Interlock mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides an interlock mechanism that prevents the interlock terminals from being assembled incorrectly. [Solution] The housing body 4 contains a connector-side interlock terminal 5 consisting of a gate-shaped terminal 50 having a pair of legs 51, a unit-side interlock terminal 6 consisting of a pair of plate-shaped terminals 60 facing the legs 51, and a compression spring 7 positioned so as to generate a repulsive force between the gate-shaped terminal 50 and the plate-shaped terminal 60. When the electrical connector 2 is not connected, the repulsive force of the compression spring 7 separates the gate-shaped terminal 50 and the plate-shaped terminal 60, and the interlock is in the open state. On the other hand, when attempting to connect the electrical connector 2, a pressing part 25 provided on the connector presses against the gate-shaped terminal 50 and pushes further against the repulsive force of the compression spring 7, thereby connecting the electrical connector 2 and causing the gate-shaped terminal 50 and the plate-shaped terminal 60 to come into contact, closing the interlock.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an interlock mechanism, and particularly to an interlock mechanism for incorporation into a power unit.

Background Art

[0002] Hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have a DC power source, an inverter, and a motor driven by the inverter, and obtain power by converting DC into AC by the inverter and rotating the motor by the converted AC. In an inverter, since a relatively large current flows through internal units and wiring, an interlock mechanism is often provided in an electrical connector in order to ensure safety, prevent damage to components, and prevent forgetting to attach the electrical connector.

[0003] In the interlock mechanism described in Patent Document 1, it comprises a connector terminal through which current flows, an interlock terminal for detecting the connection of the connector terminal, and a housing for holding the connector terminal and the interlock terminal, and the melting point of the material of the housing is set higher than the melting point of the material of the interlock terminal. When heat generated when an overcurrent flows through the connector terminal is transmitted to the interlock terminal through the housing, and when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the interlock terminal, the interlock terminal is melted and the energization of the connector terminal is stopped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Typically, power conversion units such as inverters are mounted in the narrow space of the vehicle's front compartment, and electrical connectors must be connected within this confined space. On the other hand, on the electrical connector side, as shown in Patent Document 1, the connector terminals through which current flows and the interlock terminals that detect the connection of the connector terminals are usually fitted together by interlocking terminals. The terminals are located close together in a narrow space, and the mating area of ​​the interlock terminal is often extremely small. This working environment can make the fastening process difficult. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the axis of the connector and the axis of the inverter may not align, and the connector may be inserted at an angle. In such cases, problems may arise such as attempting to assemble the interlock terminal incorrectly, or difficulty in mating the small interlock terminals, resulting in wasted time. Patent Document 1 does not address these problems, and if the connection remains uncertain, it may cause trouble in subsequent processes or result in defective products.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide an interlock mechanism that can prevent interlock terminals from being assembled incorrectly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an interlock mechanism used to detect whether a power unit and an electrical connector are electrically connected, comprising a connector-side interlock terminal and a unit-side interlock terminal within a housing, wherein one end of the connector-side interlock terminal is capable of directly or indirectly contacting and pressing a portion of the electrical connector, and the other end is capable of contacting or separating from the unit-side interlock terminal, and at least one elastic member is disposed between the connector-side interlock terminal and the unit-side interlock terminal to act to separate the other end of the connector-side interlock terminal from the unit-side interlock terminal. Note that the power unit according to the present invention is a general term for devices connected to an electrical connector, such as inverters, converters, and high-voltage power supplies, and does not refer to a specific device or unit. Also, the electrical connector according to the present invention is a general term for connectors including low-voltage connectors and high-voltage connectors.

[0008] In the interlock mechanism of the present invention, the connector-side interlock terminal is a gate-shaped terminal having a pair of legs, the unit-side interlock terminal is a pair of plate-shaped terminals facing the legs of the gate-shaped terminal, the housing has a column portion into which the legs of the gate-shaped terminal are fitted, and it is preferable to have a configuration in which the legs of the gate-shaped terminal are fitted into the column portion of the housing, and the elastic member is placed between the column portion and the gate-shaped terminal so that the gate-shaped terminal is separated from the plate-shaped terminal by the repulsive force of the elastic member.

