Connector holder mounting structure, connector holder mounting method, and charging device

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that can suppress corrosion of the fixing member that secures the connector holder. [Solution] The connector holder mounting structure of the present disclosure comprises a connector holder for a charging connector and a fixing member for fixing the connector holder to a mounting surface, wherein the connector holder comprises a retaining housing for holding the charging connector in an unused state and a fixing case having a housing space in which the retaining housing is housed and which is fixed to the mounting surface, wherein the fixing case has a fixing plate which is fixed to the mounting surface by the fixing member, and the fixing plate has a first surface facing the mounting surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface and faces the housing space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an attachment structure of a connector holder, an attachment method of a connector holder, and a charging device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device for a moving body. This charging device includes a charging connector and a connector holder. The charging connector is connected to a charging port of a moving body and outputs electric power for charging. The connector holder has a function of holding the connector when not in use.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a conventional connector holder. In the figure, a connector holder 100 has a fixing portion 104 for fixing the connector holder 100 to a housing 102. The fixing portion 104 is a plate-like member extending outward from an edge of a side plate 106. The fixing portion 104 is fixed to the housing 102 by a fixing member such as a screw in a state of abutting against a side surface of the housing 102.

[0005] The fixing portion 104 is located outside the side plate 106. Therefore, the fixing member for fixing the fixing portion 104 is exposed to the outside. For this reason, the fixing member is exposed to the external environment and may be corroded.

[0006] In order to prevent corrosion of the fixing member, for example, it is conceivable to provide an anticorrosive film such as painting or plating on the fixing member, or to change the material of the fixing member itself to a corrosion-resistant material. However, this is not preferable because it causes an increase in cost. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can suppress corrosion of the fixing member that secures the connector holder without increasing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A mounting structure for a connector holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a connector holder for a charging connector and a fixing member for fixing the connector holder to a mounting surface of a charging device. The connector holder comprises a retaining housing for holding the charging connector in an unused state and a fixing case having a housing space in which the retaining housing is housed and which is fixed to the mounting surface. The fixing case has a fixing plate which is fixed to the mounting surface by the fixing member. The fixing plate has a first surface facing the mounting surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing the housing space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, corrosion of the fixing member that secures the connector holder can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing an example of a vehicle charging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the vehicle charging device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector holder. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connector holder. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the retaining housing as seen from the opening side. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining housing along the YZ plane. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a plan view of the fixing plate fixed to the first side surface, as seen from the X2 direction. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a plan view of the fixing plate according to the second embodiment, as seen from the X2 direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a conventional connector holder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] First, the details of the embodiment will be listed and explained. [Summary of the Embodiment]

[0011] (1) A mounting structure for a connector holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a connector holder for a charging connector and a fixing member for fixing the connector holder to a mounting surface. The connector holder comprises a retaining housing for holding the charging connector in an unused state and a fixing case having a housing space in which the retaining housing is housed and which is fixed to the mounting surface. The fixing case has a fixing plate which is fixed to the mounting surface by the fixing member. The fixing plate has a first surface facing the mounting surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface and faces the housing space. According to the above configuration, since the second surface of the fixing plate faces the storage space, even if a part of the fixing member protrudes and is exposed from the second surface, that part of the fixing member will be contained within the storage space. As a result, the fixing members can be prevented from being exposed to the external environment, and corrosion of the fixing members can be suppressed.

[0012] (2) In the mounting structure of the connector holder described in (1) above, if the fixing plate has a first through hole and a second through hole that penetrate between the first surface and the second surface, the fixing member may include a pair of fixing shafts that protrude from the mounting surface and are inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole. In this case, the fixed shaft is exposed to the second surface. Therefore, corrosion of the fixed shaft is suppressed.

[0013] (3) In the mounting structure of the connector holder described in (2) above, when the fixing plate further has a third through hole penetrating between the first surface and the second surface, the second through hole and the third through hole may be arranged on a circle centered on the first through hole. In this case, if the fixing plate is rotated around the fixing shaft inserted into the first through hole among the pair of fixing shafts, a hole into which the other fixing shaft among the pair of fixing shafts is inserted can be selected from either the second through hole or the third through hole. As a result, the mounting angle of the connector holder on the mounting surface can be changed.

