 26.

[0076] According to the above structure, during the insertion of the front end portion 11 into the bracket 20, when the front end of the first protrusion 12 in the insertion direction D1 is located between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22, which are closer to the first wall portion 25 and the second wall portion 26 in the insertion direction D2, the locking portion 14 does not lock against the locking portion 24 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction D2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the locking portion 14 and the locking portion 24 from locking each other before the correction of the posture of the front end portion 11 by the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 is completed.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion 24 is formed on the first guide portion 21. The dimension in the insertion direction D2 from the front end portion 21c of the first guide portion 21 to the rear end edge 24a of the locking portion 24 is shorter than the dimension in the insertion direction D1 from the front end of the first protrusion 12 to the locking portion 14.

[0078] According to the above structure, when the locking part 24 is formed in the first guide part 21, it is possible to prevent the locking part 14 and the locking part 24 from locking each other during the insertion process of the front end 11 into the bracket 20 before the correction of the posture of the front end 11 by the first guide part 21 and the second guide part 22 is completed.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 12 extends parallel to the insertion direction D1. The bracket 20 also includes a first wall portion 25 and a second wall portion 26. The first wall portion 25 extends from the first guide portion 21 in the insertion direction D2. The second wall portion 26 extends from the second guide portion 22 in the insertion direction D2. The surface of the first wall portion 25 facing the second wall portion 26 is connected to the surface of the first guide portion 21 facing the second guide portion 22 in the insertion direction D2, and extends parallel to the insertion direction D2. The surface of the second wall portion 26 facing the first wall portion 25 is connected to the surface of the second guide portion 22 facing the first guide portion 21 in the insertion direction D2, and extends parallel to the insertion direction D2.

[0080] According to the above structure, when the first protrusion 12 extends parallel to the insertion direction D1, after the first guide 21 and the second guide 22 finish positioning the front end of the first protrusion 12, the first protrusion 12 enters between the first wall portion 25 and the second wall portion 26, thereby suppressing the positional displacement of the first protrusion 12 during the insertion process of the front end portion 11.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insertion direction D2 faces obliquely upward. The gap between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 is located on the upper side of the front end portion 11 when the bracket 20 is inserted into the front end portion 11.

[0082] In the above structure, from the perspective of the worker who houses the connector 10 in the bracket 20 (in... Figure 5 When the first guide portion 11 (shown by reference numeral "E") is positioned above the bracket 20, it is not easy to directly observe the bracket 20 in the insertion direction D2. However, by positioning the gap between the first guide portion 21 and the second guide portion 22 as described above, the operator can insert the front end portion 11 into the bracket 20 while visually observing the first protrusion 12.

[0083] In this embodiment, the connector 10 further includes a second protrusion 13. The second protrusion 13 protrudes from the front end portion 11 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1. The bracket 20 further includes a third guide portion 23. The third guide portion 23 is parallel to the first guide portion 21 in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D2 and extends along the insertion direction D2. The distance between the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23 decreases continuously toward the insertion direction D2.

[0084] According to the above structure, by further supporting the front end portion 11 with the second protrusion 13 passing between the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23, as the front end portion 11 moves in the insertion direction D2, the second protrusion 13 is guided by the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23, whose distance from each other decreases continuously, thereby displacing in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction D2. Thus, the posture of the front end portion 11 is also corrected by the second protrusion 13. On the other hand, as it moves in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D2, the distance between the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23 increases, so the operator can easily align the second protrusion 13 between the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23. Furthermore, even when the connector 10 has the first protrusion 12 and the second protrusion 13, positioning the connector 10 relative to the support 20 at the start of insertion becomes easier.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23 are arranged such that after the insertion of the front end portion 11 into the bracket 20 begins, the second protrusion 13 passes between the first guide portion 21 and the third guide portion 23.

[0086] According to the above structure, the operator can more reliably pass the second protrusion 13 between the first guide 21 and the third guide 23. Furthermore, even when the connector 10 has the first protrusion 12 and the second protrusion 13, positioning the connector 10 relative to the bracket 20 at the start of insertion becomes easier.

