Protective member

Abstract

To provide a plug cover capable of adequately protecting a user regardless of the shape of a plug, a manner in which the plug is used, the degree of compression of the plug cover, etc.SOLUTION: A plug cover 10 which is a protective member includes a cover body 160. The cover body 160 is provided in an annular shape so as to surround blades 50 protruding from a connector base portion 150. The cover body 160 has a bellows portion 170. The bellows portion 170 is expandable and contractible in an X-direction. In the bellows portion 170, expanded peak portions 182 and reduced valley portions 184 are alternately formed along the X-direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective member. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply system having three external power feeders and a power feed control device. The power feed control device is connected to connection terminals of the three external power feeders. Each of the three external power feeders converts DC power supplied from a battery of an electric vehicle into single-phase AC power. The power feed control device combines the single-phase AC power supplied from the three external power feeders to generate three-phase AC power. The power feed control device outputs the generated three-phase AC power to an external load.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a plug cover provided on a plug. The plug cover covers and conceals the plug, the outlet, and the mounting plate of the outlet from the outside when the plug is inserted into the outlet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-39705 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-50388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 does not disclose a specific configuration of the connection portion between the external power supply device and the power supply control device.

[0006] The plug cover in Patent Document 2 is a rectangular cover attached to a square plug. Therefore, when the plug is inserted into the outlet and the cover is compressed, the tip of the plug cover may turn up. Thus, depending on the shape of the plug, how the plug is used, the degree to which the plug cover is compressed, etc., the plug cover may not be able to adequately protect the user.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a protective member for protecting a power terminal that is provided at one end of a power line and is arranged so as to be insertable and removable relative to another power terminal, wherein the power terminal has a base and a blade that is arranged to protrude from the base and is electrically connected to the power line, the protective member is arranged to be located circumferentially relative to the protruding direction of the blade and has a tubular portion that is arranged in an annular shape to surround the blade, the tubular portion has enlarged peaks and reduced valleys alternately formed along the protruding direction, and has an expansion portion that is arranged to be expandable and contractible in the protruding direction. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, when the blade of the power terminal is not inserted into another power terminal, the expandable portion of the tubular portion expands in the protruding direction, and the tubular portion can surround the blade in an annular shape. When the blade is inserted into another power terminal, the expandable portion is compressed in the protruding direction, and the blade and the other power terminal can be surrounded in an annular shape by the tubular portion. Furthermore, since the peaks and valleys are alternately formed along the protruding direction, the expandable portion can be easily expanded and contracted in the protruding direction. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can be appropriately protected regardless of the shape of the power terminal, the way the power terminal is used, the degree of compression of the expandable portion of the protective member, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a power output system to which a plug cover according to this embodiment is applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the three feeders of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the current collecting box of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the current collecting box of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the connector with the plug cover attached. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the connector and the plug cover as viewed from the X1 direction to the X2 direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which the user is holding the connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the connector is held by a user. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a panel of the power supply device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the connector is inserted. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector is inserted. [Figure 13] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a first modified example, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a second modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a third modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the fourth modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the fourth modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the fifth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electric power output system 12 to which a plug cover 10 (protective member) according to this embodiment (see FIGS. 5 to 7) is applied.

[0012] The power output system 12 includes a current collection box 14, three power feeders 16, and three vehicles 18. The power output system 12 is used, for example, outdoors. The current collection box 14 is a portable box (see FIG. 4). The three power feeders 16 are portable power supply devices. In the following description, the three power feeders 16 may be referred to as a first power feeder 20, a second power feeder 22, and a third power feeder 24.

[0013] The three vehicles 18 may be various vehicles such as a one-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or a four-wheeled vehicle having a battery (not shown). The vehicles 18 may be various vehicles such as an electric vehicle (electric automobile) having a battery, or a hybrid vehicle. Fig. 1 illustrates a case where the three vehicles 18 are four-wheeled vehicles.

[0014] The three power feeders 16 are electrically connected to the three vehicles 18. That is, the three power feeders 16 have cables 26 extending from the power feeders 16. A connector 28 is provided at the tip of the cable 26. Each of the connectors 28 of the three power feeders 16 is a plug. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, each of the connectors 28 of the three power feeders 16 is, for example, a gun-shaped plug. Each of the three vehicles 18 is provided with a connector (not shown). Each of the connectors of the three vehicles 18 is a receptacle. The connectors 28 of the three power feeders 16 are connected to a connector of any one of the vehicles 18.

[0015] The connectors 28 of the three power supply devices 16 are, for example, male plugs having a plurality of male contacts. The connectors of the three vehicles 18 are, for example, female receptacles having a plurality of female contacts. The connectors 28 of the three power supply devices 16 are connected to the connectors of any of the vehicles 18 by connecting the plurality of male contacts to the plurality of female contacts.

[0016] Alternatively, the connectors 28 of the three power feeders 16 may be female plugs and the connectors of the three vehicles 18 may be male receptacles, with the female plug having multiple female contacts and the male receptacle having multiple male contacts.

[0017] As described above, since the power output system 12 is used outdoors, it is desirable that the cable 26 be a waterproof and durable cable. An example of the cable 26 is a vinyl cab-tyre cable (VCT).

[0018] Each of the three power feeders 16 further has a connector 30 (another power terminal). The connector 30 of each of the three power feeders 16 is a receptacle. The connector 30 of each of the three power feeders 16 protrudes from a side surface of the power feeder 16 to the outside of the power feeder 16. The connector 30 of each of the three power feeders 16 is, for example, a female receptacle having a plurality of female contacts. In Figs. 10 and 12, a case is illustrated in which the connector 30 of each of the three power feeders 16 is provided with four female contacts 32 (a first terminal 34, a second terminal 36, a third terminal 38, and a fourth terminal 40). Alternatively, the connector 30 of each of the three power feeders 16 may be a male receptacle having a plurality of male contacts.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the current collecting box 14 is connected to three power feeders 16 and can be connected to an external load 42. That is, the current collecting box 14 has four cables 44 extending therefrom. As described above, since the power output system 12 is used outdoors, it is desirable that the four cables 44 are waterproof and durable cables. An example of the cable 44 is a VCT. Note that an example of the load 42 is a distribution board for a house, and various electrical equipment such as electrical devices electrically connected to the distribution board. Alternatively, an example of the load 42 is various electrical loads such as power consuming devices.

[0020] Of the four cables 44, three cables 44 are input cables 46. Connectors 48 (power terminals) are provided at the tips (one ends) of the three input cables 46. Each of the three connectors 48 is a plug. As shown in Figs. 4 to 7, each of the three connectors 48 is a round plug. Note that each of the three connectors 48 may be a square plug.

[0021] Each of the three connectors 48 is, for example, a male plug having a plurality of blades 50 (described later). Each of the plurality of blades 50 is a male contact 52 (first terminal 56 to fourth terminal 62). Fig. 6 illustrates a case in which each of the three connectors 48 is provided with four blades 50.

[0022] The three connectors 48 are connected to the connectors 30 of the three power supply devices 16. In this case, the connectors 30 of the three power supply devices 16 are connected to the three connectors 48 of the current collecting box 14 by connecting the multiple blades 50 (the first terminal 56 to the fourth terminal 62 which are male contacts 52) of the connector 48 to the multiple female contacts 32 (the first terminal 34 to the fourth terminal 40) of the connector 30.

[0023] In the following description, the connector 48 connected to the connector 30 of the first power supply device 20 may be referred to as a first connector 64. The connector 48 connected to the connector 30 of the second power supply device 22 may be referred to as a second connector 66. The connector 48 connected to the connector 30 of the third power supply device 24 may be referred to as a third connector 68.

[0024] Of the four cables 44, the remaining cable 44 is an output cable 70. The output cable 70 is a cable for connecting the current collecting box 14 and the load 42.

[0025] 2 shows a circuit diagram of the three power supplies 16. The three power supplies 16 have the same configuration. Each of the three power supplies 16 further includes two converters 72, two inverters 74, and a breaker 76.

[0026] The two converters 72 are DC / DC converters. The input sides (primary sides) of the two converters 72 are electrically connected to the connector 28. The two converters 72 are electrically connected in parallel to the connector 28. The output sides (secondary sides) of the two converters 72 are each electrically connected to an inverter 74. The two inverters 74 are electrically connected to the connector 30 via a breaker 76.