[0014] (4) In the mounting structure of the connector holder described in (2) above, the second through hole may have an elongated hole shape along a circle centered on the first through hole. In this case, the fixing plate can be rotated around the fixing shaft inserted into the first through hole among the pair of fixing shafts. As a result, the mounting angle of the connector holder on the mounting surface can be changed continuously.

[0015] (5) In the mounting structure of the connector holder according to any one of (2) to (4) above, the pair of fixing shafts may include a pair of rod-shaped screw members. In this case, the fixing plate can be easily fixed to the mounting surface.

[0016] (6) In the mounting structure of the connector holder according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the holding housing has a cylindrical portion into which the charging connector is inserted on the inner peripheral side, and when the cylindrical portion has a holding portion for holding the charging connector, the holding portion may be provided in the upper portion of the cylindrical portion. In this case, the holding housing only needs to have one holding portion. Therefore, the structure of the holding housing can be simplified compared to the case where it has a plurality of holding portions. Furthermore, after fixing the mounting case to the mounting surface, positioning the retaining housing within the storage space will adjust the position of the retaining part to be on the upper side of the inner surface of the inner circumferential hole.

[0017] (7) In any of the connector holder mounting structures described in (1) to (6) above, the fixing case may further have a plurality of side plates provided on the fixing plate and which together with the fixing plate constitute a polygonal frame. In this case, the mounting case can be made more compact. Also, by rotating the mounting plate on the mounting surface, the entire connector holder can be rotated.

[0018] (8) Another embodiment from a different perspective is a method for mounting a connector holder for a charging connector to the mounting surface of a charging device. This mounting method includes a first step of fixing a fixed case having a housing space that houses a retaining housing for holding the charging connector in an unused state to the mounting surface by a fixing member attached from the housing space side, and a second step of housing the retaining housing in the housing space of the fixed case fixed to the mounting surface. According to the above configuration, the fixed case is secured by a fixing member attached from the side of the containment space, so that the fixing member is not exposed to the external environment and corrosion of the fixing member can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the above configuration, since the fixing members are attached from the side of the housing space, it becomes difficult to attach the fixing members to a predetermined position within the housing space or to access the fixing members after they have been attached, after the retaining housing has been housed within the housing space. In this regard, with the above configuration, since the fixing case is fixed to the mounting surface before housing the retaining housing in the housing space, when attaching the fixing member from the housing space side, the retaining housing is not yet housed in the housing space, making it easy to attach the fixing member. As a result, the connector holder can be easily attached.

[0019] (9) In the method for mounting the connector holder described in (8) above, the first step may include the step of bringing the first surface of the fixing plate of the fixing case, which is the first surface and the second surface opposite to the first surface and facing the housing space, to face the mounting surface, and the step of fixing the fixing plate to the mounting surface with the fixing member.

[0020] (10) In the method for mounting the connector holder according to (8) or (9) above, the second step may include a step of positioning the retaining housing such that the position of the retaining portion for holding the charging connector, which is included in the cylindrical portion of the retaining housing into which the charging connector is inserted, is in the upper position. In this case, after fixing the mounting case to the mounting surface, the retaining housing is positioned within the housing space. Therefore, even if the retaining housing has one retaining part, the position of the retaining part is appropriately adjusted to be on the upper side of the inner surface of the inner circumferential hole.

[0021] (11) Another embodiment from another perspective is a charging device comprising a charging connector and the mounting structure for the connector holder described in (1) above.

[0022] [Details of the embodiment] Preferred embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0023] [Regarding the first embodiment] Figure 1 is a front view showing an example of a vehicle charging device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a side view of the vehicle charging device in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the vehicle charging device 1 has the function of charging the on-board battery of an electric vehicle, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

[0024] The vehicle charging device 1 comprises a power converter 2, a cable 4, and a charging connector 6. Power converter 2 outputs DC power to supply to the vehicle battery. Power converter 2 is connected to the commercial power grid. Power converter 2 converts AC power from the commercial power grid to DC power, further boosts it to the required voltage, and outputs DC power to supply to the vehicle battery.

