Connection device

Abstract

To provide a connection device which can suppress electrically unstable connections with a simple structure even when an arc discharge is happening.SOLUTION: The connection device has a contact terminal which can be in contact with a terminal, and the contact terminal becomes in electric contact with the terminal or becomes out of contact with the terminal according to moving forward of the terminal or moving backward of the terminal. The contact terminal has a contact part which becomes in contact with the terminal first when the terminal moves forward and has a conduction part which becomes in contact with the terminal in the position where the terminal finishes moving forward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional connecting device, for example, the device described in Patent Document 1 is known. In the connecting device described in Patent Document 1, a circuit made up of a semiconductor switch is first connected via the mechanical contact so that an arc is not generated in the metal contact when the mechanical metal contact opens, and the gate and drain of the semiconductor switch are connected with high resistance so that an arc discharge does not occur (arc generation). In this configuration, the current of the metal contact is diverted to the semiconductor switch without an arc, and then, when the contact is turned on, the gate voltage of the semiconductor switch drops, and the semiconductor switch is turned off to cut off the current, and then the mechanical contact is also opened. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-191764 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a connection device, an arc discharge may occur when a terminal on the power receiving side comes into contact with a terminal on the power supplying side. When an arc discharge occurs, the surface of the terminal on the power supplying side where the arc discharge occurs may be altered or roughened, which may cause an unstable electrical connection between the terminal on the power receiving side and the terminal on the power supplying side. Therefore, in order to suppress the occurrence of an arc discharge, a conventional connection device uses a semiconductor switch to suppress the occurrence of an arc discharge. However, the configuration using a semiconductor switch is complicated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connection device that can suppress, with a simple configuration, the electrical connection from becoming unstable even when an arc discharge occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The connection device of the present invention is a connection device that is connectable to a terminal of a power receiving system or a power supply system, and is provided with a contact terminal that is capable of contacting the terminal and whose electrical connection with the terminal is turned on or off as the terminal advances or retreats, and the contact terminal has a contact portion that first comes into contact with the terminal as the terminal advances, and a conductive portion that comes into contact with the terminal when the terminal has completed its insertion.

[0007] In the connection device according to the present invention, the contact terminal includes a contact portion that first comes into contact with the terminal as the terminal enters, and a current-carrying portion that comes into contact with the terminal when the terminal has completed its entry. In this manner, the connection device can separate the contact portion at which arc discharge may occur from the current-carrying portion that is electrically connected to the terminal. Therefore, in the connection device, arc discharge does not occur in the current-carrying portion, and the surface of the current-carrying portion can be prevented from being altered or roughened. In addition, the connection device can prevent the electrical connection between the terminal and the contact terminal from becoming unstable due to arc discharge without using a semiconductor switch or the like. In this manner, the connection device can prevent the electrical connection from becoming unstable with a simple configuration, even when arc discharge occurs.

[0008] (2) In the connection device of (1) above, the contact terminal may contact the terminal at the contact portion and then contact the terminal at the current-carrying portion while maintaining contact with the terminal. In this configuration, the terminal and the contact terminal do not separate after the terminal contacts the contact portion of the contact terminal, so that it is possible to prevent arc discharge from occurring in the contact terminal at a portion other than the contact portion. Therefore, in the connection device, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the terminal and the contact terminal from becoming unstable due to arc discharge in a portion other than the contact portion.

[0009] (3) In the connection device of (1) or (2) above, the contact terminal may be pivotally supported about an axis and biased to pivot toward the terminal when in contact with the terminal. In this configuration, the contact state between the terminal and the contact terminal can be maintained from when the terminal comes into contact with the contact portion of the contact terminal until the terminal reaches the conducting portion.

[0010] (4) In the connection device of (3) above, the contact terminal has an insertion hole into which the shaft is inserted, and the insertion hole may be an elongated hole. In this configuration, the contact terminal is movable by the length of the elongated hole. As a result, even if the terminal is inserted in a state where the terminal is out of position, the contact state between the terminal and the contact terminal can be maintained because the contact terminal is movably arranged.

