Charging connector

Abstract

To provide a charging connector that can improve ease of assembly. [Solution] A charging connector comprising a housing having a mating portion with an opening into which a mating charging connector can be fitted, and a cover 5 that closes the opening, wherein the cover 5 has a closing portion 47 that closes the opening, and a cylindrical portion 49 that extends cylindrically from the closing portion 47 toward the mating portion and is inserted into the mating portion in close contact with it, and the tip of the cylindrical portion 49 is open and a slit 53 is provided that extends along the insertion direction of the cylindrical portion 49 toward the mating portion.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a charging connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a charging connector, there is known one including a housing having a socket portion as a fitting portion in which a width dimension into which a mating charging connector can be fitted is formed, and a cap as a cover for closing the width dimension (see Patent Document 1). In this charging connector, the cap has a closing portion for closing the width dimension and a cylindrical portion that extends cylindrically from the closing portion toward the socket portion and is inserted into the socket portion. In such a charging connector, when the socket portion is not in use, the width dimension is closed with the cap so that the mating charging connector is not fitted into the socket portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a charging connector such as that of Patent Document 1 above, there is one in which the cylindrical portion of the cover is inserted in close contact with the fitting portion. By inserting the cylindrical portion in close contact with the fitting portion, the cover can be held by the housing. However, in such a charging connector, when the cylindrical portion is inserted into the fitting portion, the cylindrical portion and the fitting portion slide while being in close contact with each other, so the insertion force is high and the assembly property of the cover with respect to the housing is deteriorated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art. And an object of the present invention is to provide a charging connector capable of improving the assembly property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The charging connector according to this embodiment comprises a housing having a mating portion with an opening into which a mating charging connector can be fitted, and a cover that closes the opening, wherein the cover has a closing portion that closes the opening, and a cylindrical portion that extends cylindrically from the closing portion toward the mating portion and is inserted into the mating portion in close contact, and the tip of the cylindrical portion is open and a slit is provided that extends along the direction in which the cylindrical portion is inserted toward the mating portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charging connector that can improve ease of assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the charging connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the housing of the charging connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the housing of the charging connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the cover of the charging connector according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a rear view of the charging connector cover according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged side view of the main part of the cylindrical portion of the cover of the charging connector according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The charging connector according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the charging connector 1 according to this embodiment is applied to a vehicle charging unit provided in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The charging connector 1 is electrically connected to a power source (not shown), such as a battery or storage battery mounted on the vehicle. The charging connector 1 charges the power source by mating with a mating charging connector (not shown) provided on the power supply equipment.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the charging connector 1 comprises a housing 3 and a cover 5.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the housing 3 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The housing 3 has an outer wall 7 that extends in a cylindrical shape along the mating direction with the mating charging connector. Inside the outer wall 7, there is a mating portion 9 into which the mating charging connector can be fitted. The mating portion 9 has a mating outer wall 11 that extends in a cylindrical shape along the mating direction with the mating charging connector. The opening on the mating surface side of the mating outer wall 11 is an opening 13 into which the mating charging connector is inserted.

[0013] Here, the mating charging connector includes a standard charging connector (not shown) that charges the power supply over a normal period of time and a rapid charging connector (not shown) that charges the power supply over a short period of time. For this reason, the inside of the mating outer wall 11 of the housing 3 is divided into a standard mating portion 15 that can be mated with the standard charging connector and a rapid mating portion 17 that can be mated with the rapid charging connector. The opening formed between the outer wall 7 of the housing 3 and the mating outer wall 11 is closed by a decorative cover 19 that is assembled to the housing 3 via an engaging portion.

[0014] The standard mating portion 15 is positioned at the top inside the mating outer wall 11. The opening 13 of the standard mating portion 15 is a standard opening 21 into which a standard charging connector can be inserted. Inside the standard mating portion 15, a standard inner wall 23 is formed, extending in a cylindrical shape along the mating direction with the standard charging connector. Inside the standard inner wall 23, a plurality (seven in this case) of standard terminal housing chambers 25 are formed, extending in a cylindrical shape along the mating direction with the standard charging connector. The standard terminal housing chambers 25 are open on both sides in the longitudinal direction. The opening on one side in the longitudinal direction of the standard terminal housing chamber 25 is a connection opening into which the mating terminal (not shown) of the standard charging connector is inserted when the standard charging connector is mated to the standard mating portion 15. The opening on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the standard terminal housing chamber 25 is an insertion opening into which a terminal (not shown) for standard charging can be inserted into the standard terminal housing chamber 25. Terminals for standard charging are housed inside each of the plurality of standard terminal housing chambers 25 through their respective insertion openings.