[0025] Cable 4 is a power line for transmitting the DC power output by the power converter 2. Cable 4 connects the power converter 2 to the charging connector 6. The charging connector 6 can be connected to a power receiving socket on the electric vehicle. When charging the electric vehicle's onboard battery, the charging connector 6 is connected to the electric vehicle's socket. As a result, the DC power from the power converter 2 is supplied to the onboard battery via the cable 4 and the charging connector 6.

[0026] The power converter 2 is installed in the charging space of an electric vehicle, etc. The power converter 2 is installed outdoors. In the following explanation, the three mutually orthogonal directions in each figure will be referred to as the X, Y, and Z directions. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, one direction of the X direction will be referred to as the X1 direction, and the opposite direction of the X1 direction will be referred to as the X2 direction. One direction of the Y direction will be referred to as the Y1 direction, and the opposite direction of the Y1 direction will be referred to as the Y2 direction. One direction of the Z direction will be referred to as the Z1 direction, and the opposite direction of the Z1 direction will be referred to as the Z2 direction. The Z direction indicates the height direction (up and down direction) of the power converter 2. The X direction indicates the left and right direction of the power converter 2. The Y direction indicates the front and back direction of the power converter 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the side of the power converter 2 facing in the Y1 direction is the front, and the side facing in the Y2 direction is the rear. Also, the Z1 direction is upward, and the Z2 direction is downward. As shown in Figure 1, the power converter 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longest side aligned along the Z direction. The cable 4 is provided on the X2 side of the power converter 2.

[0028] The power converter 2 has a housing 8. The housing 8 is a box-shaped member made of metal such as steel plate or aluminum alloy. A connector holder 10 and a cable holder 12 are attached to the first side surface 8a of the housing 8. The first side surface 8a is the surface of the housing 8 facing in the X2 direction.

[0029] The connector holder 10 has the function of holding the charging connector 6. When the electric vehicle is not being powered and is in a non-use state, the charging connector 6 is held by the connector holder 10. The cable holder 12 has the function of holding the cable 4. When no power is supplied to the electric vehicle, the cable 4 is held by the cable holder 12.

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector holder 10. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connector holder 10. The connector holder 10 comprises a retaining housing 16 and a fixing case 18. The retaining housing 16 has the function of holding the charging connector 6 when not in use. The fixing case 18 has a housing space S in which the retaining housing 16 is housed. The fixing case 18 has an opening 18a on the Y1 direction side. The fixing case 18 is also fixed to the first side surface 8a. Thus, the fixing case 18 fixes the retaining housing 16 to the first side surface 8a.

[0031] The retaining housing 16 is a component made of resin or the like, and has a base 20 and a cylindrical portion 22. The base 20 is a square plate-shaped component. The base 20 is provided so as to close the opening on the Y2 direction side of the cylindrical portion 22. Through holes 20a are provided at the four corners of the base 20. The cylindrical portion 22 is provided so as to protrude from the surface of the base 20 facing the Y1 direction. The cylindrical portion 22 has an opening 22a on the Y1 direction side. Therefore, although the cylindrical portion 22 is housed in the housing space S, the opening 22a is exposed to the outside through the opening 18a of the fixing case 18. The charging connector 6 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 22 from the side of the opening 22a.