[0011] (5) In the connection device of (4) above, the insertion hole may be disposed rearward of the contact portion and the current-carrying portion in the direction of movement of the terminal. In this configuration, when the contact terminal is biased to swing toward the terminal in a state of contact with the terminal, the terminal may first come into contact with the contact portion of the contact terminal and then come into contact with the current-carrying portion.

[0012] (6) In the connection device of any one of (1) to (5) above, the contact portion of the contact terminal may be disposed behind the current-carrying portion in the direction of movement of the terminal. In this configuration, the terminal may first come into contact with the contact portion of the contact terminal, and then come into contact with the current-carrying portion.

[0013] (7) In the connection device of any one of (1) to (6) above, at least a part of the contact terminal may have a bent portion having a bent shape, the contact portion may be configured as a side surface of the bent portion, and the current-carrying portion may be configured as a bent surface of the bent portion. In this configuration, the terminal may first contact the contact portion of the contact terminal, and then contact the current-carrying portion.

[0014] (8) In the connection device of any one of (1) to (7) above, the current-carrying portion may contact the terminal through a plurality of lines or surfaces. This configuration can further ensure the stability of the electrical connection between the terminal and the contact terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, even when an arc discharge occurs, it is possible to suppress the electrical connection from becoming unstable with a simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connection structure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connection structure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the first contact mechanism and the second contact mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the first contact terminal and the second contact terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a separator. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a connecting operation between the terminal device and the connecting device in the connecting structure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a connecting operation between a terminal device and a connecting device in a connecting structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a connecting operation between the terminal device and the connecting device in the connecting structure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a connecting operation between a terminal device and a connecting device in a connecting structure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first contact terminal of a connection device according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a first contact terminal of a connection device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0018] 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a connection structure. The connection structure 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is applied to, for example, a vehicle charging system. The connection structure 1 includes a connected device 3 and a connection device 5. The connected device 3 is, for example, a device of a power receiving system (load side) provided in a charged device of the charging system. The connection device 5 is, for example, a device of a power supply system provided in a charging device of the charging system. In the connection structure 1, the connected device 3 and the connection device 5 are connected to each other, thereby enabling the connection device 5 to supply power to the connected device 3.

[0019] The connected device 3 includes an insertion body 7 , a first connection terminal 9 , and a second connection terminal 11 .

[0020] The insert body 7 is a part that is inserted into the connection device 5. The insert body 7 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The insert body 7 is made of an insulating material. The insert body 7 is made of, for example, a resin. The insert body 7 is provided so as to be able to advance or retreat in the connection device 5. The insert body 7 has a first surface 7A and a second surface 7B. The first surface 7A and the second surface 7B are disposed opposite to each other.

[0021] The first connection terminal 9 is a portion that is electrically connected to the connected device 3. The first connection terminal 9 has, for example, a plate shape. The first connection terminal 9 is made of a conductive material. The first connection terminal 9 is disposed on the first surface 7A of the insertion body 7. An electric wire (not shown) is connected to the first connection terminal 9.

[0022] The second connection terminal 11 is a portion that is electrically connected to the connected device 3. The second connection terminal 11 has, for example, a plate shape. The second connection terminal 11 is made of a conductive material. The second connection terminal 11 is disposed on the second surface 7B of the insertion body 7. An electric wire (not shown) is connected to the second connection terminal 11.

[0023] The connection device 5 includes a main body 15, a first contact mechanism 17, a second contact mechanism 19, a separator 21, and an elastic member 23. The first contact mechanism 17 and the second contact mechanism 19 are disposed at positions facing each other.

[0024] The main body 15 constitutes the exterior of the connection device 5. The main body 15 houses the first contact mechanism 17, the second contact mechanism 19, the separator 21, and the elastic member 23. The main body 15 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main body 15 is formed of an insulating material. The main body 15 is formed of, for example, a resin. The main body 15 has an opening 15A through which the connected device 3 is inserted and removed. A space into which the connected device 3 is inserted is formed in the main body 15 between the first contact mechanism 17 and the second contact mechanism 19.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the first contact mechanism 17 includes a first contact terminal 25, a fixing member 27, and a biasing member 29.

