Connector device

Abstract

The connector device's connection point is easily protected from external factors by external loads. [Solution] In the connector device 1, when the charging control unit 200 is connected to the connection part 130, the charging control unit 200, the connection part 130, the cable 120, and the inlet connection part 110 form a charging path configured to transmit power to the vehicle VE0 connected to the inlet connection part 110. The connection part 130 to which the charging control unit 200 is not connected is configured to be electrically connected to an external load EL0 different from the charging control unit 200. When the external load EL0 is electrically connected to the connection part 130, the inlet connection part 110, the cable 120, and the connection part 130 form a power supply path configured to transmit power from the vehicle VE0 connected to the inlet connection part 110 to the external load EL0 connected to the connection part 130.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-211146 discloses an external power supply connector. This external power supply connector includes an external connector body. The external connector body has a gang grip shape. The external connector body is detachably attached to an inlet that doubles as a charging port and a discharging port of a vehicle, and can supply power from the inlet to an external load from the vehicle side. The external connector body has a socket portion to which a plug of an external load is detachable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a conventional connector device having a gang grip shape is attached to an inlet of a vehicle, the socket portion (connection portion) of the connector device is relatively close to the vehicle. When the vehicle is, for example, outdoors, external factors such as dust and water droplets are likely to come into contact with an external load such as an electrical product connected to the connection portion of the connector device. Therefore, depending on the location of the vehicle, the types of external loads that can be powered from the vehicle are limited, and there is a risk that the convenience for the user will be reduced.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a connector device that can easily protect an external load connected to a connection portion from external factors.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A connector device according to a certain aspect of this disclosure comprises a connector unit and a charging control unit. The connector unit includes an inlet connection, a cable, and a connector. The inlet connection is configured to be connectable to a vehicle. The cable extends from the inlet connection. The connector is provided at the end of the cable. The charging control unit is configured to be detachable from the connector. In the connected state, where the charging control unit is connected to the connector, the charging control unit, the connector, the cable, and the inlet connection form a charging path configured to transmit power to a vehicle connected to the inlet connection. In the connected state, the charging control unit is configured to control the current flowing through the charging path. In the connected state, the charging control unit is configured to transmit signals relating to the current flowing through the charging path to a vehicle connected to the inlet connection via the connector, the cable, and the inlet connection. The connector to which the charging control unit is not connected is configured to be electrically connectable to an external load different from the charging control unit. When an external load is electrically connected to the connection, the inlet connection, cable, and connection form a power supply path configured to transmit power from the vehicle connected to the inlet connection to the external load connected to the connection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, external loads connected to the connection can be easily protected from external factors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows a connector device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the configuration of a connector device and a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] A side view of the connection point. [Figure 4] This is a view of the charging control unit from the direction in which the connection parts are connected. [Figure 5]A diagram showing the connector unit with the charging control unit removed, and an external load. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a configuration in which a vehicle and an external load are connected to each other via a connector unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, a connector device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a connector device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the connector device and vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a connector device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be connected to a vehicle VE0. The vehicle VE0 is, for example, an electric vehicle such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

[0012] The specific configuration of vehicle VE0 is not particularly limited, but vehicle VE0 may include, for example, an inlet VE1, a power converter VE2, a battery VE3, and a vehicle control circuit VE4.

[0013] Inlet VE1 includes two AC connection sections VE11 and VE12, and three communication sections VE13, VE14, and VE15.

[0014] The power converter VE2 is electrically connected to the AC connection units VE11 and VE12. The battery VE3 is electrically connected to the power converter VE2. The vehicle control circuit VE4 is electrically connected to the communication units VE13, VE14, and VE15, respectively, via communication lines L3a, L4a, and L5a. Communication line L3a is grounded. The vehicle control circuit VE4 is further electrically connected to the power converter VE2. The vehicle control circuit VE4 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown).

[0015] The connector device 1 will now be described. The connector device 1 comprises a connector unit 100, a charging control unit 200, and an external power supply connection part 300.

[0016] The connector unit 100 includes an inlet connection part 110, a cable 120 (first cable), and a connection part 130.

