Connection device

Abstract

To provide a connection device which can improve the stability of electric connections.SOLUTION: The connection device includes: a contact terminal which can be in contact with a terminal, the terminal moving forward or moving backward and the electric connection of the contact terminal with the terminal being turned on or off accordingly; and a mobile body which moves in association with moving forward or moving backward of the terminal. The contact terminal has a contact surface in contact with the terminal, and the mobile body has a sliding part which slides to the contact surface by contacting with the contact surface when the mobile body moves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] As a conventional connection device, for example, the device described in Patent Document 1 is known. The connection device described in Patent Document 1 includes a mechanical sliding part that mechanically slides with the connector part (terminal) of the printed circuit board to clean the surface of the connector part, and an electrical contact part that electrically contacts the cleaned connector part (contact terminal). The mechanical sliding part is provided at a position where it slides with the connector part before the connector part of the printed circuit board comes into contact with the electrical contact part. The mechanical sliding part cleans the connector part by sandwiching the printed circuit board. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 57-195781 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a connection device, terminals are repeatedly attached and detached. In a conventional connection device, the mechanical sliding portion is configured to clamp the terminals, and therefore, when the terminals are repeatedly attached and detached, the force with which the mechanical sliding portion clamps the terminals may weaken. As a result, in a conventional connection device, the terminals may not be properly cleaned. In a connection device, if the terminals are not cleaned, dust or the like may cause the electrical connection between the terminals and the contact terminals to become unstable.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a connection device that can improve the stability of electrical connection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connection device of the present invention is a connection device that is arranged to be connectable to a terminal of a power receiving system or a power supply system, and comprises a contact terminal that is arranged to be in contact with the terminal and whose electrical connection with the terminal is turned on or off by the advancement or retraction of the terminal, and a moving body that moves as the terminal advances or retreats, wherein the contact terminal has a contact surface that contacts the terminal, and the moving body has a sliding portion that comes into contact with the contact surface and slides against the contact surface when the moving body moves.

[0007] In the connection device according to the present invention, the moving body has a sliding portion that comes into contact with the contact surface and slides against the contact surface when the moving body moves. This allows the connection device to clean the contact surface every time the terminal advances or retreats. Therefore, the connection device can prevent the electrical connection between the terminal and the contact terminal from becoming unstable due to dust or the like. Therefore, the connection device can improve the stability of the electrical connection.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sliding portion has a sliding surface that comes into contact with the contact surface, and at least a part of the sliding surface may have a shape that conforms to the shape of the contact surface. In this configuration, the contact surface can be cleaned more effectively. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the stability of the electrical connection can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [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

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The connected device 3 includes an insertion body 7 , a first connection terminal 9 , and a second connection terminal 11 .

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The connection device 5 includes a main body 15, a first contact mechanism 17, a second contact mechanism 19, a separator (moving body) 21, and an elastic member 23. The first contact mechanism 17 and the second contact mechanism 19 are disposed at positions facing each other.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 3 and 4, the first contact terminal 25 has a base 33, support portions 35A and 35B, and a connection 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.

[0023] The base 33 is plate-shaped. The base 33 extends linearly. The pair of support portions 35A, 35B are provided 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 rearward 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.

[0024] 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 surface 37A. The contact surface 37A contacts the first connection terminal 9 of the connected device 3. The contact surface 37A contacts the first connection terminal 9 by a line or a surface.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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 rearward 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.

[0031] 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 surface 51A. The contact surface 51A contacts the second connection terminal 11 of the connected device 3. The contact surface 51A contacts the second connection terminal 11 by a line or a surface.

[0032] 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.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the separator 21 is a part that moves with the movement (advancement, retraction) of the insert 7 (first connection terminal 9, second connection terminal 11) 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 advancement 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 advancement completion position. The separator 21 is made of an insulating material. The separator 21 is made of, for example, a resin.

[0034] 5, separator 21 has contact portion 21A, sliding portions 21B and 21C, and insertion portion 21D. Contact portion 21A is a portion that contacts with insertion body 7 of connected device 3. Contact portion 21A is configured with a flat surface.

[0035] The sliding portion 21B is a portion that slides against the first contact terminal 25. The sliding portion 21B has a sliding surface 21E. The sliding surface 21E is recessed. The sliding surface 21E has a shape that conforms to the shape (V-shape) of the contact surface 37A of the connection portion 37 of the first contact terminal 25. The sliding surface 21E may be subjected to a process suitable for cleaning the contact surface 37A. For example, the sliding surface 21E may be formed of a material (resin, a metal different from that of the first contact terminal 25, etc.) different from that of the other portions of the separator 21, or may be provided with a cloth material or the like. The sliding surface 21E may be formed by coating such as physical vapor deposition (PVD). In addition, the sliding surface 21E may have unevenness or grooves formed thereon.

[0036] The sliding portion 21C is a portion that slides against the second contact terminal 39. The sliding portion 21C has a sliding surface 21F. The sliding surface 21F is recessed. The sliding surface 21F has a shape that follows the shape (V-shape) of the contact surface 51A of the connection portion 51 of the second contact terminal 39. The sliding surface 21F may be subjected to a process suitable for cleaning the contact surface 51A, similar to the sliding surface 21E. The insertion portion 21D is a portion into which a part of the elastic member 23 is inserted.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 6 to 9, an 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 first electric wire 100 and the second electric wire 110 are not shown.