[0026] The first contact terminal 25 is a portion that is electrically connected to the first connection terminal 9 of the connected device 3. A first electric wire 100 is electrically connected to the first contact terminal 25. The fixing device 27 supports the first contact terminal 25 so that it can swing. The fixing device 27 supports a shaft 31. The first contact terminal 25 swings around the shaft 31. The fixing device 27 is fixed to the main body 15.

[0027] The biasing member 29 biases the first contact terminal 25 so as to swing in a clockwise direction. The biasing member 29 biases the first contact terminal 25 so as to swing toward the first connection terminal 9 in a state in which the first connection terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25 are in contact with each other. The biasing member 29 is formed of, for example, a wire spring.

[0028] 3 and 4, the first contact terminal 25 has a base 33, support portions 35A and 35B, and a connection portion (bent portion) 37. The first contact terminal 25 is made of a conductive material. In the first contact terminal 25, the base 33, the support portions 35A and 35B, and the connection portion 37 are integrally formed (molded). The first contact terminal 25 is formed, for example, by bending or the like.

[0029] The base 33 is plate-shaped. The base 33 extends linearly. The support portions 35A, 35B are provided as a pair at positions sandwiching the base 33. The support portions 35A, 35B are provided with a through hole (insertion hole) 35H. The shaft 31 is inserted through the through hole 35H. The through hole 35H is disposed forward of a contact portion 37A (described later) and a current-carrying portion 37B (described later) of the connection portion 37 in the traveling direction of the insertion body 7 (first connection terminal 9). In this embodiment, the through hole 35H is an elongated hole.

[0030] The connection portion 37 is provided at the tip of the base portion 33. The connection portion 37 has a bent shape. For example, the connection portion 37 has a V-shape. The connection portion 37 has a contact portion 37A and a current-carrying portion 37B.

[0031] Contact portion 37A is the portion that first comes into contact with first connection terminal 9 as first connection terminal 9 of connected device 3 enters connecting device 5 (main body 15). Contact portion 37A is disposed rearward of current-carrying portion 37B in the direction of travel of insertion body 7 (first connection terminal 9). Contact portion 37A is formed by the surface (side surface) of connecting portion 37.

[0032] The current-carrying portion 37B is a portion that comes into contact with the first connecting terminal 9 of the connected device 3 at the position where the first connecting terminal 9 has completed insertion. The current-carrying portion 37B is a portion that is electrically connected (conducts electricity) with the first connecting terminal 9. The current-carrying portion 37B is provided at a bent portion of the connection portion 37. The current-carrying portion 37B is disposed forward of the contact portion 37A in the traveling direction of the insertion body 7 (first connecting terminal 9). The current-carrying portion 37B is formed by the surface (bent surface) of the connection portion 37. The current-carrying portion 37B comes into contact with the first connecting terminal 9 by a line or a surface.

[0033] In the first contact mechanism 17, the first contact terminal 25 is provided so as to be movable in the extension direction of the through hole 35H (long hole) of the support parts 35A, 35B. The first contact terminal 25 is provided so as to be movable by the length of the through hole 35H. In the first contact mechanism 17, the first contact terminal 25 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis along the extension direction of the base part 33, since the through hole 35H, which is a long hole, is provided in each of the support parts 35A, 35B.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the second contact mechanism 19 includes a second contact terminal 39, a fixing member 41, and a biasing member 43.

[0035] The second contact terminal 39 is a portion that is electrically connected to the second connection terminal 11 of the connected device 3. A second electric wire 110 is electrically connected to the second contact terminal 39. The fixing device 41 supports the second contact terminal 39 so that it can swing. The fixing device 41 supports a shaft 45. The second contact terminal 39 swings around the shaft 45. The fixing device 41 is fixed to the main body 15.

[0036] The biasing member 43 biases the second contact terminal 39 so as to swing in a counterclockwise direction. The biasing member 43 biases the second contact terminal 39 so as to swing toward the second connection terminal 11 side in a state in which the second connection terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 are in contact with each other. The biasing member 43 is formed of, for example, a wire spring.