[0017] The inlet connection section 110 is configured to be connectable to the inlet VE1 of the vehicle VE0. The inlet connection section 110 has a gun grip shape. The inlet connection section 110 includes one end 111, the other end 112, a fitting section 113, a locking section 114, and a user switch 115. The other end 112 is provided on the opposite side of the one end 111. The fitting section 113 and the locking section 114 are each provided on the one end 111. The fitting section 113 is configured to be connectable (fitted) to the inlet VE1. The locking section 114 locks the fitting section 113 when fitted to the inlet VE1. By pressing the user switch 115, the locking section 114 releases the lock between the fitting section 113 and the inlet VE1.

[0018] The inlet connection part 110 further includes a first wiring L1, a second wiring L2, a third wiring L3, a fourth wiring L4, and a fifth wiring L5. The fourth wiring L4 branches from the third wiring L3. The first wiring L1, the second wiring L2, the third wiring L3, the fourth wiring L4, and the fifth wiring L5 are electrically connected to the vehicle VE0 in a state where the fitting part 113 is fitted to the inlet VE1. When the inlet connection part 110 is connected to the inlet VE1, the first wiring L1, the second wiring L2, the third wiring L3, the fourth wiring L4, and the fifth wiring L5 are electrically connected to the AC connection parts VE11, VE12 and the communication parts VE13, VE14, VE15, respectively.

[0019] The inlet connection part 110 further includes a resistance element part 116. The resistance element part 116 includes a resistor R1, a resistor RC, and a switch S1. The resistor R1 and the switch S1 are connected in parallel with each other to form a parallel circuit 116a. The resistor RC is connected in series with the parallel circuit 116a. The resistor RC is arranged between the parallel circuit 116a and the communication part VE14 in a state where the inlet connection part 110 is connected to the inlet VE1.

[0020] The switch S1 is a switch corresponding to the user switch 115. Specifically, when the user switch 115 is operated (pressed), the switch S1 is in an open state, and when the user switch 115 is not operated (pressed), the switch S1 is in a closed state.

[0021] When the inlet connection part 110 is not connected to the inlet VE1, a signal determined only by the configuration of the vehicle control circuit VE4 is generated as the connector connection signal PISW on the communication line L4a. When the inlet connection part 110 is connected to the inlet VE1 and the user switch 115 is in the non-operating state, a signal of the potential determined based on the configuration of the vehicle control circuit VE4 and the resistor RC is generated as the connector connection signal PISW on the communication line L4a. When the inlet connection part 110 is connected to the inlet VE1 and the user switch 115 is in the operating state, a signal of the potential determined based on the configuration of the vehicle control circuit VE4, the resistor R1, and the resistor RC is generated as the connector connection signal PISW on the communication line L4a.

[0022] The cable 120 is a so-called cab tire cable, and has higher durability (for example, waterproofness in rainy weather) when arranged outdoors compared to the cable for home appliances provided in ordinary home appliances. Also, when the cable 120 is in a wound state, when it is unwound from the wound state, or when it is pulled, its durability, and its electrical resistance when a current of 1 A or more and 50 A or less flows are also higher compared to the cable for home appliances.

[0023] The cable 120 extends from the other end 112 of the inlet connection part 110. The cable 120 is fixedly connected to the other end 112. The length of the cable 120 is, for example, 5 m or more and 15 m or less.

[0024] The cable 120 includes an electric wire 121 (first electric wire), a second electric wire 122, a ground communication line 123, a communication conductor 125, a plurality of insulators 126, and an outer casing 127.

[0025] The electric wire 121 is electrically connected to the first wiring L1. The second electric wire 122 is electrically connected to the second wiring L2. The ground communication line 123 is electrically connected to the third wiring L3. The communication conductor 125 is electrically connected to the fifth wiring L5.

[0026] The outer diameter of each of the electric wire 121 and the second electric wire 122 may be 1 mm or more, or 2 mm or more, and may be 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less. The multiple insulators 126 each cover the electric wire 121, the second electric wire 122, the ground communication wire 123, and the communication conductor 125. The outer sheath 127 further covers the multiple insulators 126 integrally. The outer sheath 127 is also called a sheath. The outer sheath 127 is made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride. The thickness of the outer sheath 127 may be, for example, 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and 1.5 mm or more is preferred.

[0027] The connection part 130 is located at the end of the cable 120, on the side opposite to the inlet connection part 110 when viewed from the cable 120.