[0039] 6, before the connected device 3 is connected to the connecting device 5, the connecting portion 37 of the first contact terminal 25 is located on the sliding portion 21B of the separator 21. The connecting portion 51 of the second contact terminal 39 is located on the sliding portion 21C of the separator 21.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, when the insert 7 of the connected device 3 enters the body 15 of the connecting device 5, the insert 7 comes into contact with the abutment portion 21A of the separator 21. Then, 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 insert 7 presses the separator 21, and the separator 21 moves. When the separator 21 moves, the sliding surface 21E of the sliding portion 21B slides against the contact surface 37A (see FIG. 4) of the connecting portion 37 of the first contact terminal 25. This causes the contact surface 37A to be cleaned by the sliding surface 21E. Also, when the separator 21 moves, the sliding surface 21F of the sliding portion 21C slides against the contact surface 51A (see FIG. 4) of the connecting portion 51 of the second contact terminal 39. This causes the contact surface 51A to be cleaned by the sliding surface 21F.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, when the inserting body 7 of the connected device 3 further enters the main body 15 of the connecting device 5, the inserting body 7 further presses and moves the separator 21, and the first contact terminal 25 comes into contact with the first surface 7A of the inserting body 7, and then the first contact terminal 25 rides on the first connecting terminal 9. As a result, the first connecting terminal 9 comes into contact with the contact surface 37A 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.

[0042] 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 comes into contact with the second surface 7B of the insertion body 7, and then the second contact terminal 39 rides up onto the second connecting terminal 11. This brings the second connecting terminal 11 into contact with the contact surface 51A of the connecting 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] When the insert 7 is pulled out, the separator 21 is biased by the elastic member 23 and moves toward the first position. When the separator 21 moves, the sliding surface 21E of the sliding portion 21B slides against the contact surface 37A (see FIG. 4) of the connection portion 37 of the first contact terminal 25. This causes the contact surface 37A to be cleaned by the sliding surface 21E. Also, when the separator 21 moves, the sliding surface 21F of the sliding portion 21C slides against the contact surface 51A (see FIG. 4) of the connection portion 51 of the second contact terminal 39. This causes the contact surface 51A to be cleaned by the sliding surface 21F.

[0045] As described above, in the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the separator 21 has the sliding parts 21B, 21C that come into contact with the contact surfaces 37A, 51A and slide against the contact surfaces 37A, 51A when the separator 21 moves. This allows the connection device 5 to clean the contact surfaces 37A, 51A every time the first connection terminal 9 and the second connection terminal 11, i.e., the insert 7, advances or retreats. Therefore, 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 dust or the like. Therefore, the connection device 5 can improve the stability of the electrical connection.

[0046] In the connection structure 1 according to this embodiment, the sliding parts 21B, 21C have sliding surfaces 21E, 21F that contact the contact surfaces 37A, 51A. At least a part of the sliding surfaces 21E, 21F has a shape that conforms to the shape of the contact surfaces 37A, 51A. In this configuration, the contact surfaces 37A, 51A can be cleaned more effectively. Specifically, in the contact surface 37A, not only the contact portion with the first connection terminal 9 but also the portion in the vicinity of the contact portion can be cleaned. Similarly, in the contact surface 51A, not only the contact portion with the second connection terminal 11 but also the portion in the vicinity of the contact portion can be cleaned.

[0047] In the connection structure 1 according to the present embodiment, the first contact terminal 25 comes into contact with the first surface 7A of the insert 7 after being cleaned by the sliding surface 21E, and then the first contact terminal 25 rides on the first connection terminal 9. This allows the contact surface 37A of the first contact terminal 25 to be cleaned by the first surface 7A of the insert 7 as well. In addition, the second contact terminal 39 comes into contact with the second surface 7B of the insert 7 after being cleaned by the sliding surface 21F, and then the second contact terminal 39 rides on the second connection terminal 11. This allows the contact surface 51A of the second contact terminal 39 to be cleaned by the second surface 7B of the insert 7 as well.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 10, the first contact terminal 60 has a main body 61, a first connecting portion 62, and a second connecting 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).

[0051] 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 surface 62A. 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 surface 63A.

[0052] 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).

[0053] The main body portion 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 surface 72A.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the first contact terminal 25 is provided with the connecting portion 37 having a bent shape. However, the first contact terminal may have a plurality of bent portions. In this case, the first connecting 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.

[0056] 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).

[0057] In addition to the above embodiment, a member for cleaning the sliding surfaces 21E, 21F of the separator 21 may be provided. The cleaning member is, for example, a member fixed to the main body 15 and contacts the sliding surfaces 21E, 21F. This configuration can prevent dust and the like from accumulating on the sliding surfaces 21E, 21F. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 5...connection device, 9...first connection terminal, 11...second connection terminal, 21...separator (moving body), 21B, 21C...sliding portion, 21E, 21F...sliding surface, 25...first contact terminal, 37A, 51A, 62A, 63A, 72A...contact surface, 39...second contact terminal.

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 able to come into contact with the terminal, and an electrical connection with the terminal is turned on or off depending on whether the terminal is inserted or retracted; a moving body that moves in association with the advancement or retreat of the terminal, The contact terminal has a contact surface that contacts the terminal, A connection device, wherein the moving body has a sliding portion that comes into contact with the contact surface and slides against the contact surface when the moving body moves.

2. the sliding portion has a sliding surface that comes into contact with the contact surface, The connection device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the sliding surface has a shape that conforms to a shape of the contact surface.

Images