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the retaining housing 16 as seen from the opening 22a side. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining housing 16 along the YZ plane. Figure 6 shows the charging connector 6 inserted into the cylindrical portion 22. As shown in Figure 5, a holding portion 24 is provided in the Z1 direction side (upper side) of the cylindrical portion 22. The retaining portion 24 has the function of holding the charging connector 6 that is inserted into the cylindrical portion 22. The claw portion 26 of the charging connector 6 engages with the retaining portion 24 (Figure 6). The retaining portion 24 holds the charging connector 6 by engaging with the claw portion 26.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the claw portion 26 is provided on the upper part of the tip portion 6a of the charging connector 6. The tip portion 6a is a cylindrical part that is inserted into the cylindrical portion 22. The claw portion 26 is movable between a protruding position, where it protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 6a, and a retracted position, where it is retracted radially inward from the outer circumferential surface. The claw portion 26 is biased outward by an elastic member or the like to be in the protruding position. Therefore, when the claw portion 26 in the protruding position is pressed from the outside, it elastically moves to the retracted position. Furthermore, the claw portion 26 in the protruding position can also be moved to the retracted position by operating the operating lever (not shown) of the charging connector 6.

[0034] Furthermore, a pair of protrusions 28 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 6a. Note that in Figure 6, only one of the pair of protrusions 28 is shown. The pair of protrusions 28 extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of the tip portion 6a. The pair of protrusions 28 are provided on both sides of the claw portion 26 at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the tip portion 6a.

[0035] The retaining portion 24 includes a retaining groove 30 and a pair of guide grooves 31. The retaining groove 30 and the pair of guide grooves 31 are provided on the inner circumference side of the cylindrical portion 22. The retaining groove 30 and the pair of guide grooves 31 are recessed radially outward with respect to the inner circumferential surface 22b of the cylindrical portion 22. The retaining groove 30 and the pair of guide grooves 31 extend along a direction parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical portion 22. The retaining groove 30 is located on the Z1 direction side (upper side) of the cylindrical portion 22. Therefore, the retaining portion 24 is located on the Z1 direction side (upper side) of the cylindrical portion 22.

[0036] The retaining groove 30 is provided extending from a predetermined distance from the opening 22a to the base 20. The end of the retaining groove 30 on the base 20 side is connected to the through hole 20b. The through hole 20b is a rectangular hole provided in the base 20. The retaining groove 30 has a stepped surface 30a and a bottom surface 30b. The stepped surface 30a is the edge of the retaining groove 30 on the side of the opening 22a. The bottom surface 30b extends from the stepped surface 30a toward the base 20. A pair of guide grooves 31 are provided on both sides of the retaining groove 30 at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 22b. The pair of guide grooves 31 are provided corresponding to a pair of protrusions 28.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the claw portion 26 of the charging connector 6 inserted into the cylindrical portion 22 engages with the stepped surface 30a. When the tip 6a of the unused charging connector 6 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 22, the claw portion 26 is pressed against the inner circumferential surface 22b of the cylindrical portion 22 and moves to its retracted position. The pair of protrusions 28 fit into the pair of guide grooves 31 and guide the tip 6a that is inserted into the cylindrical portion 22. The pair of protrusions 28, together with the pair of guide grooves 31, position the circumferential position of the tip 6a. As a result, the circumferential position of the claw portion 26 and the circumferential position of the retaining groove 30 coincide.

[0038] When the claw portion 26 reaches the retaining groove 30, it moves to a protruding position and contacts the stepped surface 30a. The claw portion 26 contacting the stepped surface 30a prevents the charging connector 6 from coming out of the cylindrical portion 22. As a result, the retaining groove 30 engages with the claw portion 26 and holds the charging connector 6. As described above, the retaining portion 24 of the retaining housing 16 holds the charging connector 6 when it is not in use.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the retaining housing 16 is secured to the fixing case 18 by four bolts 34 and four nuts 36. The fixing case 18 is a box-shaped member that is fixed to the first side surface 8a, which is the mounting surface, as described above. The fixing case 18 has a fixing plate 40 and a case body 42. The fixing plate 40 is a component formed from a metal plate such as a steel plate or an aluminum alloy plate. The fixing plate 40 is fixed to the first side surface 8a.