[0009] Furthermore, in the interlock mechanism of the present invention, a housing incorporating the interlock mechanism can be incorporated into the power unit, and the electrical connector can be provided with a pressing portion for pressing one end of the connector-side interlock terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, in the interlock mechanism of the present invention, the elastic member can be a spring material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The interlock mechanism of the present invention consists of a connector-side interlock terminal, a unit-side interlock terminal, and an elastic member positioned to generate a repulsive force between the connector-side interlock terminal and the unit-side interlock terminal, all of which are housed inside a housing. Normally, the connector-side interlock terminal and the unit-side interlock terminal are separated from each other due to the repulsive force of the elastic member, and the interlock is in an open state. On the other hand, when attempting to connect an electrical connector, a portion of the electrical connector is pressed against the connector-side interlock terminal, and contact can be made with the unit-side interlock terminal simply by pushing it against the repulsive force of the elastic member. This pushing operation allows the user to feel that the interlock terminal is properly installed. Furthermore, if it is incorrectly assembled or the pushing is insufficient, the repulsive force of the elastic member will cause the interlock terminal to try to separate, allowing the user to detect that an abnormal condition exists.

[0012] When the interlock terminal makes contact, the electrical connector is also connected simultaneously, thus maintaining the contact state of the interlock terminal. While the electrical connector is connected, the interlock remains closed, and when the electrical connector is disconnected, the repulsive force of the elastic member causes the connector-side interlock terminal and the unit-side interlock terminal to separate from each other and become open again. As described above, the interlock mechanism of the present invention eliminates the troublesome fastening work of interlock terminals due to the interlocking of protrusions and recesses, and it can be confirmed that the fastening work is performed correctly by pushing against the repulsive force of the elastic member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent incorrect assembly of the interlock terminals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the inverter area of ​​an automobile in which the interlock mechanism of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] The present invention relates to an interlock mechanism, wherein (a) is a schematic diagram showing the interlock mechanism in an open state, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the interlock mechanism in a closed state. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the uncertain connection between the power unit and the electrical connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented and do not limit the invention.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a connection configuration between a power unit and an electrical connector. This example uses an inverter as the power unit in an EV system of a hybrid vehicle equipped with a motor and an engine. The inverter 1 is mounted in the front compartment of the vehicle and is supported by a front bracket 91 and a rear bracket 92 on the upper surface of the transaxle 90, which houses the motor and gear set. The engine 80 is mounted on the left side facing the transaxle 90. A low-voltage connector 23 is attached to the upper surface of the case 10 of the inverter 1, and a second high-voltage connector 22 is attached to the rear surface of the case 10. Furthermore, a first high-voltage connector 21 is attached to the left side of the case 10. Therefore, in the embodiment described here, the space available for fastening the first high-voltage connector 21 is limited to a narrow space.

[0016] Hereinafter, the first high-voltage connector 21 will be described as an embodiment of the present invention. The first high-voltage connector 21 is provided with a male connector terminal that constitutes one side of the electrical connector 2 and a pressing part that serves as a switch for the interlock mechanism. On the other hand, the inverter 1 side incorporates and houses a female connector terminal that constitutes the other side of the electrical connector 2 and a housing body (a unit consisting of upper and lower housings) that houses the interlock mechanism described below. Thus, the electrical connector 2 and the interlock mechanism 3 are installed side by side.

[0017] In this embodiment, the interlock mechanism is as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing the interlock mechanism in the open state, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the interlock mechanism in the closed state. The interlock mechanism of this embodiment will be described below. First, the interlock mechanism 3 is assembled and housed within the housing body 4 a connector-side interlock terminal 5, a unit-side interlock terminal 6, and at least one elastic member 7 that acts to separate the connector-side interlock terminal 5 from the unit-side interlock terminal 6. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2(a), the housing body 4 consists of an upper housing 40 and a lower housing 42 made of resin material or the like, and is assembled by screw joints 44. (Hereinafter, the unit formed by assembling the upper and lower housings will be referred to as the housing body.) The upper housing 40 has a flange portion 41 at its upper end, and the lower housing 42 has a column portion 43 approximately in the center. In this example, the connector-side interlock terminal 5 is formed as a gate-shaped terminal member (hereinafter referred to as a gate-shaped terminal) 50 having a pair of legs 51, while the unit-side interlock terminal 6 is formed as a pair of plate-shaped terminals 60 facing the legs 51 of the gate-shaped terminal 50. An interlock line 62, which transmits signals for opening and closing the interlock circuit, is connected to the plate-shaped terminal 60.