[0027] The positive electrode on the output side of one inverter 74 is electrically connected to the first terminal 34 of the connector 30 via a breaker 76. The negative electrode on the output side of one inverter 74 and the negative electrode on the output side of the other inverter 74 are electrically connected to the second terminal 36 of the connector 30 via the breaker 76. The positive electrode on the output side of the other inverter 74 is electrically connected to the third terminal 38 of the connector 30 via the breaker 76. In addition, the fourth terminal 40 of the connector 30 is grounded.

[0028] Each of the three power feeders 16 can convert DC power supplied from the battery of the vehicle 18 into single-phase AC power (single-phase AC power) and output the converted power when the connector 28 is connected to a connector (not shown) of the vehicle 18 (see FIG. 1). That is, the two converters 72 convert the DC voltage supplied from the battery of the vehicle 18 via the connector 28 into a desired DC voltage. The two inverters 74 convert the converted DC voltage into an AC voltage (single-phase AC voltage). In other words, the two inverters 74 convert the DC power into single-phase AC power (single-phase AC power). The two inverters 74 output the single-phase AC power to the connector 30 via the breaker 76.

[0029] As described above, each of the three power feeders 16 has two inverters 74. Therefore, each of the three power feeders 16 outputs two-phase single-phase AC power to the power collection box 14 (see FIG. 1). As will be described later, the power collection box 14 combines the single-phase AC power (single-phase AC power of U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase) supplied from the three power feeders 16 to generate three-phase AC power (three-phase AC power).

[0030] Here, the function of each of the inverters 74 in the first power feeder 20 to the third power feeder 24 will be specifically described.

[0031] The first power supply device 20 outputs U-phase and V-phase single-phase AC power from among the three-phase AC power. In this case, one inverter 74 (U-phase inverter 78) generates U-phase single-phase AC power. The generated U-phase single-phase AC power is output to the first terminal 34 of the connector 30. The other inverter 74 (V-phase inverter 80) generates V-phase single-phase AC power. The generated V-phase single-phase AC power is output to the third terminal 38 of the connector 30. Therefore, the first power supply device 20 can output each of the U-phase and V-phase single-phase AC power to the power collection box 14 when the connector 30 and the first connector 64 of the power collection box 14 are connected.

[0032] The second power supply device 22 outputs V-phase and W-phase single-phase AC power from among the three-phase AC power. In this case, one inverter 74 (V-phase inverter 82) generates V-phase single-phase AC power. The generated V-phase single-phase AC power is output to the first terminal 34 of the connector 30. The other inverter 74 (W-phase inverter 84) generates W-phase single-phase AC power. The generated W-phase single-phase AC power is output to the third terminal 38 of the connector 30. Therefore, the second power supply device 22 can output each of the V-phase and W-phase single-phase AC power to the power collection box 14 when the connector 30 and the second connector 66 of the power collection box 14 are connected.

[0033] The third power supply device 24 outputs W-phase and U-phase single-phase AC power out of the three-phase AC power. In this case, one inverter 74 (W-phase inverter 86) generates W-phase single-phase AC power. The generated W-phase single-phase AC power is output to the first terminal 34 of the connector 30. The other inverter 74 (U-phase inverter 88) generates U-phase single-phase AC power. The generated U-phase single-phase AC power is output to the third terminal 38 of the connector 30. Therefore, the third power supply device 24 can output each of the W-phase and U-phase single-phase AC power to the current collecting box 14 when the connector 30 and the third connector 68 of the current collecting box 14 are connected.

[0034] 3 is a circuit diagram of the current collecting box 14. The current collecting box 14 further includes a terminal block 100, a breaker 102, a relay 104, a tripping unit 106, and an output terminal 108.

[0035] The output terminal 108 is provided at the tip of the output cable 70. The output terminal 108 has four terminals (a U-phase terminal 110, a V-phase terminal 112, a W-phase terminal 114, and a ground terminal 116). The four terminals are connected to the load 42 (see FIG. 1).

[0036] A first electrical transmission path 120 is formed between the first connector 64 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and the output terminal 108. A second electrical transmission path 122 is formed between the second connector 66 and the output terminal 108. A third electrical transmission path 124 is formed between the third connector 68 and the output terminal 108. The electrical transmission path from the first electrical transmission path 120 to the breaker 102 via the relay 104 and the tripping unit 106 is formed as a fourth electrical transmission path 126. Each of the first to fourth electrical transmission paths 120 to 126 is formed from a plurality of power lines 128.

[0037] The terminal block 100 and the breaker 102 are arranged on the first electrical transmission path 120 to the third electrical transmission path 124. In this case, the terminal block 100 and the breaker 102 are arranged in this order from the first connector 64 to the third connector 68 toward the output terminal 108.

[0038] Each of the first to third electrical transmission paths 120 to 124 has a power line 128 connecting the first to third connectors 64 to 68 and the terminal block 100, a power line 128 connecting the terminal block 100 to the breaker 102, and a power line 128 connecting the breaker 102 and the output terminal 108. In other words, the terminal block 100 electrically connects the multiple power lines 128 between the first to third connectors 64 to 68 and the terminal block 100, and the multiple power lines 128 between the terminal block 100 and the breaker 102. The breaker 102 electrically connects the multiple power lines 128 between the terminal block 100 and the breaker 102, and the multiple power lines 128 between the breaker 102 and the output terminal 108.

[0039] The terminal block 100 is composed of a plurality of connection parts. That is, the terminal block 100 has a U-phase connection part 130, a V-phase connection part 132, a W-phase connection part 134, and an N-phase connection part 136. Each connection part has two input terminals 138 and two output terminals 140. In each connection part, the input terminal 138 and the output terminal 140 facing each other are electrically connected. In each connection part, the two output terminals 140 are electrically connected by a short bar 142.

[0040] The U-phase connection unit 130 is electrically connected to the power line 128 that transmits the U-phase single-phase AC power among the first connector 64 to the third connector 68. Specifically, one input terminal 138 of the U-phase connection unit 130 is electrically connected to the first terminal 34 (U-phase inverter 78) of the connector 30 of the first power feeder 20 via the first connector 64 (see FIG. 2). The other input terminal 138 of the U-phase connection unit 130 is electrically connected to the third terminal 38 (U-phase inverter 88) of the connector 30 of the third power feeder 24 via the third connector 68. One output terminal 140 of the U-phase connection unit 130 is electrically connected to the relay 104. The other output terminal 140 of the U-phase connection unit 130 is electrically connected to the U-phase terminal 110 of the output terminal 108 via the breaker 102.

[0041] The V-phase connection portion 132 is electrically connected to the power line 128 that transmits the V-phase single-phase AC power among the first connector 64 to the third connector 68. Specifically, one input terminal 138 of the V-phase connection portion 132 is electrically connected to the first terminal 34 (V-phase inverter 82) of the connector 30 of the second power feeder 22 via the second connector 66 (see FIG. 2). The other input terminal 138 of the V-phase connection portion 132 is electrically connected to the third terminal 38 (V-phase inverter 80) of the connector 30 of the first power feeder 20 via the first connector 64. One output terminal 140 of the V-phase connection portion 132 is electrically connected to the relay 104. The other output terminal 140 of the V-phase connection portion 132 is electrically connected to the V-phase terminal 112 of the output terminal 108 via the breaker 102.

[0042] The W-phase connection unit 134 is electrically connected to the power line 128 that transmits the W-phase single-phase AC power among the first connector 64 to the third connector 68. Specifically, one input terminal 138 of the W-phase connection unit 134 is electrically connected to the first terminal 34 (W-phase inverter 86) of the connector 30 of the third power feeder 24 via the third connector 68 (see FIG. 2). The other input terminal 138 of the W-phase connection unit 134 is electrically connected to the third terminal 38 (W-phase inverter 84) of the connector 30 of the second power feeder 22 via the second connector 66. One output terminal 140 of the W-phase connection unit 134 is electrically connected to the relay 104. The other output terminal 140 of the W-phase connection unit 134 is electrically connected to the W-phase terminal 114 of the output terminal 108 via the breaker 102.

[0043] The N-phase connection unit 136 is electrically connected to the power line 128 at the neutral point (N-phase) among the first connector 64 to the third connector 68. Specifically, one input terminal 138 of the N-phase connection unit 136 is electrically connected to the second terminal 36 of the connector 30 of the second power feeder 22 via the second connector 66. The other input terminal 138 of the N-phase connection unit 136 is electrically connected to the second terminal 36 of the connector 30 of the third power feeder 24 via the third connector 68. One output terminal 140 of the N-phase connection unit 136 is electrically connected to the second terminal 36 of the connector 30 of the first power feeder 20 via the first connector 64. The other output terminal 140 of the N-phase connection unit 136 is electrically connected to the tripping unit 106.