[0028] Figure 3 is a side view of the connection section. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the connection section 130 includes an electrical plug socket 131 (first electrical plug socket), an electrical terminal 132 (first electrical terminal), a second electrical plug socket 133, a second electrical terminal 134, a grounding plug socket 135, a grounding terminal 136, a communication plug socket 137, and a communication terminal 138. The electrical terminal 132 is provided in the electrical plug socket 131. The second electrical terminal 134 is provided in the second electrical plug socket 133. The grounding terminal 136 is provided in the grounding plug socket 135. The communication terminal 138 is provided in the communication plug socket 137.

[0029] Electric wire 121 is electrically connected to electrical terminal 132. Second electric wire 122 is electrically connected to second electrical terminal 134. Grounding communication wire 123 is electrically connected to grounding terminal 136. Communication conductor 125 is electrically connected to communication terminal 138.

[0030] The charge control unit 200 is also called a CCID (Charge Circuit Interrupt Device). The charge control unit 200 is configured to be detachably connected to the connection part 130. Hereinafter, the state in which the charge control unit 200 is connected to the connection part 130 may be referred to as the "standard connection state". That is, Figure 1 shows the state in which the charge control unit 200 is separated from the connection part 130, and Figure 2 shows the standard connection state.

[0031] Figure 4 is a view of the charging control unit from the direction in which the connection parts are connected. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the charging control unit 200 includes an electrical plug 210 (first electrical plug), a second electrical plug 220, a grounding plug 230, a communication plug 240, a voltage line 250 (first voltage line), a second voltage line 260, a grounding wire 270, an oscillation circuit 280, and a control circuit 290.

[0032] In the standard connection state, the electrical plug 210 is inserted into the electrical plug socket 131 and makes contact with the electrical terminal 132. The second electrical plug 220 is inserted into the second electrical plug socket 133 and makes contact with the second electrical terminal 134 in the standard connection state. The grounding plug 230 is inserted into the grounding plug socket 135 and makes contact with the grounding terminal 136 in the standard connection state. The communication plug 240 is inserted into the communication plug socket 137 and makes contact with the communication terminal 138 in the standard connection state. The communication plug 240 is configured to send a signal from the communication plug 240 to the communication terminal 138 in the standard connection state.

[0033] Voltage line 250 is electrically connected to electrical plug 210. Relay 251 (first relay) is located on voltage line 250. Second voltage line 260 is electrically connected to second electrical plug 220. Second relay 261 is located on second voltage line 260. Grounding wire 270 is electrically connected to grounding plug 230.

[0034] The oscillator circuit 280 is electrically connected to the communication plug 240. The oscillator circuit 280 includes, for example, a switch S2 and a resistor R2. One end of resistor R2 is connected to the communication plug 240. The other end of resistor R2 is connected to switch S2. Details of the operation of the oscillator circuit 280 will be described later.

[0035] The control circuit 290 incorporates, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and controls each device (for example, the oscillator circuit 280) based on the information stored in the memory. The memory includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). Furthermore, the various controls performed by the control circuit 290 are not limited to software processing; they can also be processed by constructing dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0036] The control circuit 290 includes a +12V power supply and an oscillator. Switch S2 is configured to conduct between either the +12V power supply of the control circuit 290 or the oscillator of the control circuit 290 and resistor R2. Details of the operation of the control circuit 290 will be described later.

[0037] The external power connection section 300 extends further from the charging control unit 200. The external power connection section 300 includes an external power plug 310 and a second cable 320. The second cable 320 connects the charging control unit 200 and the external power plug 310 to each other. The external power plug 310 can be connected to an external power outlet (not shown). Note that the connector device 1 does not necessarily have to include the external power connection section 300, and the charging control unit 200 may be incorporated into the external power supply.

[0038] The external power plug 310 includes a first external power terminal, a first external power terminal 311, a second external power terminal 312, and a third external power terminal 313. The first external power terminal 311, the second external power terminal 312, and the third external power terminal 313 are electrically connected to the voltage line 250, the second voltage line 260, and the ground line 270, respectively. The third external power terminal 313 is grounded.