[0015] The terminal for normal charging is electrically connected to the end of a wire (not shown) that is electrically connected to the power supply. The terminal for normal charging is electrically connected to the mating terminal of the normal charging connector when the normal charging connector is mated to the normal mating part 15. Due to the electrical connection between the terminal for normal charging and the mating terminal, the power supply is charged from the power supply equipment in a normal amount of time.

[0016] The rapid fitting portion 17 is disposed below inside the fitting outer wall 11. The frontage 13 of the rapid fitting portion 17 forms a rapid frontage 27 into which the rapid charging connector can be inserted. Inside the rapid fitting portion 17, a rapid inner wall 29 extending cylindrically along the fitting direction with the rapid charging connector is formed. Inside the rapid inner wall 29, a plurality (here, two) of rapid terminal accommodating chambers 31 extending cylindrically along the fitting direction with the rapid charging connector are formed. The rapid terminal accommodating chambers 31 are open at both sides in the length direction. The opening at one side in the length direction of the rapid terminal accommodating chamber 31 becomes a connection opening into which the mating terminal (not shown) of the rapid charging connector is inserted when the rapid charging connector is fitted to the rapid fitting portion 17. The opening at the other side in the length direction of the rapid terminal accommodating chamber 31 becomes an insertion opening into which a terminal for rapid charging (not shown) can be inserted into the rapid terminal accommodating chamber 31. Inside the plurality of rapid terminal accommodating chambers 31, terminals for rapid charging are respectively accommodated from the insertion openings.

[0017] The terminal for rapid charging is electrically connected to the terminal portion of an electric wire (not shown) electrically connected to the power source. When the rapid charging connector is fitted to the rapid fitting portion 17, the terminal for rapid charging is electrically connected to the mating terminal of the rapid charging connector. Through the electrical connection between the terminal for rapid charging and the mating terminal, the power source is charged from the power supply facility in a short time.

[0018] Note that the terminals for normal charging and rapid charging accommodated in the housing 3 are held in the housing 3 by a rear holder (not shown) assembled to the housing 3, but the housing 3 may be provided with locking lances engaged with the terminals.

[0019] The housing 3 is provided with a holding portion 33 that holds the cover 5 to the housing 3. The holding portion 33 is provided between the outer wall 7 and the fitting outer wall 11, and is disposed between the normal frontage 21 and the rapid frontage 27. An opening is provided in the portion of the design cover 19 where the holding portion 33 is located. The holding portion 33 is provided with a pair of elastically deformable locking pieces 35, 35 spaced apart in the height direction of the housing 3 and extending along the fitting direction with the mating charging connector. The free ends of the pair of locking pieces 35, 35 are exposed from the frontage 13 (design cover 19). Each of the pair of locking pieces 35, 35 is provided with a through hole 37 penetrating in the height direction of the housing 3. The opening edge of the end portion exposed from the frontage 13 of the through hole 37 serves as an engaged portion.

[0020] The charging connector 1 having the normal fitting portion 15 and the rapid fitting portion 17 in the housing 3 may not use the rapid fitting portion 17 when applied to a vehicle not equipped with a large-capacity power source, for example. Therefore, the rapid frontage 27 of the rapid fitting portion 17 is blocked by the cover 5.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 to 7, the cover 5 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin, for example. The cover 5 is provided with a cable 39 formed of a member having one end continuous with the cover 5. A fixing portion 41 is provided at the other end of the cable 39 by a member continuous with the cable 39. The fixing portion 41 is provided with an insertion portion 43 that can be inserted into the pair of locking pieces 35, 35 of the holding portion 33 of the housing 3. On the outer surfaces of the insertion portion 43 facing the pair of locking pieces 35, 35, engaging portions 45 protruding toward the pair of locking pieces 35, 35 are provided respectively. The engaging portion 45 is engaged with the engaged portion of the through hole 37 of the locking piece 35 in a state where the fixing portion 41 is assembled to the holding portion 33. By the engagement between the engaging portion 45 and the engaged portion, the fixing portion 41 is held by the holding portion 33. By holding the fixing portion 41 by the holding portion 33, the cover 5 can be held to the housing 3 via the cable 39 even when the cover 5 is not disposed at the rapid frontage 27. The cover 5 includes a closing portion 47 and a cylindrical portion 49.