[0044] As described above, the relay 104 is electrically connected to the U-phase connecting portion 130, the V-phase connecting portion 132, and the W-phase connecting portion 134. Therefore, single-phase AC power of U-phase to W-phase is supplied to the relay 104. Also, the relay 104 is driven by receiving the supply of single-phase AC power of U-phase.

[0045] When the current collecting box 14 combines the U-phase to W-phase single-phase AC powers to generate three-phase AC power, if an abnormality occurs in the quality of the U-phase to W-phase single-phase AC powers, the relay 104 switches from on to off. That is, if at least one abnormality among reverse phase, phase loss, and voltage imbalance occurs in the U-phase to W-phase single-phase AC powers, the relay 104 switches from on to off. The term "abnormality" is a concept that includes a state or aspect that is different from normal. Also, the term "fault" described later is a concept that includes a state or aspect that is worse than an abnormality.

[0046] Therefore, when there is no abnormality in the quality of the U-phase to W-phase single-phase AC power, the relay 104 remains on and supplies the U-phase single-phase AC power to the tripping unit 106. On the other hand, when there is an abnormality in the quality of the U-phase to W-phase single-phase AC power, the relay 104 switches from on to off and stops (cuts off) the supply of the U-phase single-phase AC power to the tripping unit 106.

[0047] The tripping unit 106 is driven by the U-phase single-phase AC power supplied from the relay 104. If the value of the U-phase single-phase AC power supplied from the relay 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the tripping unit 106 supplies the single-phase AC power to the breaker 102. If the value of the U-phase single-phase AC power supplied from the relay 104 is less than a predetermined value, the tripping unit 106 stops (cuts off) the supply of the single-phase AC power to the breaker 102. In other words, the tripping unit 106 controls the conduction or cut-off of the fourth electrical transmission path 126. Note that, for example, the value of the U-phase single-phase AC power may be the value of the U-phase active power. Also, the relay 104 may supply or not supply the U-phase single-phase AC power to the breaker 102 based on a comparison between an effective value or a maximum value of the U-phase single-phase AC voltage and a predetermined value.

[0048] The breaker 102 has a lever 159 and a breaker unit 161. The lever 159 is an operating element operated by a user. When the user operates the lever 159, the input side and the output side of the breaker 102 are switched from a cut-off state to a connection state. The breaker unit 161 allows the input side and the output side of the breaker 102 to be in a connection state when U-phase single-phase AC power is supplied from the tripping unit 106. Furthermore, when U-phase single-phase AC power is not supplied from the tripping unit 106, the breaker unit 161 cuts off the input side and the output side of the breaker 102. Therefore, when U-phase single-phase AC power is not supplied from the tripping unit 106, even if the user operates the lever 159, the breaker unit 161 maintains the input side and the output side of the breaker 102 in the cut-off state.

[0049] As described above, the U-phase connection part 130, the V-phase connection part 132, and the W-phase connection part 134 are electrically connected to the input side of the breaker 102. Therefore, when the input side and the output side of the breaker 102 are in a connected state, if single-phase AC power of U phase to W phase is supplied to the breaker 102 from the U-phase connection part 130, the V-phase connection part 132, and the W-phase connection part 134, the breaker 102 outputs each of the supplied single-phase AC powers as it is to the output terminal 108. In other words, the breaker 102 outputs each of the single-phase AC powers to the output terminal 108 as three-phase AC power. That is, the breaker 102 generates three-phase AC power by combining the single-phase AC powers of U phase, V phase, and W phase.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a specific structure of the current collecting box 14. As shown in FIG.

[0051] The current collecting box 14 has a housing 171. The housing 171 has a housing body 173 and a cover 175. The housing body 173 is a resin box having an opening on one side (top). The cover 175 is a lid for closing the opening of the housing body 173. That is, the cover 175 covers the opening of the housing body 173. The cover 175 can be opened and closed with respect to the housing body 173. Note that in FIG. 4, the cover 175 is illustrated by a two-dot chain line. In addition, a ring-shaped waterproof structure (not shown) is provided between the housing body 173 and the cover 175. The waterproof structure can prevent water or the like from entering the inside of the housing 171 from the outside through a gap between the housing body 173 and the cover 175.

[0052] The three input cables 46 are drawn out from one side wall of the housing main body 173 to the outside. The output cable 70 is drawn out from the other side wall of the housing main body 173 to the outside. Each of the three input cables 46 and the output cable 70 is fixed to the side wall of the housing main body 173 by a cable lock unit 200. Each of the four cable lock units 200 fixes the cable 44 (input cable 46, output cable 70) and has a waterproof structure to prevent water and the like from entering the inside of the housing 171 from the outside.

[0053] A metal board 220 is disposed on the bottom of the housing body 173. The board 220 is fixed to the bottom of the housing body 173 via a spacer (not shown). The terminal block 100, the relay 104, the tripping unit 106, and the breaker 102 are disposed on the upper surface of the board 220. A plurality of power lines 128 are disposed above the board 220.

[0054] The terminal block 100 is disposed on a substrate 220 adjacent to three cable locks 200 that secure the three input cables 46. In the terminal block 100, the U-phase connection portion 130, the V-phase connection portion 132, the W-phase connection portion 134, and the N-phase connection portion 136 are integrally disposed in a line.

[0055] The breaker 102 is disposed on the board 220 adjacent to one cable lock unit 200 that secures the output cable 70. The relay 104 is disposed on the board 220 adjacent to the terminal block 100 and the breaker 102. The trip unit 106 is disposed on the board 220 adjacent to the breaker 102.

[0056] The U-phase connection portion 130, the V-phase connection portion 132, the W-phase connection portion 134, the N-phase connection portion 136, and the breaker 102 are fixed to the ends of the multiple power lines 128 using screws 224. The metal substrate 220 is an earth. Therefore, the ends of the power lines 128 for earthing are fixed to the substrate 220 using screws 226.

[0057] The multiple power lines 128 constituting the first to fourth electrical transmission paths 120 to 126 are desirably covered with an insulating coating of a specific color. Specifically, for the first electrical transmission path 120, the power line 128 transmitting U-phase single-phase AC power is covered with a red insulating coating. For the second electrical transmission path 122, the power line 128 transmitting V-phase single-phase AC power is covered with a white insulating coating. For the third electrical transmission path 124, the power line 128 transmitting W-phase single-phase AC power is covered with a black insulating coating.

[0058] In addition, in the current collecting box 14, the color of the insulating coating of the power lines 128 is set for each phase. Specifically, the power lines 128 transmitting U-phase single-phase AC power are covered with a red insulating coating. The power lines 128 transmitting V-phase single-phase AC power are covered with a white insulating coating. The power lines 128 transmitting W-phase single-phase AC power are covered with a black insulating coating. The earth power lines 128 are covered with a green insulating coating. This makes it possible to visually confirm which phase the multiple power lines 128 belong to.

[0059] Next, the connector 48 and the plug cover 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. In the following description, the axial direction of the connector 48 is referred to as the X direction. The direction toward the tip side of the connector 48 (the tip side of the blade 50) is referred to as the X1 direction. The direction toward the base end side of the connector 48 (the input cable 46) is referred to as the X2 direction. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and also vertical to the plane of Fig. 5 is referred to as the Z direction. The upward direction of Fig. 5 is referred to as the Z1 direction. The downward direction of Fig. 5 is referred to as the Z2 direction. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction is referred to as the Y direction. The rightward direction of Fig. 6 is referred to as the Y1 direction. The leftward direction of Fig. 6 is referred to as the Y2 direction.

[0060] As described above, the connector 48 is provided at the tip of the input cable 46. The connector 48 is provided so as to be removably inserted into the connector 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The plug cover 10 is a protective cover for protecting the connector 48. The plug cover 10 is a protective cover for protecting the multiple blades 50 (first terminal 56 to fourth terminal 62) that constitute the connector 48.

[0061] The connector 48 has a connector base 150 (base) and a plurality of blades 50. The connector base 150 is a cylindrical member extending in the X direction. The connector base 150 is a cylindrical member with a hollow interior. The connector base 150 is made of an electrically insulating material such as resin. The base end side of the connector base 150 radially expands in diameter as it approaches the X2 direction. The connector base 150 may be a prismatic member.

[0062] The four blades 50 of the connector 48 are provided on a tip surface 152 (the surface on the X1 direction side) of the connector base 150. As shown in FIG. 6, the four blades 50 are arranged in the circumferential direction with respect to a center 153 of the tip surface 152 (the center point of the tip surface 152 through which the axis of the connector 48 passes). The four blades 50 are arranged at intervals of 90° in the circumferential direction. The four blades 50 extend from the tip surface 152 in the X1 direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the four blades 50 are formed in an arc shape when viewed from the X direction.