[0037] 3 and 4, the second contact terminal 39 has a base portion 47, support portions 49A and 49B, and a connection portion (bent portion) 51. The second contact terminal 39 is made of a conductive material. In the second contact terminal 39, the base portion 47, the support portions 49A and 49B, and the connection portion 51 are integrally formed (molded). The second contact terminal 39 is formed, for example, by bending or the like.

[0038] The base 47 is plate-shaped. The base 47 extends linearly. The pair of support portions 49A, 49B are provided at positions sandwiching the base 47. The support portions 49A, 49B are provided with a through hole (insertion hole) 49H. The shaft 45 is inserted through the through hole 49H. The through hole 49H is disposed forward of a contact portion 51A (described later) and a current-carrying portion 51B (described later) of the connection portion 51 in the traveling direction of the insertion body 7 (second connection terminal 11). In this embodiment, the through hole 49H is an elongated hole.

[0039] The connection portion 51 is provided at the tip of the base portion 47. The connection portion 51 has a bent shape. For example, the connection portion 51 has a V-shape. The connection portion 51 has a contact portion 51A and a current-carrying portion 51B.

[0040] The contact portion 51A is a portion that first comes into contact with the second connection terminal 11 of the connected device 3 as the second connection terminal 11 enters the connection device 5 (main body 15). The contact portion 51A is disposed rearward of the current-carrying portion 51B in the direction of travel of the insertion body 7 (second connection terminal 11). The contact portion 51A is formed by the surface (side surface) of the connection portion 51.

[0041] The current-carrying portion 51B is a portion that comes into contact with the second connecting terminal 11 of the connected device 3 at the position where the second connecting terminal 11 has completed insertion. The current-carrying portion 51B is a portion that is electrically connected (conducts electricity) with the second connecting terminal 11. The current-carrying portion 51B is provided at a bent portion of the connection portion 51. The current-carrying portion 51B is disposed forward of the contact portion 51A in the traveling direction of the insertion body 7 (second connecting terminal 11). The current-carrying portion 51B is formed by the surface (bent surface) of the connection portion 51. The current-carrying portion 51B comes into contact with the second connecting terminal 11 by a line or a surface.

[0042] In the second contact mechanism 19, the second contact terminal 39 is provided so as to be movable in the extending direction of the through hole 49H (long hole) by the through hole 49H of the support parts 49A, 49B. The second contact terminal 39 is provided so as to be movable by the length of the through hole 49H. In the second contact mechanism 19, the second contact terminal 39 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis along the extending direction of the base part 47, since the through hole 49H, which is a long hole, is provided in each of the support parts 49A, 49B.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the separator 21 is a part that moves with the movement of the insert 7 of the connected device 3. The separator 21 is provided so as to be movable in the movement direction of the insert 7 (the up-down direction in Fig. 6, where the up direction is entry and the down direction is retraction). The separator 21 moves by being pressed by the insert 7. The separator 21 moves between a first position (see Fig. 1) when the insert 7 of the connected device 3 is not inserted, and a second position when the insert 7 reaches the entry completion position. The separator 21 is made of an insulating material. The separator 21 is made of, for example, resin.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, separator 21 has contact portion 21A, sliding portions 21B and 21C, and insertion portion 21D. Contact portion 21A is a portion that contacts insertion body 7 of connected device 3. Contact portion 21A is configured with a flat surface. Sliding portion 21B is a portion on which first contact terminal 25 slides. A recess is provided on the surface of sliding portion 21B. Sliding portion 21C is a portion on which second contact terminal 39 slides. A recess is provided on the surface of sliding portion 21C. Insertion portion 21D is a portion into which a portion of elastic member 23 is inserted.

[0045] The elastic member 23 is a member that biases the separator 21. The elastic member 23 is, for example, a coil spring. The elastic member 23 biases the separator 21 in a direction toward the opening 15A of the main body 15 (the lower side in FIG. 6). In other words, the elastic member 23 biases the separator 21 in a direction that pushes out the insertion body 7 of the connected device 3.