[0039] In this embodiment, the connector device 1 in its standard connection state is connected to the vehicle VE0 and an external power supply, thereby allowing the vehicle VE0 to be charged with power from the external power supply. In the following description of charging, unless otherwise specified, the description refers to the connector device 1 in its standard connection state (see Figure 2).

[0040] The external power connection section 300, the charging control unit 200, the connection section 130, the cable 120, and the inlet connection section 110 form a charging path. The charging path is configured to transmit power from the external power supply connected to the external power connection section 300 to the vehicle VE0 connected to the inlet connection section 110.

[0041] Specifically, the first external power terminal 311, voltage line 250, electrical plug 210, electrical terminal 132, wire 121, and first wiring L1 constitute the first charging path. The second external power terminal 312, second voltage line 260, second electrical plug 220, second electrical terminal 134, second wire 122, and second wiring L2 constitute the second charging path.

[0042] The power converter VE2 can receive AC power through the first and second charging paths, as well as the AC connection units VE11 and VE12. The power converter VE2 converts the supplied AC power into DC power. The power converter VE2 uses the converted DC power to charge the battery VE3.

[0043] The charging control unit 200 is configured to transmit signals regarding the current flowing through the charging path to the vehicle VE0 connected to the inlet connection 110 via the connection 130, cable 120, and inlet connection 110. Specifically, the communication plug 240, communication terminal 138, communication conductor 125, and fifth wiring L5 constitute the respective parts of the communication path. The charging control unit 200 transmits signals to the vehicle VE0 via the communication path.

[0044] The oscillator circuit 280 transmits the pilot signal CPLT to the vehicle control circuit VE4. The potential of the pilot signal CPLT is manipulated by the vehicle control circuit VE4. The pilot signal CPLT is also used as a signal to notify the vehicle control circuit VE4 of the rated current during AC charging from the oscillator circuit 280.

[0045] The control circuit 290 detects the potential of the pilot signal CPLT output by the oscillator circuit 280 and controls the operation of the oscillator circuit 280 based on the detected potential of the pilot signal CPLT. When the inlet connection part 110 is not connected to the inlet VE1, or when the communication terminal 138 and the communication plug 240 are not connected to each other, the control circuit 290 controls switch S2 so that the +12V power supply and resistor R2 become conductive. The control circuit 290 then controls the operation of the oscillator circuit 280 so that the potential is V0 (for example, +12V) and a non-oscillating pilot signal CPLT is output.

[0046] Furthermore, the charging control unit 200 is configured to control the current flowing through the charging path. Specifically, the control circuit 290 controls the opening and closing of relay 251 and second relay 261 based on the potential of the pilot signal CPLT.

[0047] The vehicle control circuit VE4 transmits signals based on the potential of the connector connection signal PISW and the potential of the pilot signal CPLT to the power converter VE2. Based on these signals received from the vehicle control circuit VE4, the power converter VE2 starts the power conversion operation described above.

[0048] In this embodiment, the connector device 1 can also be used as a connector for power supply from the vehicle VE0, after being removed from the charging control unit 200.

[0049] Figure 5 shows the connector unit with the charging control unit removed, and the external load. Figure 6 shows the configuration in which the vehicle and the external load are connected to each other via the connector unit.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the connection section 130, to which the charging control unit 200 is not connected, is configured to be electrically connectable to an external load EL0 different from the charging control unit 200. The external load EL0 is not particularly limited, but may be an electrical appliance used by the user in their home, such as a coffee maker, outdoor light, or rice cooker. In the following description, a load connection state will be described in which the connector unit 100 is connected to the vehicle VE0 and the external load EL0 is electrically connected to the connection section 130.

[0051] The external load EL0 comprises an AC plug EL1, an external cable EL2, and an external load body EL3. The external cable EL2 connects the AC plug EL1 and the external load body EL3 to each other. The AC plug EL1 includes a first external electrical plug EL11, a second external electrical plug EL12, and an external grounding plug EL13.

[0052] The AC plug EL1 is inserted into the electrical plug socket 131 and makes contact with the electrical terminal 132. More specifically, the first external electrical plug EL11 is inserted into the electrical plug socket 131 and makes contact with the electrical terminal 132. The second external electrical plug EL12 is inserted into the second electrical plug socket 133 and makes contact with the second electrical terminal 134. The external grounding plug EL13 is inserted into the grounding plug socket 135 and makes contact with the grounding terminal 136.