[0063] As described above, the four blades 50 are the first terminal 56 to the fourth terminal 62. The first terminal 56 to the third terminal 60 are terminals to which single-phase AC power of U phase to W phase is supplied. The fourth terminal 62 is a ground terminal. The fourth terminal 62 is provided on the front end surface 152 of the connector base 150 at a position away from the center 153 of the front end surface 152 in the Z2 direction. The first terminal 56 to the third terminal 60 are provided at positions away from the center 153 of the front end surface 152 in the Z1 direction, the Y1 direction, and the Y2 direction. That is, the first terminal 56 to the third terminal 60 are arranged around the center 153 on the front end surface 152 at 90° intervals. Therefore, one of the first terminals 56 to the third terminals 60 (the first terminal 56 in FIG. 6) is positioned so as to face the fourth terminal 62 across the center 153 of the front end surface 152. The tip end of the fourth terminal 62 protrudes further than the tips of the first terminal 56 to the third terminal 60 in the X1 direction.

[0064] The positions of the first terminal 56 to the fourth terminal 62 on the tip surface 152 are not limited to those shown in Fig. 6. For example, the second terminal 58 or the third terminal 60 may be disposed opposite the fourth terminal 62 with the center 153 in between.

[0065] 5 to 7, a hooking blade 154 is formed on the tip of the fourth terminal 62. The hooking blade 154 extends from an end in the circumferential direction of the tip of the fourth terminal 62 in the Z1 direction.

[0066] The plug cover 10 is a protective cover provided on the connector 48 so as to annularly surround the four blades 50. As described above, since the connector 48 is a circular connector, the plug cover 10 is a cylindrical protective cover with a circular cross section. If the connector 48 is a polygonal (e.g., rectangular) connector, the plug cover 10 may be a rectangular tubular protective cover with a polygonal cross section.

[0067] The plug cover 10 includes a cover body 160 (a cylindrical portion) and a fixing tape 162 (a fixing portion).

[0068] The cover body 160 is a cylindrical member made of soft urethane or rubber. The cover body 160 has a degree of hardness that allows the cover body 160 to maintain its shape. The cover body 160 has a bellows portion 170 (expandable portion), an attachment portion 172, and a tip rib 174 (extending portion). At least a portion of the cover body 160 may be made of a material that is transparent to transmit light. The entire cover body 160 may be made of a material that is transparent to light.

[0069] The mounting portion 172 is a base end portion of the plug cover 10. The mounting portion 172 is an annular portion of the cover body 160 that is attached to an outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150. The mounting portion 172 is attached to a portion of the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150 on the base end side.

[0070] The mounting portion 172 has two protrusions 178, 180 (extending portions). As shown in Fig. 6, each of the two protrusions 178, 180 is provided so as to protrude from the mounting portion 172 in the X2 direction and the Z direction.

[0071] One of the protrusions 178 is provided on the mounting portion 172 at a position further in the Z1 direction than the first terminal 56. The one of the protrusions 178 extends (protrudes) from the mounting portion 172 in the X2 direction along the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150, and protrudes (bulges) from the mounting portion 172 in the Z1 direction.

[0072] The other protrusion 180 is provided in the mounting portion 172 at a position further in the Z2 direction than the fourth terminal 62. The other protrusion 180 is provided in the mounting portion 172 at a position (position in the Z2 direction) facing one of the protrusions 178 across the center 153 of the tip surface 152. Therefore, the two protrusions 178, 180 face each other across the center 153 of the tip surface 152. In other words, the two protrusions 178, 180 are provided at intervals of 180° around the center 153. The other protrusion 180 extends (protrudes) from the mounting portion 172 in the X2 direction along the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150, and protrudes (bulges) from the mounting portion 172 in the Z2 direction.

[0073] The bellows portion 170 is a bellows portion extending from the mounting portion 172 in the X1 direction in the plug cover 10. The bellows portion 170 has a plurality of peaks 182, a plurality of valleys 184, and a plurality of connecting portions 186. The peaks 182 are portions of the bellows portion 170 that are expanded in the radial direction of the bellows portion 170. The valleys 184 are portions of the bellows portion 170 that are reduced in the radial direction of the bellows portion 170. In the bellows portion 170, the peaks 182 and the valleys 184 are alternately formed along the X direction. The connecting portion 186 connects the peaks 182 and the valleys 184. The end portion (tip portion) of the bellows portion 170 in the X1 direction and the end portion (base portion) in the X2 direction of the bellows portion 170 are the valleys 184. The mounting portion 172 is connected to the valleys 184 that constitute the base end portion of the bellows portion 170.

[0074] Bellows portion 170 is expandable and contractable in the X direction by having multiple peaks 182, multiple valleys 184, and multiple connecting portions 186. Figures 5 and 7 show a natural state in which bellows portion 170 is not compressed in the X direction. Figure 12 shows a compressed state in which bellows portion 170 is compressed in the X direction.

[0075] In the natural state shown in Figs. 5 and 7, the tip (end in the X1 direction) of the cover body 160 protrudes in the X1 direction further than the tip (each tip of the first terminal 56 to the fourth terminal 62) of the plurality of blades 50. In detail, the tip of the bellows portion 170 protrudes in the X1 direction further than the tip (each tip of the first terminal 56 to the fourth terminal 62) of the plurality of blades 50. More specifically, in the natural state, it is desirable that the bellows portion 170 extends in the X direction so that at least two peaks 182 and two valleys 184 of the bellows portion 170 are located in the X1 direction further than the tip of the plurality of blades 50. Thereby, in the natural state, the bellows portion 170 can surround the plurality of blades 50 in an annular shape.

[0076] 7, bellows portion 170 is provided such that thickness D1 (radial thickness) of peaks 182 is different from thickness D2 (radial thickness) of valleys 184. Specifically, thickness D2 of valleys 184 is smaller than thickness D1 of peaks 182 (D1>D2). In this case, thickness D3 (radial thickness) of connection portion 186 between peaks 182 and valleys 184 gradually decreases from peaks 182 to valleys 184.

[0077] The multiple peaks 182 have the same outer diameter D5. The multiple valleys 184 have the same inner diameter D6. In the X direction, a length D4 (spacing) between a first valley 185 which is the valley 184 on one side (X1 direction side) of the peak 182 and a second valley 187 which is the valley 184 on the other side (X2 direction side) of the peak 182 is smaller than the difference (D5-D6) between the outer diameter D5 of the peak 182 and the inner diameter D6 of the valley 184 ((D5-D6)>D4).

[0078] The tip rib 174 is connected to a valley portion 184 which is the tip portion of the bellows portion 170. The tip rib 174 is an annular portion extending radially from the valley portion 184. The thickness D7 (thickness in the X direction) of the tip rib 174 is greater than the thickness D1 of the peak portion 182 and the thickness D2 of the valley portion 184 (D7>D1, D7>D2).

[0079] The tip rib 174 has a protrusion 188. The protrusion 188 is an annular protrusion that protrudes in the X1 direction from a tip surface 190 of the tip rib 174. As shown in Fig. 7, the cross section of the protrusion 188 is semicircular.

[0080] The fixing tape 162 fixes the connector base 150 and the mounting portion 172. Specifically, the fixing tape 162 is a tape having adhesiveness on one side and a smooth surface on the other side. The fixing tape 162 is wound around the base end side portion of the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150 and the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 172 in the circumferential direction of the connector 48 so that one side is the radial inner side of the connector 48 and the other side is the radial outer side of the connector 48, thereby fixing the connector base 150 and the mounting portion 172. Therefore, the fixing tape 162 has a width sufficient to cover the mounting portion 172 and the base end side portion of the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150. Therefore, the fixing tape 162 is wound around so as to cover the two protrusions 178, 180. The fixing tape 162 may fix the connector base 150 and the mounting portion 172 only by the fastening force when it is wound around the circumferential direction of the connector 48. In this case, one surface of the fixing tape 162 may not be adhesive.

[0081] The fixing tape 162 is a tape of a predetermined color. It is desirable that the color of the fixing tape 162 is the same color as the color of the power line 128 constituting the input cable 46 connected to the connector 48. For example, when the power line 128 transmitting U-phase single-phase AC power is covered with a red insulating coating, the red fixing tape 162 is wound around the connector 48 connected to the input cable 46 having the power line 128.