[0040] The case body 42 is a component that defines the storage space S together with the fixing plate 40. The case body 42 is provided on the fixing plate 40. The case body 42 has a first side plate 42a, a second side plate 42b, a third side plate 42c, and a bottom plate 42d. The first side plate 42a is connected to the upper edge of the fixing plate 40. The third side plate 42c is connected to the lower edge of the fixing plate 40. The second side plate 42b connects the edge of the first side plate 42a on the X2 direction side to the edge of the second side plate 42b on the X2 direction side.

[0041] The first side plate 42a, the second side plate 42b, the third side plate 42c, and the fixing plate 40 constitute a square-shaped frame. The bottom plate 42d is provided to close the opening on the Y2 direction side of the rectangular frame, which is composed of the first side plate 42a, the second side plate 42b, the third side plate 42c, and the fixing plate 40.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fixing plate 40 and the bottom plate 42d are integrally formed by bending a single metal plate into an L-shape. The first side plate 42a, the second side plate 42b, and the third side plate 42c are also integrally formed by bending a single metal plate. The components including the fixing plate 40 and the bottom plate 42d, and the components including the first side plate 42a, the second side plate 42b, and the third side plate 42c are connected by rivets or the like to assemble a box-shaped fixing case 18.

[0043] The retaining housing 16 is fixed to the bottom plate 42d. The bottom plate 42d is provided with four through holes 42d1. The four through holes 42d1 correspond to the four through holes 20a of the retaining housing 16. As shown in Figure 4, four bolts 34 are inserted through the four through holes 42d1. Four bolts 34 are inserted through four through holes 20a and four through holes 42d1. Four nuts 36 are then tightened onto the four bolts 34. The four bolts 34 and four nuts 36 clamp the base 20 of the retaining housing 16 and the bottom plate 42d. As a result, the retaining housing 16 is fixed in the housing space S of the fixed case 18 in contact with the bottom plate 42d. The retaining housing 16 can be fixed in any of four positions, rotated in 90-degree increments, relative to the bottom plate 42d.

[0044] The fixing plate 40 is fixed to the first side surface 8a (mounting surface). The fixing plate 40 has a first surface 40a and a second surface 40b. The first surface 40a is the plate surface facing the first side surface 8a. The second surface 40b is the plate surface on the opposite side of the first surface 40a. The first surface 40a is in contact with the first side surface 8a. The second surface 40b faces the containment space S.

[0045] The fixing plate 40 is provided with a first through hole 44, a second through hole 46, and a third through hole 48. The first through hole 44, the second through hole 46, and the third through hole 48 pass through the space between the first surface 40a and the second surface 40b. A pair of fixing shafts 52 included in the fixing member 50 are inserted into the first through hole 44, the second through hole 46, and the third through hole 48.

[0046] The fixing member 50 is a group of components that fix the connector holder 10 to the first side surface 8a. The fixing member 50 includes a pair of fixing shafts 52 as well as a pair of nuts 54. Each of the pair of fixing shafts 52 is a rod-shaped threaded member. More specifically, the rod-shaped threaded member in this embodiment is a bolt. The pair of nuts 54 and the threaded portions of the pair of fixing shafts 52 can be screwed together. A pair of nuts 54 are fixed to the inner surface of the side plate 9. The side plate 9 is a component made of a metal plate such as a steel plate or aluminum alloy, which forms part of the outer plate of the housing 8. The outer surface of the side plate 9 constitutes the first side surface 8a.

[0047] The side plate 9 is provided with a pair of fixing holes 9a. The pair of fixing holes 9a are arranged side by side along the Y direction. The distance between the pair of fixing holes 9a in the Y direction is the same as the distance between the first through hole 44 and the second through hole 46 in the fixing plate 40. Also, the distance between the pair of fixing holes 9a in the Y direction is the same as the distance between the first through hole 44 and the third through hole 48 in the fixing plate 40. In other words, the distance between the first through hole 44 and the second through hole 46 is the same as the distance between the first through hole 44 and the third through hole 48.