[0046] 6 to 9, the operation of the connection structure 1 when the connected device 3 is connected (inserted) into the connecting device 5 will be described. In Figs. 6 to 9, the separator 21, the elastic member 23, the first electric wire 100, and the second electric wire 110 are not shown.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, when the connected device 3 is in a state before being connected to the connecting device 5, and the insert 7 of the connected device 3 enters the main body 15 of the connecting device 5, as shown in Figure 7, the first contact terminal 25 contacts the first surface 7A and the second contact terminal 39 contacts the second surface 7B of the insert 7.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, when the insert 7 of the connected device 3 further enters the body 15 of the connecting device 5, the first connecting terminal 9 of the connected device 3 comes into contact with the first contact terminal 25 of the connecting device 5. Specifically, a corner of the first connecting terminal 9 comes into contact with the contact portion 37A of the connecting portion 37 of the first contact terminal 25. At this time, an arc discharge may occur between the first connecting terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25. Also, the second connecting terminal 11 of the connected device 3 comes into contact with the second contact terminal 39 of the connecting device 5. Specifically, a corner of the second connecting terminal 11 comes into contact with the contact portion 51A of the connecting portion 51 of the second contact terminal 39. At this time, an arc discharge may occur between the second connecting terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39.

[0049] 9, when the inserting body 7 of the connected device 3 further enters the main body 15 of the connecting device 5, the first contact terminal 25 rides up onto the first connecting terminal 9 while the first connecting terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25 are in contact with each other, and the first connecting terminal 9 comes into contact with the conductive portion 37B of the connecting portion 37 of the first contact terminal 25. At this time, the inserting body 7 is located at the entry completion position. The entry completion position is a stop position of the inserting body 7 (first connecting terminal 9, second connecting terminal 11), and is a position where the movement of the inserting body 7 is restricted by the separator 21. It can also be said that the entry completion position is a position where the connection between the connected device 3 and the connecting device 5 is completed. As a result, the first connecting terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25 are electrically connected.

[0050] Furthermore, when the insertion body 7 of the connected device 3 advances further into the body 15 of the connecting device 5, the second contact terminal 39 rides up onto the second connecting terminal 11 while remaining in contact with the second connecting terminal 11, and the second connecting terminal 11 comes into contact with the current-carrying portion 51B of the connection portion 51 of the second contact terminal 39. As a result, the second connecting terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 are electrically connected to each other.

[0051] When disconnecting the connected device 3 and the connecting device 5, the insert 7 of the connected device 3 is pulled out (retracted) from the connecting device 5. This causes the first connecting terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25 to separate, and the electrical connection is released. Also, the second connecting terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 to separate, and the electrical connection is released.

[0052] As described above, in the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first contact terminal 25 of the connection device 5 includes the contact portion 37A that first comes into contact with the first connection terminal 9 as the first connection terminal 9 enters, and the current-carrying portion 37B that comes into contact with the first connection terminal 9 at a position where the first connection terminal 9 has completed entering. In this manner, in the connection device 5, the contact portion 37A where an arc discharge may occur and the current-carrying portion 37B that is electrically connected to the first connection terminal 9 can be separated from each other in the first contact terminal 25. Therefore, in the connection device 5, no arc discharge occurs in the current-carrying portion 37B, and therefore the surface of the current-carrying portion 37B can be prevented from being altered or roughened.

[0053] The second contact terminal 39 of the connection device 5 includes a contact portion 51A that first comes into contact with the second connection terminal 11 as the second connection terminal 11 enters, and a current-carrying portion 51B that comes into contact with the second connection terminal 11 at a position where the second connection terminal 11 has completed entering. In this manner, in the connection device 5, the second contact terminal 39 can separate the contact portion 51A where an arc discharge may occur from the current-carrying portion 51B that is electrically connected to the second connection terminal 11. Therefore, in the connection device 5, no arc discharge occurs in the current-carrying portion 51B, and therefore the surface of the current-carrying portion 51B can be prevented from being altered or roughened.

[0054] Furthermore, the connection device 5 can prevent the electrical connection between the first connection terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25, and between the second connection terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 from becoming unstable due to arc discharge, without using a semiconductor switch or the like. In this way, the connection device 5 can prevent the electrical connection from becoming unstable with a simple configuration, even when an arc discharge occurs.