[0082] A mark 192 (marker portion) is provided on the fixing tape 162 at a position corresponding to at least one of the protrusions 178, 180. The mark 192 extends along the X direction on the fixing tape 162. The mark 192 is formed, for example, on the outer surface of the fixing tape 162 at a location spaced apart from the protrusions 178, 180 in the Z direction. The mark 192 is, for example, a paint marker. FIGS. 5 to 7 show a case in which the mark 192 is provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion 178 on the outer surface of the fixing tape 162. It is desirable that the color of the mark 192 is different from the color of the fixing tape 162.

[0083] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the power output system 12. In this description of the operation, the function of the plug cover 10 according to this embodiment will also be described.

[0084] First, the user connects the connectors 28 of the three power feeders 16 to the connectors of the three vehicles 18 (see FIG. 1).

[0085] The user also connects the three connectors 48 of the current collecting box 14 to the connectors 30 of the three power feeders 16 .

[0086] In this case, the user holds the connector base 150 in one hand with the thumb hooked on one protrusion 178 and the index finger hooked on the other protrusion 180 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Next, the user inserts the connector 48 of the current collecting box 14 into the connector 30 of the power supply device 16 (see FIG. 1).

[0087] 10 is a front view of a panel 194 provided on the power supply unit 16. The panel 194 of the power supply unit 16 is provided with five connectors 30 and 196.

[0088] As described above, one connector 30 is a receptacle into which the connector 48 of the current collecting box 14 is inserted. In this connector 30, four female contacts 32 (first terminal 34 to fourth terminal 40) are arranged to correspond to four blades 50 of the connector 48. The four female contacts 32 are shaped to fit with the four blades 50.

[0089] An arrow 198 is marked on the panel 194 above the connector 30. The arrow 198 indicates the direction in which the connector 48 is rotated after being inserted into the connector 30.

[0090] The other four connectors 196 are outlets (receptacles) that output AC voltage (for example, 100V AC).

[0091] The user moves connector 48 in the X1 direction with the plurality of blades 50 and connector 30 facing each other so that the starting point of arrow 198 is located on an extension line of mark 192. As a result, protrusion 188 of connector 48 comes into line contact with panel 194, and the plurality of blades 50 and connector 30 are covered with plug cover 10. When the user further presses connector base 150 toward panel 194, bellows portion 170 is compressed in the X direction. When the user further presses connector base 150 toward panel 194, bellows portion 170 is compressed in the X direction while the plurality of blades 50 are inserted into first terminal 34 to fourth terminal 40 of connector 30. As a result, the two connectors 30, 48 are connected.

[0092] 12, first valley portion 185 and second valley portion 187 do not come into contact with each other. Specifically, in a state in which bellows portion 170 is contracted, first connection portion 189 which is connection portion 186 on one side in the X direction relative to peak portion 182, and second connection portion 191 which is connection portion 186 on the other side in the X direction relative to peak portion 182 are approximately parallel to each other. This makes it possible to appropriately contract bellows portion 170 while effectively reducing the reaction force generated when bellows portion 170 contracts.

[0093] Furthermore, the cover body 160 can cover the connection portion between the connector 30 and the connector 48 without interfering with another connector 196 provided on the panel 194 .

[0094] Thereafter, the user rotates the connector base 150 in the direction indicated by the arrow 198 on the panel 194. This causes the connection between the two connectors 30, 48 to be fixed (locked).

[0095] Next, the user connects the output terminal 108 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the current collecting box 14 to the load 42 (see FIG. 1). After that, the user activates the three power feeders 16. As a result, the power feeders 16 convert the DC power supplied from the battery of the vehicle 18 into AC power, thereby generating two-phase single-phase AC power. The generated two-phase single-phase AC power is output to the current collecting box 14.

[0096] In the current collecting box 14, the relay 104 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is supplied with each of the single-phase AC powers of U-phase to W-phase via the terminal block 100. At this time, the breaker 102 is in an interrupted state. The relay 104 is started up by receiving the supply of the single-phase AC power of U-phase.

[0097] Next, when the quality of each single-phase AC power is normal, relay 104 switches from off to on. This starts supplying U-phase single-phase AC power from relay 104 to tripping unit 106. If the U-phase single-phase AC power supplied from relay 104 is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, tripping unit 106 supplies the U-phase single-phase AC power to breaker 102. Upon receiving the supply of U-phase single-phase AC power, interrupter 161 of breaker 102 allows the input side and output side of breaker 102 to be connected.

[0098] As a result, when the user operates lever 159 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of breaker 102, the input side and output side of breaker 102 are switched from a disconnected state to a connected state. As a result, breaker 102 supplies the U-phase to W-phase single-phase AC powers supplied to the input side as three-phase AC power to load 42 (see FIG. 1) via output terminal 108. In other words, breaker 102 generates and outputs three-phase AC power including the supplied single-phase AC powers of U-phase to W-phase.

[0099] When removing the connector 48 of the current collecting box 14 from the connector 30 of the power supply device 16, the user stops the three power supply devices 16. This stops the power supply from the power supply devices 16 to the current collecting box 14. Next, the user operates the lever 159 of the breaker 102 to switch from the connected state to the disconnected state. Next, the user turns the connector base 150 in the direction opposite to the arrow 198 on the panel 194. This releases the fixed state of the two connectors 30, 48. Next, the user removes the connector 48 from the connector 30. This causes the bellows portion 170 of the connector 48 to return from the compressed state to its natural state.

[0100] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0101] When the blade 50 of the connector 48 is not inserted into the connector 30, the bellows portion 170 of the cover body 160 extends in the X direction, and the cover body 160 can surround the blade 50 in an annular shape. When the blade 50 is inserted into the connector 30, the bellows portion 170 is compressed in the X direction, and the blade 50 and the connector 30 can be surrounded in an annular shape by the cover body 160. Furthermore, since the peaks 182 and the valleys 184 are alternately formed along the X direction, the bellows portion 170 can be easily expanded and contracted in the X direction. Therefore, the user can be appropriately protected regardless of the shape of the connector 48, the way the connector 48 is used, the degree of compression of the bellows portion 170 of the plug cover 10, and the like.

[0102] By mounting the mounting portion 172 on the outer peripheral surface 176 of the connector base 150, the blade 50 can be easily surrounded by the cover body 160 in an annular shape.

[0103] By pulling the protrusions 178, 180 in the X2 direction relative to the connector base 150, the mounting portion 172 can be easily mounted on the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150.

[0104] The user can grip the connector base 150 while hooking his / her fingers on the protrusions 178, 180. As a result, the user can easily insert / remove the connector 48 into / from the connector 30.

[0105] A user can hold the connector base 150 with one hand by hooking his / her thumb on one protrusion 178 and his / her index finger on the other protrusion 180. Furthermore, when rotating the connector base 150 to fix the connection between the connector 30 and the connector 48 with the blade 50 inserted into the connector 30, the user can easily rotate the connector base 150 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the user can easily insert and remove the connector 48 into and from the connector 30.

[0106] A user can easily grip connector base 150 with one hand by hooking a thumb and an index finger on two protrusions 178, 180. Also, the user can easily rotate connector base 150 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the user can more easily insert and remove connector 48 into and from connector 30.

[0107] The mounting portion 172 can be attached to the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150 with the phases of the protrusions 178, 180 aligned with respect to the blade 50. As a result, the cover body 160 can surround the blade 50 in an annular shape with high precision.

[0108] The fixing tape 162 can prevent the cover body 160 including the mounting portion 172 from coming off the connector base 150 .

[0109] Since the mark 192 is provided at a position that is in phase with the blade 50, even when the blade 50 is covered in an annular shape with the cover body 160, the blade 50 can be inserted into the connector 30 using the mark 192 as a guide.

[0110] Since the fixing tape 162 has a predetermined color, the mark 192 is easy to recognize.

[0111] Since the predetermined color is the same as the color of the power lines 128 of the input cable 46, when multiple connectors 30 are present, the blade 50 can be inserted into the connector 30 into which it is to be inserted.

[0112] Since the thickness D1 of the peaks 182 and the thickness D2 of the valleys 184 are different, when the blade 50 is inserted into the connector 30, the bellows portion 170 can be compressed in the X direction while maintaining its annular shape. As a result, the blade 50 can be inserted deep into the connector 30. In addition, since it is possible to reduce the reaction force (force in the X2 direction) generated in the bellows portion 170 during compression, the user can insert the blade 50 into the connector 30 with a small force.