[0048] A pair of nuts 54 are fixed to the inner surface of the side plate 9 at positions corresponding to a pair of fixing holes 9a. A pair of fixing shafts 52, which are inserted into the pair of fixing holes 9a, are screwed into the pair of nuts 54. Of the pair of nuts 54, the first nut 54a, located on the Y2 direction side, is screwed onto the first fixing shaft 52a of the pair of fixing shafts 52. Of the pair of nuts 54, the second nut 54b, located on the Y1 direction side, is screwed onto the second fixing shaft 52b of the pair of fixing shafts 52.

[0049] The first fixing shaft 52a is inserted into the first through hole 44 from the second surface 40b side of the fixing plate 40, passes through the fixing hole 9a, and is screwed into the first nut 54a. The second fixing shaft 52b is inserted into the second through hole 46 or the third through hole 48 from the second surface 40b side of the fixing plate 40, passes through the fixing hole 9a, and is screwed into the second nut 54b.

[0050] The pair of fixing shafts 52 and the pair of nuts 54 screw together to clamp the side plate 9 and the fixing plate 40 that are in contact with each other. In this way, the fixing member 50 fixes the fixing plate 40 to the first side surface 8a. In other words, the first fixing shaft 52a, which screws onto the first nut 54a, protrudes from the first side surface 8a and secures the connector holder 10 when inserted into the first through hole 44. Similarly, the second fixing shaft 52b, which screws onto the second nut 54b, protrudes from the first side surface 8a and secures the connector holder 10 when inserted into the second or third through hole 46. In this way, the connector holder 10 and the fixing member 50 constitute the mounting structure of the connector holder 10.

[0051] According to the above configuration, since the second surface 40b of the fixing plate 40 faces the storage space S, even if the heads of the pair of fixing shafts 52, which are part of the fixing member 50, protrude and are exposed from the second surface 40b, the heads of the pair of fixing shafts 52 are contained within the storage space S. As a result, the heads of the pair of fixed shafts 52 can be prevented from being exposed to the external environment, and corrosion of the fixed member 50 (fixed shafts 52) can be suppressed.

[0052] The mounting method for attaching the connector holder 10 of this embodiment to the first side surface 8a includes a first step of fixing the fixing case 18 to the first side surface 8a by a pair of fixing shafts 52 (fixing members) attached from the side of the housing space S, and a second step of housing the retaining housing 16 in the housing space S of the fixing case 18 fixed to the first side surface 8a. In other words, when attaching the connector holder 10 to the first side surface 8a, the fixing case 18 is fixed to the first side surface 8a before the retaining housing 16 is housed in the fixing case 18. Furthermore, the first step described above includes the step of positioning the first surface 40a of the fixing plate 40 of the fixing case 18, which has a first surface 40a and a second surface 40b opposite to the first surface 40a and facing the storage space S, toward the first side surface 8a, and the step of fixing the fixing plate 51 to the mounting surface with the fixing member 50.

[0053] In the above configuration, since the pair of fixed shafts 52 are installed from the side of the housing space S, it becomes difficult to install the pair of fixed shafts 52 after housing the retaining housing 16 in the housing space S, or to access the pair of fixed shafts 52 after installation. In this regard, according to the above configuration, since the fixing case 18 is fixed to the first side surface 8a before housing the retaining housing 16 in the housing space S, when attaching the pair of fixing shafts 52 from the housing space S side, the retaining housing 16 is not yet housed in the housing space S, and the pair of fixing shafts 52 can be easily attached. As a result, the attachment of the connector holder 10 becomes easier.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing case 18 has multiple side plates 42a, 42b, and 42c that, together with the fixing plate 40, form a square-shaped frame, thus making the fixing case 18 more compact. Also, by rotating the fixing plate 40 on the first side surface 8a, the entire connector holder 10 can be rotated.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the pair of fixing shafts 52 are rod-shaped threaded members, the fixing plate 40 can be easily fixed to the first side surface 8a by simply screwing the pair of fixing shafts 52 onto the pair of nuts 54.

[0056] The connector holder 10 can also be attached to the second side surface 8b (Figure 1) of the housing 8. On the second side surface 8b, as with the first side surface 8a, a pair of fixing holes are provided, and a pair of nuts 54 that constitute the fixing member 50 together with a pair of fixing shafts 52 are provided.