[0053] In the load-connected state, the inlet connection part 110, the cable 120, and the connection part 130 form a power supply path configured to transmit power from the vehicle VE0 connected to the inlet connection part 110 to the external load EL0 connected to the connection part 130.

[0054] Specifically, the first wiring L1, the electric wire 121, and the electrical terminal 132 constitute the first power supply path. The second wiring L2, the second electric wire 122, and the second electrical terminal 134 constitute the second power supply path. The communication terminal 138 is not electrically connected to the external load EL0. That is, in the load-connected state, the pilot signal CPLT does not flow through the communication line L5a.

[0055] The power converter VE2 converts the DC power supplied from the battery VE3 into AC power. The power converter VE2 then supplies the AC power to the external load unit EL3 via the first power supply path, the second power supply path, and the AC plug EL1 and external cable EL2.

[0056] The vehicle control circuit VE4 transmits a signal to the power converter VE2 based on the potential of the connector connection signal PISW and the fact that it has not received the pilot signal CPLT. Based on the signal received from the vehicle control circuit VE4, the power converter VE2 starts the power conversion operation described above.

[0057] As described above, a connector device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a connector unit 100 and a charging control unit 200. The connector unit 100 includes an inlet connection portion 110, a cable 120, and a connection portion 130. The inlet connection portion 110 is configured to be connectable to a vehicle VE0. The cable 120 extends from the inlet connection portion 110. The connection portion 130 is provided at the end of the cable 120. The charging control unit 200 is configured to be detachably connected to the connection portion 130. In the connected state, where the charging control unit 200 is connected to the connection portion 130, the charging control unit 200, the connection portion 130, the cable 120, and the inlet connection portion 110 form a charging path configured to transmit power to the vehicle VE0 connected to the inlet connection portion 110. In the connected state, the charging control unit 200 is configured to control the current flowing through the charging path. In the connected state, the charging control unit 200 is configured to transmit signals regarding the current flowing through the charging path to the vehicle VE0 connected to the inlet connection part 110 via the connection part 130, the cable 120, and the inlet connection part 110. The connection part 130 to which the charging control unit 200 is not connected is configured to be electrically connected to an external load EL0 different from the charging control unit 200. When the external load EL0 is electrically connected to the connection part 130, the inlet connection part 110, the cable 120, and the connection part 130 form a power supply path configured to transmit power from the vehicle VE0 connected to the inlet connection part 110 to the external load EL0 connected to the connection part 130.

[0058] According to the above configuration, the connector device 1 used for charging the vehicle VE0 can also be used as a connector for supplying power from the vehicle VE0 to the external load EL0. The connection part 130 to which the external load EL0 is connected is connected to the inlet connection part 110 via the cable 120. This increases the flexibility of the placement location of the connection part 130. For example, the connection part 130 can be placed in an environment with fewer external factors such as dust and water droplets. By connecting the external load EL0 to the connection part 130 placed in such an environment, the external load EL0 can be easily protected from external factors.

[0059] In this embodiment, the cable 120 includes a power wire 121, a communication conductor 125, a plurality of insulators 126, and an outer casing 127. The power wire 121 is electrically connected to an electrical terminal 132. The communication conductor 125 is electrically connected to a communication terminal 138. The plurality of insulators 126 each cover the power wire 121 and the communication conductor 125. The outer casing 127 further covers the plurality of insulators 126 integrally.

[0060] According to the above configuration, the more durable and expensive cable 120 (compared to, for example, the external cable EL2) can be repurposed as a power supply cable. This improves convenience for users who power the vehicle VE0.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of the cable 120 is 5m or more and 15m or less. Having a cable length of 5m or more further improves the flexibility of the placement of the connection part 130, and makes it easier to protect the external load EL0 connected to the connection part 130 from external factors. Also, having a cable length of 15m or less helps to prevent the cable 120 from becoming difficult to handle.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the combinatable configurations may be combined with each other.