[0113] Since the thickness D2 of the valley portion 184 is smaller than the thickness D1 of the peak portion 182 (D1>D2), when the blade 50 is inserted into the connector 30, the bellows portion 170 can be effectively compressed in the X direction while maintaining its annular shape. As a result, the blade 50 can be more easily inserted to the depth of the connector 30. In addition, since it is possible to effectively reduce the reaction force generated in the bellows portion 170 during compression, the user can insert the blade 50 into the connector 30 with less force.

[0114] Since the thickness D3 of connecting portion 186 between peak portion 182 and valley portion 184 gradually decreases from peak portion 182 toward valley portion 184, it is possible to prevent bending of cover body 160 when bellows portion 170 is in a natural state (a state in which bellows portion 170 is not compressed in the X direction). Also, bellows portion 170 can be smoothly compressed in the X direction.

[0115] When connector 48 is removed from connector 30 and bellows portion 170 is stretched in the X direction (natural state), length D4 between first valley portion 185 and second valley portion 187 in the X direction is smaller than the difference in length (D5-D6) between outer diameter D5 of peak portion 182 and inner diameter D6 of valley portion 184 ((D5-D6)>D4), and therefore bellows portion 170 can be easily compressed in the X direction.

[0116] When connector 48 is moved in the X direction relative to connector 30 and blade 50 is inserted into connector 30, panel 194 on which connector 30 is disposed comes into surface contact with tip rib 174. When connector 48 is then further moved in the X direction relative to connector 30, bellows portion 170 connected to tip rib 174 is compressed in the X direction. This allows the user to compress bellows portion 170 in the X direction with less force. Furthermore, the user can be protected more appropriately.

[0117] Since the tip rib 174 is formed continuously with the valley portion 184, when the connector 48 is moved in the X direction relative to the connector 30 with the tip rib 174 in surface contact with the panel 194 on which the connector 30 is arranged, the bellows portion 170 can be easily compressed in the X direction.

[0118] Since the thickness D7 of the tip rib 174 is greater than the thickness D1 of the peaks 182 and the thickness D2 of the valleys 184 (D7>D1, D7>D2), the mechanical strength of the tip rib 174 is greater than the mechanical strength of each of the peaks 182 and the valleys 184. As a result, it is possible to favorably maintain a surface contact state between the tip rib 174 and the panel 194 on which the connector 30 is disposed, and when the connector 48 is moved in the X direction relative to the connector 30, the bellows portion 170 can be effectively compressed in the X direction.

[0119] When the connector 48 is moved in the X direction relative to the connector 30 and the blade 50 is inserted into the connector 30, the panel 194 on which the connector 30 is disposed comes into line contact with the protrusion 188. This reduces the contact area between the cover body 160 and the panel 194. As a result, when the blade 50 is inserted into the connector 30 and the connection between the connector 30 and the connector 48 is fixed by rotating the connector base 150, it is possible to reduce frictional resistance between the cover body 160 and the panel 194. Therefore, by providing the protrusion 188, the user can more easily insert and remove the connector 48 into and from the connector 30.

[0120] Since the protrusion 188 is provided in a ring shape when the connector base 150 is viewed from the X direction, when the panel 194 on which the connector 30 is arranged comes into line contact with the protrusion 188, the blade 50 can be surrounded in a ring shape by the cover body 160. As a result, the user can be more appropriately protected.

[0121] When connector 48 is inserted into connector 30 and bellows portion 170 is contracted, first valley portion 185 and second valley portion 187 do not abut against each other, thereby reducing the reaction force generated when bellows portion 170 is contracted.

[0122] When connector 48 is inserted into connector 30 and bellows portion 170 is contracted, first connecting portion 189 and second connecting portion 191 are approximately parallel to each other, so that bellows portion 170 can be contracted appropriately while effectively reducing the reaction force generated when bellows portion 170 is contracted.

[0123] When connector 48 is removed from connector 30 and bellows portion 170 is extended, the end of cover body 160 is located further in the X direction than the end of blade 50, thereby providing better protection for the user.

[0124] At least a portion of bellows portion 170 is located further in the X direction than the end of blade 50, so that the user can be more appropriately protected when inserting and removing connector 48 from connector 30.

[0125] Since at least two peak portions 182 or two valley portions 184 of the bellows 170 are located in the X direction relative to the end of the blade 50, when inserting the connector 48 into the connector 30, the bellows 170 can be moderately contracted while reducing the generation of reaction force. Also, the user can be more appropriately protected.

[0126] When the connector 48 is inserted into the connector 30 and the bellows 170 is in a contracted state, the outermost peripheral portion of the cover body 160 does not interfere with the portion or member (for example, the connector 196) around the connector 30. Thus, the connector 48 can be inserted and removed with respect to the connector 30 without interfering with the portion or member around the connector 30.

[0127] Since at least a part of the cover body 160 is made of a material having light-transmitting property, the user can insert the connector 48 into the connector 30 while visually recognizing the blade 50.

[0128] Next, the first to fifth modified examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 17. In this description, the same components as those in the present embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 12) are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0129] In the first modified example shown in FIG. 13A, the thickness D2 of the valley portion 184 is larger than the thickness D1 of the peak portion 182 (D1 < D2). In this case, the thickness D3 of the connecting portion 186 between the peak portion 182 and the valley portion 184 gradually increases from the peak portion 182 toward the valley portion 184. Also in the first modified example, the same effects as those in the present embodiment can be obtained.

[0130] In the second modified example shown in FIG. 13B, the thickness D1 of the peak portion 182 and the thickness D2 of the valley portion 184 are the same (D1 = D2). In this case, the thickness D3 of the connecting portion 186 between the peak portion 182 and the valley portion 184 is the same from the peak portion 182 toward the valley portion 184. Also in the second modified example, the same effects as those in the present embodiment can be obtained.

[0131] In the third modified example shown in FIG. 14, the number of peaks 182, valleys 184, and connecting portions 186 is smaller than that of the present embodiment. Therefore, in the third modified example, the interval between adjacent peaks 182, valleys 184, and connecting portions 186 is relatively wider. In addition, in the third modified example, the outer diameter of the cover body 160 increases in the X1 direction. Furthermore, in the third modified example, the tip rib 174 and the protrusion 188 are not provided. In the third modified example, the number of peaks 182, valleys 184, and connecting portions 186 is reduced, and the interval is relatively wider, so that both the reaction force generated when the bellows portion 170 is compressed and the initial collapse can be reduced. In addition, in the third modified example, the effects of the present embodiment other than the tip rib 174 and the protrusion 188 can be obtained.

[0132] In the fourth modified example shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the mounting portion 172 does not have the two protrusions 178, 180. The mounting portion 172 has two extensions 199. The two extensions 199 face each other across the axis of the connector 48 (the center 153 of the tip surface 152). The two extensions 199 extend from the mounting portion 172 in the X2 direction along the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150. A user can pinch the two extensions 199. The user can attach the mounting portion 172 to the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150 by pulling the two extensions 199 in the X2 direction along the outer circumferential surface 176 of the connector base 150. The effect of this embodiment can be obtained in the fourth modified example as well.

[0133] In the fifth modified example shown in Fig. 17, similarly to the third modified example in Fig. 14, the number of peaks 182, valleys 184, and connecting portions 186 is smaller than the number of peaks 182, valleys 184, and connecting portions 186 in this embodiment. In the fifth modified example, the thicknesses D1, D2, and D3 of the peaks 182, valleys 184, and connecting portions 186 are the same (D1 = D2 = D3). In the fifth modified example, the same effects as in this embodiment and the third modified example can be obtained.

[0134] In the present embodiment and the first to fifth modified examples, a recess extending in the X direction may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of connector base 150. This allows the user to accurately attach mounting portion 172 to connector base 150 by pulling protrusions 178, 180 or extension portion 199 in the X2 direction while aligning the phases of the recess and protrusions 178, 180 or extension portion 199.

[0135] Furthermore, in the present embodiment and the first to fifth modified examples, the protrusions 178, 180 and the extending portion 199 may not be provided. Even in this case, the mounting portion 172 and the connector base 150 can be fixed together by the fixing tape 162.

[0136] In addition to the above disclosure, the following notes are also disclosed.

[0137] (Appendix 1) A protective member (10) for protecting a power terminal (48) provided at one end of a power line (128) and provided so as to be insertable and removable relative to another power terminal (30), wherein the power terminal has a base (150) and a blade (50) provided to protrude from the base and electrically connected to the power line, the protective member having a tubular portion (160) provided circumferentially with respect to a protruding direction of the blade and provided in an annular shape to surround the blade, the tubular portion having an expansion portion (170) in which enlarged ridge portions (182) and reduced ridge portions (184) are alternately formed along the protruding direction and which is provided so as to be expandable and contractible in the protruding direction.