[0057] Therefore, the second step described above may include a step of positioning the retaining housing 16 such that the position of the retaining portion 24 is on the Z1 direction side (upper side) of the cylindrical portion 22. In this case, after fixing the fixed case 18 to the first side surface 8a or the second side surface 8b, the holding housing 16 is positioned within the housing space S. Therefore, even if the holding housing 16 has one holding portion 24, the position of the holding portion 24 is appropriately adjusted to be above the cylindrical portion 22. In other words, regardless of whether the fixed case 18 is fixed to the first side surface 8a or the second side surface 8b, the position of the holding portion 24 can be made to be on the upper side of the cylindrical portion 22. In this case, the retaining housing 16 only needs to have one retaining portion 24. Therefore, the structure of the retaining housing 16 can be simplified compared to the case where there are multiple retaining portions 24.

[0058] Figure 7 is a plan view of the fixing plate 40 fixed to the first side surface 8a, as seen from the X2 direction. In Figure 7, the first fixed shaft 52a is inserted into the first through hole 44, and the second fixed shaft 52b is inserted into the second through hole 46. As described above, when the fixing plate 40 is viewed from above, the distance between the first through hole 44 and the second through hole 46 is the same as the distance between the first through hole 44 and the third through hole 48. In other words, the second through-hole 46 and the third through-hole 48 are arranged on a circle C centered on the first through-hole 44. Circle C is a circle centered at the center of the first through hole 44. Circle C passes through the center of the second through hole 46 and the center of the third through hole 48.

[0059] Therefore, by rotating the fixing plate 40 around the first fixing shaft 52a, the position of the third through hole 48 and the position of the fixing hole 9a on the Y1 direction side can be aligned. Thus, the second fixing shaft 52b can be inserted into the third through hole 48 and screwed into the second nut 54b. In Figure 7, the dashed line V shows the outline of the fixing plate 40 when the second fixing shaft 52b is inserted into the third through hole 48 and screwed onto the second nut 54b. In this way, the fixing plate 40 (connector holder 10) can be fixed while rotating on the first side surface 8a.

[0060] According to this embodiment, by rotating the fixing plate 40 around the first fixing shaft 52a, the hole into which the second fixing shaft 52b is inserted can be selected from either the second through hole 46 or the third through hole 48. As a result, the mounting angle of the connector holder 10 on the first side surface 8a can be changed.

[0061] [Regarding the second embodiment] Figure 8 is a plan view of the fixing plate 40 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the X2 direction. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fixing plate 40 does not have a third through hole 48, and the second through hole 46 has an elongated shape. In other respects, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0062] In Figure 8, the second through-hole 46 has an elongated shape along circle C. Circle C is a circle centered at the center of the first through-hole 44. The longitudinal direction of the second through-hole 46 is along circle C. The first fixing shaft 52a is inserted into the first through hole 44. The second fixing shaft 52b is inserted into the second through hole 46 and screwed onto the second nut 54b. In this case, if the pair of fixing shafts 52 are screwed onto the pair of nuts 54 and the pair of fixing shafts 52 are not tightened, the fixing plate 40 is rotatable around the first fixing shaft 52a within the longitudinal range of the second through hole 46. Therefore, in this embodiment, the mounting angle of the connector holder 10 can be changed steplessly within a certain range.

[0063] 〔others〕 It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the mounting surface of the connector holder 10 is either the first side surface 8a or the second side surface 8b of the housing 8 was described. However, the mounting surface may be any outer surface of the housing 8, and may be the front or rear surface of the housing 8.

[0064] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the pair of fixing shafts 52 are shown as bolts, which are rod-shaped threaded members, and are shown as being inserted from the side of the housing space S. However, the pair of fixing shafts 52, which are bolts, may also be inserted from the inner surface side of the side plate 9 of the housing 8. Alternatively, the pair of fixing shafts 52 may be stud bolts fixed to the housing 8 side. Moreover, the pair of fixing shafts 52 may be the shaft portion of a rivet. In this case, the fixing member 50 is a rivet. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the example shown was that there are two holes into which the second fixing shaft 52b is inserted: the second through hole 46 and the third through hole 48. However, more through holes may be provided on circle C. In this case, the options for the mounting angle of the connector holder 10 can be increased.