[0022] The closing portion 47 is formed in a flat plate shape extending along a planar direction parallel to the rapid opening 27. The closing portion 47 is set to a size that can cover the end face of the fitting outer wall 11 where the rapid opening 27 is located. The closing portion 47 closes the rapid opening 27 when the cover 5 is assembled to the housing 3. The surface of the closing portion 47 is provided with a gripping portion 51 for, for example, a worker to grasp. The back surface of the closing portion 47 is provided with a cylindrical portion 49.

[0023] Multiple (in this case, two) cylindrical sections 49 are provided in the closing section 47 to correspond to multiple (in this case, two) rapid terminal housing chambers 31. The cylindrical section 49 extends cylindrically from the closing section 47 toward the rapid terminal housing chambers 31 as a single continuous member with the closing section 47. The cylindrical section 49 is inclined so that its diameter is slightly smaller towards the tip than towards the closing section 47 in order to facilitate insertion into the rapid terminal housing chambers 31. A tapered surface is formed at the tip of the cylindrical section 49 to facilitate insertion into the rapid terminal housing chambers 31. The outer diameter of the cylindrical section 49 is set to be the same as the inner diameter of the rapid terminal housing chambers 31. The cylindrical section 49 is inserted into the rapid terminal housing chambers 31 with the cover 5 assembled to the housing 3. At this time, since the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 49 and the inner diameter of the rapid terminal housing chamber 31 are set to be equal, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 49 is pressed tightly against the inner surface of the rapid terminal housing chamber 31. The tight contact between the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 49 and the inner surface of the rapid terminal housing chamber 31 allows the cover 5 to be held in the housing 3.

[0024] Since the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 49 is set to be the same as the inner diameter of the rapid terminal housing chamber 31, the insertion force required when inserting the cylindrical portion 49 into the rapid terminal housing chamber 31 is high, which reduces the ease of assembly. Therefore, a slit 53 is provided in the cylindrical portion 49.

[0025] The slit 53 is an opening at the tip of the cylindrical portion 49 and extends along the insertion direction of the cylindrical portion 49 into the rapid terminal housing chamber 31. By providing the slit 53 in the cylindrical portion 49, the cylindrical portion 49 can be elastically deformed to reduce its outer diameter. As a result, the insertion force of the cylindrical portion 49 into the rapid terminal housing chamber 31 can be reduced by the elastic deformation of the cylindrical portion 49, thereby improving assembly. The width of the slit 53 is set to gradually widen towards the opening. As a result, the tip side of the cylindrical portion 49 is more elastically deformable, making it easier to insert the tip of the cylindrical portion 49 into the rapid terminal housing chamber 31, further improving assembly. The bottom portion 55 of the slit 53, located on the opposite side of the opening of the slit 53, is positioned near the middle of the cylindrical portion 49 in the longitudinal direction, closer to the tip of the cylindrical portion 49 than the closing portion 47. By positioning the bottom portion 55 of the slit 53 near the middle of the cylindrical portion 49, the rigidity of the cylindrical portion 49 on the closing portion 47 side can be increased, thereby maintaining the shape of the cylindrical portion 49. Therefore, the airtightness between the closure portion 47 of the cylindrical portion 49 and the rapid terminal housing chamber 31 can be stabilized, and the cover 5 can be stably held in the housing 3.

[0026] Multiple slits (two in this case) are provided in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 49. The spacing between adjacent slits 53, 53 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 49 is set differently. Here, as shown in Figure 6, the spacing on the right side is set narrower than the spacing on the left side. By making the spacing between adjacent slits 53, 53 different, it is possible to create differences in elastic deformation in the circumferential parts of the cylindrical portion 49. For example, in the circumferential part of the cylindrical portion 49, the part on the right side of Figure 6 is more elastically deformable than the part on the left side of Figure 6. By creating differences in the elastic deformation of the cylindrical portion 49, it is possible to adjust the insertion force, such as applying an appropriate insertion force, and further improve assembly ease.