[0055] In the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first contact terminal 25 comes into contact with the first connection terminal 9 at the contact portion 37A, and then comes into contact with the first connection terminal 9 at the current-carrying portion 37B while maintaining a contact state with the first connection terminal 9. In this configuration, the first connection terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25 do not separate after the first connection terminal 9 comes into contact with the contact portion 37A of the first contact terminal 25, so that it is possible to prevent an arc discharge from occurring at a portion other than the contact portion 37A in the first contact terminal 25. In addition, the second contact terminal 39 comes into contact with the second connection terminal 11 at the contact portion 51A, and then comes into contact with the second connection terminal 11 at the current-carrying portion 51B while maintaining a contact state with the second connection terminal 11. In this configuration, the second connection terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 do not separate after the second connection terminal 11 comes into contact with the contact portion 51A of the second contact terminal 39, so that it is possible to prevent an arc discharge from occurring at a portion other than the contact portion 51A in the second contact terminal 39. Therefore, in the connection device 5, it is possible to prevent the electrical connections between the first connection terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25, and between the second connection terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 from becoming unstable due to arc discharge in parts other than the contact portions 37A, 51A.

[0056] In the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first contact terminal 25 is provided pivotally about the shaft 31, and is biased to pivot toward the first connection terminal 9 when in contact with the first connection terminal 9. In this configuration, the contact state between the first connection terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25 can be maintained from the time when the first connection terminal 9 comes into contact with the contact portion 37A of the first contact terminal 25 until the first connection terminal 9 reaches the current-carrying portion 37B. The second contact terminal 39 is provided pivotally about the shaft 45, and is biased to pivot toward the second connection terminal 11 when in contact with the second connection terminal 11. In this configuration, the contact state between the second connection terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 can be maintained from the time when the second connection terminal 11 comes into contact with the contact portion 51A of the second contact terminal 39 until the second connection terminal 11 reaches the current-carrying portion 51B.

[0057] In the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first contact terminal 25 has a through hole 35H into which the shaft 31 is inserted, and the through hole 35H is an elongated hole. In this configuration, the first contact terminal 25 is movable by the length of the elongated hole. As a result, even if the first connection terminal 9 enters while the first connection terminal 9 is out of position, the first contact terminal 25 is provided movably, so that the contact state between the first connection terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25 can be maintained. In addition, the first contact terminal 25 has a through hole 35H provided in each of the support portions 35A and 35B. As a result, the first contact terminal 25 is provided rotatably about an axis along the extension direction of the base portion 33. Therefore, even if the first connection terminal 9 enters while the first connection terminal 9 is out of position, the first contact terminal 25 can maintain parallelism with the first connection terminal 9. Therefore, the contact state between the first connection terminal 9 and the first contact terminal 25 can be well maintained.

[0058] The second contact terminal 39 has a through hole 49H into which the shaft 45 is inserted, and the through hole 49H is an elongated hole. In this configuration, the second contact terminal 39 can move by the length of the elongated hole. As a result, even if the second connection terminal 11 enters while the second connection terminal 11 is out of position, the second contact terminal 39 is provided movably, so that the contact state between the second connection terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 can be maintained. In addition, the second contact terminal 39 has a through hole 49H provided in each of the support parts 49A and 49B. As a result, the second contact terminal 39 is provided rotatably about an axis along the extension direction of the base part 47. Therefore, the second contact terminal 39 can maintain parallelism with the second connection terminal 11 even if the second connection terminal 11 enters while the second connection terminal 11 is out of position. Therefore, the contact state between the second connection terminal 11 and the second contact terminal 39 can be well maintained.

[0059] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the first contact mechanism 17 is described as having the first contact terminal 25 and the biasing member 29. However, the first contact mechanism does not have to have the biasing member. In the first contact mechanism, the first contact terminal and the biasing member may be one component. The first contact terminal will be described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Note that, although the first contact terminal is described as an example in Figs. 10 and 11, the second contact terminal may have a similar configuration.