[0087] In the above description of the embodiments, the components that can be combined can also be combined with each other.

[0088] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is not shown by the foregoing description but by the technical solutions, and is intended to include all modifications within the same meaning and scope as the technical solutions.

Claims

1. A charging device, characterized in that, Include: Connectors; and support The connector described above includes a front end and a first protrusion. The aforementioned front end is configured to connect to the aforementioned vehicle by being inserted into the vehicle. The first protrusion protrudes from the front end in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the front end towards the vehicle. The bracket is configured to hold the connector by inserting the front end portion and the first protrusion into the bracket in the insertion direction of the front end portion along the insertion direction of the bracket. The aforementioned bracket includes a first guide portion and a second guide portion. The first guide portion and the second guide portion are arranged side by side in a circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, and extend along the insertion direction. Furthermore, the distance between the first guide portion and the second guide portion decreases continuously as the direction of insertion approaches.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide portion described above has a roughly trapezoidal shape when viewed from the central axis of the bracket.

3. The charging device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide portion and the second guide portion are configured such that after the insertion of the front end into the bracket begins, the first protrusion passes between the first guide portion and the second guide portion.

4. The charging device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The first guide portion includes a first inclined surface that faces the second guide portion in the circumferential direction, and the inclination is such that it approaches the second guide portion as it moves toward the insertion direction. Furthermore, the second guide portion includes a second inclined surface that is opposite to the first guide portion in the circumferential direction, and the inclination is such that it approaches the first guide portion as it moves toward the insertion direction.

5. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connector also includes a locking part. The aforementioned locking portion is provided at the aforementioned front end portion in a direction that intersects with the aforementioned insertion direction. The aforementioned bracket also includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a locking portion. The first wall portion extends from the first guide portion in the insertion direction. The second wall portion extends from the second guide portion in the insertion direction. The aforementioned locking portion is formed in either the aforementioned first guide portion or the aforementioned first wall portion. The aforementioned locking portion engages with the aforementioned locking portion in a direction opposite to the aforementioned insertion direction, thereby holding the aforementioned connector within the aforementioned bracket. Furthermore, when the aforementioned locking portion is locked to the aforementioned locked portion, the front end of the aforementioned first protrusion in the aforementioned insertion direction is located between the aforementioned first wall portion and the aforementioned second wall portion.

6. The charging device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The aforementioned locking portion is formed in the aforementioned first guide portion. Furthermore, the dimension in the insertion direction from the front end of the first guide portion to the rear end edge of the locking portion is shorter than the dimension in the insertion direction from the front end of the first protrusion to the locking portion.

7. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first protrusion extends parallel to the insertion direction. The aforementioned support also includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The first wall portion extends from the first guide portion in the insertion direction. The second wall portion extends from the second guide portion in the insertion direction. The surface of the first wall portion facing the second wall portion is connected to the surface of the first guide portion facing the second guide portion in the insertion direction, and extends parallel to the insertion direction. Furthermore, the surface of the second wall portion facing the first wall portion is connected to the surface of the second guide portion facing the first guide portion in the insertion direction, and extends parallel to the insertion direction.

8. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The insertion direction mentioned above is diagonally upward. Furthermore, the gap between the first guide portion and the second guide portion is located on the upper side of the front end portion when the bracket is inserted into the front end portion.

9. The charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connector also includes a second protrusion. The second protrusion protrudes from the front end in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. The aforementioned bracket also includes a third guide section. The third guide portion is parallel to the first guide portion in the circumferential direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, and extends along the insertion direction. Furthermore, the distance between the first guide portion and the third guide portion decreases continuously as the direction of insertion approaches.

10. The charging device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first guide portion and the third guide portion are configured such that after the insertion of the front end into the bracket begins, the second protrusion passes between the first guide portion and the third guide portion.

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