[0018] In this example, a spring material is used as the elastic member, and in particular, a compression spring 7 is used. A plurality of compression springs 7 may be provided, and any member that can generate a repulsive force between the U-shaped terminal 50 and the plate-shaped terminal 60 may be used. For example, an elastic member made of a non-metal such as a rubber material or a resin material may be used. Also, the inner surface of the lower housing 42 may be a guide surface 53 that allows the outer surface of the leg portion 51 of the U-shaped terminal 50 to slide. That is, the vertical movement of the U-shaped terminal may be guided by both the inner surface and the outer surface of the U-shaped terminal. Further, the upper and lower housings may be joined using an adhesive or the like, or may be assembled by joining by heat fusion. Also, it may be made of a metal or ceramic other than resin. Further, the shapes of the housing body, the connector-side interlock terminal, and the unit-side interlock terminal that constitute the interlock mechanism are not limited to circular in top view, and may be polygons such as square or triangular.

[0019] When assembling the housing body, the U-shaped terminal 50 is hung on the flange portion 41 of the upper housing 40, the compression spring 7 is disposed between the column portion 42 of the lower housing 42 and the inner surface 53 of the U-shaped terminal 50, and its leg portion 51 is fitted to the column portion 43. Then, the upper housing 40 and the lower housing 42 are screwed together to assemble the housing body 4. At this time, a predetermined gap s can be maintained between the end electrode 52 of the leg portion 51 of the U-shaped terminal 50 and the electrode 61 on the upper surface of the plate-shaped terminal 60. This can be adjusted by the screwing length of the screw joint 44 and the strength of the compression spring 7. As described above, the interlock mechanism in Fig. 2(a) is in an open state and the electrical connector is not connected.

[0020] On the other hand, on the electrical connector side, a part that acts as a switch to press down on the gate-shaped terminal 50 is provided as part of the housing 20 on the electrical connector side. This may be done by integrally forming a pressing part (hereinafter described as a pressing part) 25 within the electrical connector, or by interposing another pressing member to press indirectly. However, when connecting the electrical connector 2, it is necessary that this pressing part 25 be formed in a position that presses against one end (upper surface) of the gate-shaped terminal 50. Note that it is not essential to form it within the electrical connector; it may be provided as a separate switch member from the electrical connector.

[0021] Next, when attempting to connect the electrical connector 2 having the pressing part 25, the pressing part 25 presses against the upper surface of the gate-shaped terminal 50, allowing it to be pushed in against the repulsive force of the compression spring 7. This operation, where the repulsive force is felt while pushing, allows the user to sense by touch that the fastening operation is being performed correctly. The male connector terminal and female connector terminal on the electrical connector side are then connected, and the electrode 52 of the gate-shaped terminal 50 and the electrode 61 of the plate-shaped terminal 60 are brought into contact to connect the interlock mechanism. However, if the assembly is incorrect or the pushing is uncertain, the electrodes 52 and 61 will remain separated due to the repulsive force of the compression spring 7. Therefore, the interlock mechanism cannot be connected, and in such a case, the user will sense that an abnormal condition has occurred. To prepare for such cases, it is possible to make it easier to sense whether the operation is normal or abnormal by using multiple compression springs 7 or by applying a stronger spring force. It is also conceivable to interpose a leaf spring beneath the compression spring so that a clicking sound is emitted when the pushing is complete, adding auditory detection.

[0022] As described above, the interlock is closed as shown in Fig. 2(b). Therefore, when the electrical connector 2 is connected and the interlock mechanism 3 is connected, it is electrically detected and the energization of the electrical connector 2 is permitted. Thus, since it is detected that the electrical connector 2 is also connected when the interlock mechanism is connected, the interlock mechanism of the present invention can also be expected to have an effect of preventing the electrical connector 2 from being forgotten to be attached.