[0138] According to the present invention, when the blade of the power terminal is not inserted into another power terminal, the expandable portion of the tubular portion expands in the protruding direction, and the tubular portion can surround the blade in an annular shape. When the blade is inserted into another power terminal, the expandable portion is compressed in the protruding direction, and the blade and the other power terminal can be surrounded in an annular shape by the tubular portion. Furthermore, since the peaks and valleys are alternately formed along the protruding direction, the expandable portion can be easily expanded and contracted in the protruding direction. Therefore, according to the present invention, the user can be appropriately protected regardless of the shape of the power terminal, the way the power terminal is used, the degree of compression of the expandable portion of the protective member, etc.

[0139] (Appendix 2) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 1, the tubular portion may further include a mounting portion (172) mounted on an outer periphery (176) of the base portion in the protruding direction.

[0140] With this, by attaching the attachment portion to the outer periphery of the base portion, the blade can be easily surrounded by the cylindrical portion in an annular shape.

[0141] (Appendix 3) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 2, the mounting portion may have an extension portion (178, 180, 199) extending from a part in the circumferential direction in a direction opposite to the protruding direction.

[0142] With this, by pulling the extending portion in the direction opposite to the protruding direction relative to the base portion of the power terminal, the mounting portion can be easily mounted on the outer periphery of the base portion.

[0143] (Appendix 4) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 3, the extension portion may be provided so as to bulge in a radial direction relative to the protruding direction.

[0144] This allows the user to grip the base while hooking his / her fingers on the extension, thereby allowing the user to easily insert or remove the power terminal into or from another power terminal.

[0145] (Appendix 5) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 4, the mounting portion may have two of the extension portions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0146] This allows the user to hold the base with one hand, with the thumb hooked on one of the extensions and the index finger hooked on the other extension. Also, when rotating the base to fix the connection between the power terminal and the other power terminal with the blade inserted into the other power terminal, the user can easily rotate the base in the circumferential direction. As a result, the user can easily insert and remove the power terminal into and from the other power terminal.

[0147] (Appendix 6) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 5, the two extension portions may be provided at positions opposing each other in the circumferential direction.

[0148] This allows the user to easily grip the base with one hand by hooking the thumb and index finger on the two extensions. Also, the user can easily rotate the base in the circumferential direction. As a result, the user can more easily insert and remove the power terminal into and from the other power terminals.

[0149] (Appendix 7) In the protective member described in any one of Appendices 3 to 6, the blade may be provided at one circumferential position relative to a center (153) of the base when the base is viewed from the protruding direction, and the mounting portion may be mounted on the base such that, when the base is viewed from the protruding direction, the extension portion is located at a position that coincides with the one circumferential position relative to the center of the base, or at a position opposite to the one circumferential position across the center of the base.

[0150] This allows the mounting portion to be mounted on the outer periphery of the base portion with the extensions aligned in phase with the blades, thereby enabling the blades to be surrounded annularly by the tubular portion with high precision.

[0151] (Appendix 8) The protective member described in any one of Appendices 2 to 7 may further include a fixing portion (162) wound around the outer periphery of the base portion and another outer periphery of the mounting portion to fix the base portion and the mounting portion.

[0152] This makes it possible to prevent the tubular portion including the mounting portion from coming off the base portion.

[0153] (Appendix 9) In the protective member described in Appendix 8, the blade may be provided at one circumferential position relative to the center of the base when the base is viewed from the protruding direction, and the fixing portion may have a marker portion (192) provided at a position that coincides with the one circumferential position relative to the center of the base when the base is viewed from the protruding direction, or at a position opposite to the one circumferential position across the center of the base.

[0154] Since the markings are provided at positions that are in phase with the blades, even when the blades are annularly covered by the cylindrical portion, the markings can be used as a guide to insert the blades into other power terminals.

[0155] (Appendix 10) In the protective member according to claim 8 or 9, the fixing portion may have a predetermined color.

[0156] This makes it easier to recognize the mark portion.

[0157] (Appendix 11) In the protective member according to appended claim 10, the predetermined color may be the same color as a color of at least a portion of the power line.

[0158] This allows the blade to be inserted into the other power terminal that is the insertion target when a plurality of other power terminals are present.

[0159] (Appendix 12) In the protective member according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, the stretchable portion may be provided such that a thickness (D1) of the peak portion and a thickness (D2) of the valley portion are different from each other.

[0160] This allows the expansion and contraction part to be compressed in the protruding direction while maintaining its annular shape when the blade is inserted into another power terminal. As a result, the blade can be inserted deep into the other power terminal. In addition, it is possible to reduce the reaction force (force in the opposite direction to the protruding direction) generated in the expansion and contraction part when compressed, so that the user can insert the blade into the other power terminal with less force.

[0161] (Appendix 13) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 12, the stretchable portion may be provided such that the thickness of the valley portion is smaller than the thickness of the peak portion.

[0162] This allows the expansion and contraction section to be effectively compressed in the protruding direction while maintaining its annular shape when the blade is inserted into another power terminal. As a result, the blade can be more easily inserted to the depth of the other power terminal. In addition, the reaction force generated in the expansion and contraction section during compression can be effectively reduced, allowing the user to insert the blade into the other power terminal with less force.

[0163] (Appendix 14) In the protective member described in Appendix 12 or 13, the stretchable portion may be configured such that a thickness (D3) of a connection portion (186) between the peak portion and the valley portion gradually decreases or increases from the peak portion to the valley portion.

[0164] This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of bending in the tubular portion when the expandable portion is in its natural state (a state in which the expandable portion is not compressed in the protruding direction), and also makes it possible to smoothly compress the expandable portion in the protruding direction.

[0165] (Appendix 15) In the protective member described in any one of Appendices 12 to 14, the expansion / contraction portion has a first valley portion (185) which is the valley portion on one side of the peak portion in the protruding direction, and a second valley portion (187) which is the valley portion on the other side of the peak portion in the protruding direction, and when the power terminal is removed from the other power terminal and the expansion / contraction portion is extended, a length (D4) between the first valley portion and the second valley portion in the protruding direction may be smaller than a difference between an outer diameter (D5) of the peak portion and an inner diameter (D6) of the valley portion.

[0166] This allows the expandable portion to be easily compressed in the protruding direction.

[0167] (Appendix 16) In the protective member described in any one of Appendices 12 to 15, the tubular portion may further have an extension portion (174) formed continuously with the end portion of the telescopic portion in the protruding direction and extending radially relative to the protruding direction.

[0168] When the power terminal is moved in a protruding direction relative to the other power terminal and the plug blade is inserted into the other power terminal, the extension portion comes into surface contact with a panel or the like on which the other power terminal is disposed. When the power terminal is then further moved in the protruding direction relative to the other power terminal, the expandable portion connected to the extension portion is compressed in the protruding direction. This allows the user to compress the expandable portion in the protruding direction with less force. Also, the user can be protected more appropriately.

[0169] (Appendix 17) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 16, the extension portion may be formed continuously with the valley portion of the stretchable portion.

[0170] This makes it possible to easily compress the expansion / contraction portion in the protruding direction when the power terminal is moved in the protruding direction relative to the other power terminals while the extension portion is in face-to-face contact with a panel or the like on which the other power terminals are arranged.

[0171] (Appendix 18) In the protective member according to appendix 16 or 17, a thickness (D7) of the extension portion may be greater than the thickness of the peak portion and the thickness of the valley portion.

[0172] This makes the mechanical strength of the extension greater than the mechanical strength of each of the peaks and valleys, making it possible to maintain a surface contact state between the extension and a panel or the like on which the other power terminals are arranged, and effectively compressing the expandable portion in the protruding direction when the power terminal is moved in the protruding direction relative to the other power terminals.

[0173] (Appendix 19) In the protective member according to any one of Supplementary Notes 16 to 18, the extension portion may have a protrusion (188) protruding in the protruding direction.

[0174] When the power terminal is moved in a protruding direction relative to the other power terminal and the blade is inserted into the other power terminal, the protrusion comes into line contact with the panel or the like on which the other power terminal is arranged. This reduces the contact area between the cylindrical portion and the panel or the like. As a result, when the blade is inserted into the other power terminal and the connection between the power terminal and the other power terminal is fixed by rotating the base, frictional resistance between the cylindrical portion and the panel or the like can be reduced. Therefore, by providing the protrusion, the user can more easily insert and remove the power terminal into and from the other power terminal.