[0061] 10, the first contact terminal 60 has a main body 61, a first connecting portion (bent portion) 62, and a second connecting portion (bent portion) 63. The main body 61, the first connecting portion 62, and the second connecting portion 63 are integrally formed. The first contact terminal 60 is formed of, for example, a wire spring (elastic member).

[0062] A shaft (not shown) is inserted into the main body 61. The first contact terminal 60 is provided so as to be able to swing about the shaft. The first connection portion 62 has a bent shape. The first connection portion 62 has, for example, a V-shape. The first connection portion 62 has a contact portion 62A and a current-carrying portion 62B. The second connection portion 63 has a bent shape. The second connection portion 63 has, for example, a V-shape. The second connection portion 63 has a contact portion 63A and a current-carrying portion 63B.

[0063] 11, the first contact terminal 70 has a main body portion 71 and a connecting portion (bent portion) 72. The main body portion 71 and the connecting portion 72 are integrally formed. The first contact terminal 70 is formed of, for example, a leaf spring (elastic member).

[0064] The main body 71 is fixed to the main body 15. The connection portion 72 has a bent shape. The connection portion 72 has, for example, a V-shape. The connection portion 72 has a contact portion 72A and a current-carrying portion 72B.

[0065] The first contact terminal 60 shown in Fig. 10 and the first contact terminal 70 shown in Fig. 11 are formed of an elastic member. As a result, the first contact terminal 60 and the first contact terminal 70 do not include a biasing member as a component separate from the first contact terminal, and therefore the configuration can be simplified.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the first contact terminal 25 is described as having the connection portion 37 having a bent shape. However, the first contact terminal may have a plurality of bent portions. In this case, the first contact terminal has a plurality of conductive portions. That is, the first connection terminal and the first contact terminal are in contact with each other through a plurality of lines. The second contact terminal may have a similar configuration.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the connection device 5 is provided in the charging device (power supply system), but the connection device may be provided in the charged device (power receiving system). [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 5...connection device, 9...first connecting terminal, 11...second connecting terminal, 25...first contact terminal, 31...shaft, 35H...through hole (insertion hole), 37...connection portion (bent portion), 37A...contact portion, 37B...current-conducting portion, 39...second contact terminal, 45...shaft, 49H...through hole (insertion hole), 51...connection portion (bent portion), 51A...contact portion, 51B...current-conducting portion, 60...first contact terminal, 62...first connecting portion (bent portion), 62A...contact portion, 62B...current-conducting portion, 63...second connecting portion (bent portion), 63A...contact portion, 63B...current-conducting portion, 70...first contact terminal, 72...connection portion, 72A...contact portion, 72B...current-conducting portion.

Claims

1. A connection device that is connectable to a terminal of a power receiving system or a power supply system, a contact terminal provided to be capable of coming into contact with the terminal, and an electrical connection with the terminal is turned on or off by the advancement or retreat of the terminal; The contact terminal is a contact portion that first comes into contact with the terminal as the terminal enters; a conducting portion that contacts the terminal when the terminal is in a fully inserted position.

2. The connection device according to claim 1 , wherein the contact terminal comes into contact with the terminal at the contact portion and then comes into contact with the terminal at the current-carrying portion while maintaining a contact state with the terminal.

3. 3. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the contact terminal is pivotably provided about an axis and biased so as to pivot toward the terminal when in contact with the terminal.

4. the contact terminal has an insertion hole into which the shaft is inserted, The connection device according to claim 3 , wherein the insertion hole is an elongated hole.

5. The connection device according to claim 4 , wherein the insertion hole is disposed rearward of the contact portion and the current-carrying portion in a direction in which the terminal advances.

6. 3. The connection device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion of the contact terminal is disposed rearward of the current-carrying portion in a direction in which the terminal advances.

7. At least a part of the contact terminal has a bent portion having a bent shape, the contact portion is formed on a side surface of the bent portion, The connection device according to claim 1 , wherein the current-carrying portion is formed by a bent surface of the bent portion.

8. The connection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the current-carrying portion contacts the terminal in a plurality of lines or surfaces.

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