[0023] Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, even if a situation occurs where the shaft line m of the male connector 71 and the shaft line f of the female connector 73 do not coincide with each other in a narrow space and the collision part 78 is hooked and inserted obliquely downward, with the interlock mechanism of the present embodiment, it is only a simple operation of inserting the electrical connector and pushing in the terminals of the interlock mechanism, so there is no need to spend time on the concave-convex fitting of the conventional interlock terminals 76 and 77. Therefore, even in a narrow space, the fastening work can be easily performed and uncertain connections can be prevented.

[0024] Also, the interlock mechanism of the above-described embodiment has a unit structure housed in a housing body (a unit composed of an upper and a lower housing). Therefore, this housing body can be easily incorporated into a power unit such as an inverter. By unitizing the housing, mass production can be achieved and it can also be easily used in other power units, so the range of handling is widened and it becomes convenient.

[0025] As described above, the interlock mechanism of the present invention is normally in an open state because the electrical connector is not connected. However, when trying to connect the electrical connector, the switch of the interlock mechanism is pushed in, and by performing the pushing operation, it is sensed that it is a normal fastening work, and the connector-side interlock terminal and the unit-side interlock terminal can be connected to make it a closed state. Also, if the pushing is uncertain, the interlock terminals are not connected and remain in an open state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the interlock terminals from being accidentally assembled.

[0026] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented with appropriate modifications as needed. For example, the location where the interlock mechanism is applied is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it may also be used for connecting to electric motors or converters, or for connecting to other control units. Furthermore, although this embodiment illustrates an interlock mechanism used in an EV system as an example, the present invention can also be applied to other electrical systems that require an interlock mechanism, such as trains and industrial machinery. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0027] 1: Power unit (inverter) 2: Electrical connector 3: Interlock mechanism 4: Housing body 5: Connector-side interlock terminal 6: Unit-side interlock terminal 7: Elastic components (compression springs) 10: Inverter Case 20: Electrical connector housing 21: First high-voltage connector 22: Second high-voltage connector 23: Low-voltage connector 25: Pressing part 40: Upper housing 41: Tsubabu 42: Lower housing 43: Pillar part 44: Threaded part 50: Gate-type terminal 51: Legs of a gate-type terminal 52: Electrodes of gantry terminals 53: Guide surface of gate-type terminal 60: Plate-shaped terminals 61: Electrodes of plate-shaped terminals 62: Interlocking line 71: Male connector 72: Male connector terminal 73: Female connector 74: Female connector terminal 75: Interlock mechanism 76: Male interlock terminal 77: Female interlock terminal 78: Collision part 80: Engine

Claims

1. An interlock mechanism used to detect whether a power unit and an electrical connector are electrically connected, The housing includes a connector-side interlock terminal and a unit-side interlock terminal. One end of the connector-side interlock terminal is capable of directly or indirectly contacting and pressing a portion of the electrical connector, while the other end is capable of contacting or separating from the unit-side interlock terminal. An interlock mechanism characterized in that at least one elastic member is placed between the connector-side interlock terminal and the unit-side interlock terminal, which acts to separate the other end of the connector-side interlock terminal from the unit-side interlock terminal.

2. An interlock mechanism according to claim 1, The connector-side interlock terminal is a gate-type terminal having a pair of legs. The unit-side interlock terminals are a pair of plate-shaped terminals facing the legs of the gate-shaped terminal, The housing has a column portion into which the legs of the gate-shaped terminal are fitted, An interlock mechanism characterized in that the legs of the gate-shaped terminal are fitted to the column portion of the housing, and the elastic member is placed between the column portion and the gate-shaped terminal, so that the gate-shaped terminal is separated from the plate-shaped terminal by the repulsive force of the elastic member.

3. An interlock mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, An interlock mechanism characterized in that a housing incorporating the interlock mechanism is incorporated within the power unit, and the electrical connector is provided with a pressing portion for pressing one end of the connector-side interlock terminal.

4. An interlock mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, An interlock mechanism characterized in that the elastic member is a spring material.

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