[0065] The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and is intended to include the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims, and all modifications within that scope. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Vehicle charging device 2 Power converter 4 Cables 6 Charging connector 6a Tip 8 cabinets 8a 1st side 8b Second side 9 Side panels 9a Fixing hole 10 Connector holder 12 Cable holders 16 Retaining Housing 18 Fixed Case 18a opening 20 base 20a through hole 20b Through hole 22 Cylindrical part 22a opening 22b Inner surface 24 Holding part 26 Nail part 28 protrusion 30 Retaining groove 30a Step surface 30b Bottom 31 Guide groove 34 volts 36 nuts 40 Fixed plate 40a Page 1 40b 2nd side 42 Case body 42a 1st side plate 42b 2nd side plate 42c 3rd side plate 42d bottom plate 42d1 Through hole 44 First through hole 46 Second through hole 48 Third through hole 50 Fixing member 51 Fixed plate 52 Fixed shaft 52a First fixed shaft 52b Second Fixed Shaft 54 nuts 54a First nut 54b Second nut 100 Connector Holder 102 cabinets 104 Fixed part 106 Side panel C yen S Containment space

Claims

1. A connector holder for the charging connector, The connector holder is provided with a fixing member for fixing it to the mounting surface, The aforementioned connector holder is A retaining housing for holding the charging connector in an unused state, The system comprises a fixing case having a housing space in which the retaining housing is housed and which is fixed to the mounting surface, The aforementioned fixing case has a fixing plate that is fixed to the mounting surface by the fixing member, The fixing plate has a first surface facing the mounting surface and a second surface opposite the first surface that faces the housing space. Connector holder mounting structure.

2. The fixing plate has a first through hole and a second through hole that penetrate between the first surface and the second surface, The fixing member includes a pair of fixing shafts that protrude from the mounting surface and are inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole. The mounting structure for the connector holder according to claim 1.

3. The fixing plate further has a third through hole that penetrates between the first surface and the second surface, The second and third through holes are arranged on a circle centered on the first through hole. The mounting structure for the connector holder according to claim 2.

4. The second through-hole has an elongated shape along a circle centered on the first through-hole. The mounting structure for the connector holder according to claim 2.

5. The pair of fixing shafts include a pair of rod-shaped threaded members. A mounting structure for a connector holder according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The retaining housing has a cylindrical portion on its inner circumference into which the charging connector is inserted. The cylindrical portion has a holding portion for holding the charging connector, The holding portion is provided on the upper part of the cylindrical portion. A mounting structure for a connector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned fixing case further comprises a plurality of side plates provided on the fixing plate, which together with the fixing plate constitute a polygonal frame. A mounting structure for a connector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. A method for mounting a connector holder for a charging connector, wherein the connector holder is attached to the mounting surface of a charging device, A first step is to fix a fixed case having a housing space that accommodates a retaining housing for holding the charging connector in an unused state to the mounting surface by a fixing member attached from the housing space side, The second step includes housing the retaining housing within the housing space of the fixing case fixed to the mounting surface. How to install the connector holder.

9. The first step is, The steps include: of the first surface of the fixing plate of the fixing case and the second surface opposite to the first surface that faces the housing space, the first surface is positioned to face the mounting surface; The step includes fixing the fixing plate to the mounting surface using the fixing member. A method for mounting the connector holder according to claim 8.

10. The second step includes positioning the retaining housing such that the retaining portion for holding the charging connector, which is included in the cylindrical portion of the retaining housing into which the charging connector is inserted, is in the upper position. A method for mounting a connector holder according to claim 8 or claim 9.

11. Charging connector and The connector holder mounting structure is as described in claim 1. Charging device.

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