[0063] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Connector device, 100 Connector unit, 110 Inlet connection part, 111 One end, 112 Other end, 113 Mating part, 114 Locking part, 115 User switch, 116 Resistor element part, 116a Parallel circuit, 120 Cable, 121 Electric wire, 122 Second electric wire, 123 Grounding communication wire, 125 Communication conductor, 126 Multiple insulators, 127 Outer casing, 130 Connection part, 131 Electrical plug socket, 132 Electrical terminal, 133 Second electrical plug socket, 134 Second electrical terminal, 135 Grounding plug socket, 136 Grounding terminal, 137 Communication plug socket, 138 Communication terminal, 200 Charging control unit, 210 Electrical plug, 220 Second electrical plug, 230 Grounding plug, 240 Communication plug, 250 Voltage line, 251 Relay, 260 Second voltage line, 261 Second relay, 270 Grounding wire, 280 Oscillator circuit, 290 Control circuit, 300 External power connection, 310 External power plug, 311 First external power terminal, 312 Second external power terminal, 313 Third external power terminal, 320 Second cable, EL0 External load, EL1 AC plug, EL2 External cable, EL3 External load body, EL11 First external electrical plug, EL12 Second external electrical plug, EL13 External grounding plug, L1 First wiring, L2 Second wiring, L3 Third wiring, L4 Fourth wiring, L5 Fifth wiring, L3a, L4a, L5a Communication line, R1, R2, RC Resistor, S1, S2 Switch, VE0 Vehicle, VE1 Inlet, VE2 Power converter, VE3 Battery, VE4 Vehicle control circuit, VE11, VE12 AC connection section, VE13, VE14, VE15 communication section.

Claims

1. A connector device, Connector unit and Equipped with a charging control unit, The connector unit includes an inlet connection part, a cable, and a connection part. The inlet connection section is configured to be connectable to a vehicle. The cable extends from the inlet connection, The aforementioned connection part is provided at the end of the cable, The charging control unit is configured to be detachable from the connection part, In the connected state in which the charging control unit is connected to the connection part, the charging control unit, the connection part, the cable, and the inlet connection part form a charging path configured to supply power to the vehicle connected to the inlet connection part. In the aforementioned connection state, the charging control unit is configured to control the current flowing through the charging path. In the aforementioned connection state, the charging control unit is configured to transmit a signal relating to the current flowing through the charging path to the vehicle connected to the inlet connection via the connection part, the cable, and the inlet connection part. The connection portion to which the charging control unit is not connected is configured to be electrically connectable to an external load different from the charging control unit. A connector device wherein, when the external load is electrically connected to the connection portion, the inlet connection portion, the cable, and the connection portion form a power supply path configured to transmit power from the vehicle connected to the inlet connection portion to the external load connected to the connection portion.

2. The aforementioned connection section includes an electrical plug socket, electrical terminals, a communication plug socket, and communication terminals. The aforementioned electrical terminal is provided in the electrical plug socket, The aforementioned communication terminal is provided in the aforementioned communication plug socket, The charging control unit includes an electrical plug and a communication plug. In the connected state, the electrical plug is inserted into the electrical plug socket, contacts the electrical terminals, and together with the electrical terminals, constitutes a part of the charging path. The communication plug is configured such that, in the connected state, it is inserted into the communication plug socket, makes contact with the communication terminal, and transmits the signal from the communication plug to the communication terminal. In the load-connected state, where the external load is electrically connected to the connection part, the electrical plug socket is used when an AC plug provided on the external load is inserted into the external load. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical terminals, in the load-connected state, are in contact with the AC plug and constitute a part of the power supply path.

3. The cable includes an electric wire, a communication conductor, a plurality of insulators, and an outer casing. The aforementioned wire is electrically connected to the aforementioned electrical terminal. The communication conductor is electrically connected to the communication terminal. Each of the aforementioned plurality of insulators covers the electric wire and the communication conductor, The connector device according to claim 2, wherein the outer casing further integrally covers the plurality of insulators.

4. The connector device according to claim 3, wherein the length of the cable is 5 m or more and 15 m or less.

5. The charging control unit further includes a voltage line, an oscillation circuit, and a control circuit. The aforementioned voltage line constitutes a part of the charging path, The aforementioned voltage line includes a relay, The oscillator circuit transmits the pilot signal as the signal, The connector device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control circuit controls the opening and closing of the relay based on the potential of the pilot signal.

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