[0175] (Appendix 20) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 19, the protrusion may be provided in an annular shape when the base is viewed from the protruding direction.

[0176] With this, when the protruding portion comes into line contact with a panel or the like on which other power terminals are arranged, the blade can be surrounded in an annular shape by the cylindrical portion, thereby providing better protection for the user.

[0177] (Appendix 21) In the protective member described in any one of Appendices 12 to 20, the expansion / contraction portion has, in the protruding direction, a first valley portion that is the valley portion on one side of the peak portion and a second valley portion that is the valley portion on the other side of the peak portion, and when the power terminal is inserted into the other power terminal and the expansion / contraction portion is contracted, the first valley portion and the second valley portion may not abut against each other.

[0178] This makes it possible to reduce the reaction force generated when the expandable portion contracts.

[0179] (Appendix 22) In the protective member described in any of Appendices 12 to 21, the expansion / contraction portion may further have a connection portion (186) between the peak portion and the valley portion, and when the power terminal is inserted into the other power terminal and the expansion / contraction portion is contracted, a first connection portion (189) which is the connection portion on one side of the protruding direction relative to the peak portion, and a second connection portion (191) which is the connection portion on the other side of the protruding direction relative to the peak portion may be approximately parallel to each other.

[0180] This makes it possible to appropriately contract the stretchable section while effectively reducing the reaction force generated when the stretchable section contracts.

[0181] (Appendix 23) In the protective member described in any one of Appendices 1 to 22, when the power terminal is removed from the other power terminal and the expandable portion is extended, the tubular portion may be configured such that an end portion of the tubular portion in the protruding direction is positioned further in the protruding direction than another end portion of the blade in the protruding direction.

[0182] This provides better protection for the user.

[0183] (Appendix 24) In the protective member described in Supplementary Note 23, at least a part of the stretchable portion may be provided to be located further in the protruding direction than the other end of the blade.

[0184] This provides better protection to the user when plugging or unplugging the power terminal into or from another power terminal.

[0185] (Appendix 25) In the protective member described in Appendix 24, at least two of the peaks or two of the valleys of the stretchable portion may be provided so as to be positioned further in the protruding direction than the other end of the blade.

[0186] This allows the expansion and contraction section to be appropriately contracted while reducing the generation of reaction force when the power terminal is inserted into another power terminal, and also allows the user to be more appropriately protected.

[0187] (Appendix 26) In the protective member described in any one of Appendices 1 to 25, when the power terminal is inserted into the other power terminal and the expandable portion is contracted, the outermost portion of the tubular portion in the protruding direction may be arranged so as not to interfere with a peripheral portion or member (196) of the other power terminal.

[0188] This allows the power terminal to be inserted and removed from other power terminals without interfering with surrounding areas or members of the other power terminals.

[0189] (Appendix 27) In the protective member according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 26, at least a part of the cylindrical portion may be made of a material having transmissibility through which light passes.

[0190] This allows the user to insert the power terminal into another power terminal while visually checking the blades.

[0191] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 10...Plug cover (protective material) 30...Connector (other power terminal) 48...Connector (power terminal) 50…Blade 128…Power line 150…Connector base (base) 160…Cover body (cylindrical part) 170…Bellows section (expandable section) 182…Yamabe 184… Valley

Claims

1. A protective member for protecting a power terminal provided at one end of a power line and provided so as to be insertable and detachable from another power terminal, the power terminal has a base and a blade protruding from the base and electrically connected to the power line, the protective member is provided in a circumferential direction with respect to a protruding direction of the blades and includes a cylindrical portion provided in an annular shape so as to surround the blades, The tubular portion has an expandable portion in which enlarged peaks and reduced valleys are alternately formed along the protruding direction, and the expandable portion is configured to be expandable and contractible in the protruding direction.

2. The protective member according to claim 1, The cylindrical portion further has an attachment portion attached to an outer periphery of the base portion in the protruding direction.

3. The protective member according to claim 2, The mounting portion has an extension portion extending from a portion in the circumferential direction in a direction opposite to the protruding direction.

4. The protective member according to claim 3, The extension portion is a protective member provided so as to bulge in a radial direction relative to the protruding direction.

5. The protective member according to claim 4, The mounting portion is a protective member having two of the extension portions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

6. The protective member according to claim 5, The two extension portions are provided at positions opposing each other in the circumferential direction.

7. The protective member according to any one of claims 3 to 6, When the base is viewed from the protruding direction, the blade is provided at one circumferential position with respect to a center of the base, The mounting portion is a protective member that is mounted to the base such that, when the base is viewed from the protruding direction, the extension portion is located at a position that coincides with the one circumferential position relative to the center of the base, or at a position opposite the one circumferential position across the center of the base.

8. The protective member according to any one of claims 2 to 7, The protective member further includes a fixing portion wound around the outer periphery of the base portion and another outer periphery of the mounting portion to fix the base portion and the mounting portion.

9. The protective member according to claim 8, When the base is viewed from the protruding direction, the blade is provided at one circumferential position with respect to a center of the base, A protective member, wherein the fixing portion has a marker portion provided at a position that coincides with the one circumferential position relative to the center of the base when the base is viewed from the protruding direction, or at a position opposite the one circumferential position across the center of the base.

10. The protective member according to claim 8 or 9, The fixing portion has a predetermined color.

11. The protective member according to claim 10, The predetermined color is the same color as that of at least a portion of the power line.

12. The protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The elastic portion is provided such that the peaks and the valleys have different thicknesses.

13. The protective member according to claim 12, The elastic portion is provided such that the thickness of the valley portion is smaller than the thickness of the peak portion.

14. The protective member according to claim 12 or 13, A protective member, wherein the elastic portion is provided such that the thickness of the junction between the peak portion and the valley portion gradually decreases or increases from the peak portion toward the valley portion.

15. The protective member according to any one of claims 12 to 14, The stretchable portion has a first valley portion which is the valley portion on one side of the peak portion in the protruding direction, and a second valley portion which is the valley portion on the other side of the peak portion, a protective member, wherein when the power terminal is removed from the other power terminal and the telescopic portion is extended, a length between the first valley portion and the second valley portion in the protruding direction is smaller than a difference between an outer diameter of the peak portion and an inner diameter of the valley portion.

16. The protective member according to any one of claims 12 to 15, The protective member further includes an extension portion that is formed continuously with an end portion of the extension direction of the telescopic portion and extends radially relative to the protruding direction.

17. The protective member according to claim 16, A protective member, wherein the extension portion is formed continuously with the valley portion of the stretchable portion.

18. The protective member according to claim 16 or 17, A protective member, wherein the thickness of the extension portion is greater than the thickness of the peak portion and the thickness of the valley portion.

19. The protective member according to any one of claims 16 to 18, The extension portion has a protrusion that protrudes in the protruding direction.

20. 20. The protective member according to claim 19, The protrusion is provided in a ring shape when the base is viewed from the protruding direction.

21. The protective member according to any one of claims 12 to 20, The stretchable portion has a first valley portion which is the valley portion on one side of the peak portion in the protruding direction, and a second valley portion which is the valley portion on the other side of the peak portion, a protection member in which, when the power terminal is inserted into the other power terminal and the expandable portion is contracted, the first valley portion and the second valley portion do not abut against each other.

22. The protective member according to any one of claims 12 to 21, The stretchable portion further includes a connecting portion between the peak portion and the valley portion, A protective member in which, when the power terminal is inserted into the other power terminal and the expansion portion is contracted, a first connection portion, which is the connection portion on one side of the protruding direction relative to the ridge portion, and a second connection portion, which is the connection portion on the other side of the protruding direction relative to the ridge portion, are approximately parallel to each other.

23. The protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 22, a protective member configured such that, when the power terminal is removed from the other power terminal and the telescopic portion is extended, an end of the tubular portion in the protruding direction is positioned further in the protruding direction than the other end of the blade in the protruding direction.

24. 24. The protective member according to claim 23, At least a portion of the extendable portion is located further in the protruding direction than the other end of the blade.

25. 25. The protective member according to claim 24, At least two of the peaks or two of the valleys of the extendable portion are provided so as to be positioned further in the protruding direction than the other end of the blade.

26. The protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 25, A protective member which is arranged so that when the power terminal is inserted into the other power terminal and the expansion portion is contracted, the outermost portion of the tubular portion in the protruding direction does not interfere with surrounding portions or components of the other power terminal.

27. The protective member according to any one of claims 1 to 26, A protective member, wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical portion is made of a material having light transmitting properties.

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