[0027] Multiple (two in this case) press-fit ribs 57 are provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 49, which has a slit 53, and are press-fitted into the inner surface of the rapid terminal housing chamber 31. The press-fit ribs 57 protrude from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 49 and extend from the closed portion 47 toward the tip of the cylindrical portion 49 along the insertion direction of the cylindrical portion 49. A tapered surface is formed at the tip of the press-fit rib 57 in the insertion direction to facilitate insertion into the rapid terminal housing chamber 31. The press-fit ribs 57 are positioned close to the slit 53 at different positions in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 49 with respect to the slit 53. By providing press-fit ribs 57 on the cylindrical portion 49, the press-fitting of the cylindrical portion 49 into the rapid terminal housing chamber 31 can be strengthened, and the cover 5 can be stably held in the housing 3. In addition, by positioning the press-fit ribs 57 close to the slit 53, the rigidity of the elastically deformable part of the cylindrical portion 49 can be increased, and the shape of the cylindrical portion 49 can be stably maintained.

[0028] Such a charging connector 1 includes a housing 3 having a mating portion 9 with an opening 13 into which a mating charging connector can be fitted, and a cover 5 that closes the opening 13. The cover 5 also has a closing portion 47 that closes the opening 13, and a cylindrical portion 49 that extends cylindrically from the closing portion 47 toward the mating portion 9 and is inserted into the mating portion 9 in close contact. The tip of the cylindrical portion 49 is open and has a slit 53 that extends along the direction in which the cylindrical portion 49 is inserted into the mating portion 9.

[0029] By providing a slit 53 in the cylindrical portion 49, the cylindrical portion 49 can be elastically deformed to change its diameter. As a result, the elastic deformation of the cylindrical portion 49 reduces the insertion force of the cylindrical portion 49 into the fitting portion 9, thereby improving ease of assembly.

[0030] Therefore, such a charging connector 1 can improve ease of assembly.

[0031] Furthermore, the width of the slit 53 is set to gradually increase towards the opening.

[0032] Therefore, the tip of the cylindrical portion 49 is more elastically deformable, making it easier to insert the tip of the cylindrical portion 49 into the fitting portion 9, and further improving ease of assembly.

[0033] Furthermore, the bottom portion 55 of the slit 53, located on the opposite side of the opening, is positioned closer to the tip of the cylindrical portion 49 than the closing portion 47.

[0034] Therefore, the rigidity of the closed portion 47 side of the cylindrical portion 49 can be increased to maintain the shape of the cylindrical portion 49, the tightness between the closed portion 47 side of the cylindrical portion 49 and the fitting portion 9 can be stabilized, and the cover 5 can be stably held in the housing 3.

[0035] Furthermore, multiple slits 53 are provided in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 49. The spacing between adjacent slits 53, 53 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 49 is set to be different.

[0036] By varying the spacing between adjacent slits 53, 53, differences in elastic deformation can be introduced in the circumferential portion of the cylindrical section 49. This allows for adjustment of the insertion force, such as applying an appropriate insertion force, and further improves ease of assembly.

[0037] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 49 is provided with press-fit ribs 57 that are press-fitted into the fitting portion 9.

[0038] Therefore, the press-fitting of the cylindrical portion 49 into the mating portion 9 can be strengthened, and the cover 5 can be stably held in the housing 3.

[0039] Furthermore, the press-fit ribs 57 are positioned close to the slit 53 at different circumferential positions of the cylindrical portion 49 relative to the slit 53.

[0040] Therefore, the rigidity of the elastically deformable portion of the cylindrical portion 49 can be increased, and the shape of the cylindrical portion 49 can be stably maintained.

[0041] Although this embodiment has been described above, this embodiment is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this embodiment.

[0042] For example, in the charging connector of this embodiment, the cylindrical portion is inserted into the rapid terminal housing chamber of the rapid mating portion, but it is not limited to this, and the rapid inner wall of the rapid mating portion may be inserted into the cylindrical portion. In this case, press-fit ribs can be provided on the inner surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0043] Furthermore, although two slits are provided, the design is not limited to this, and three or more slits may be provided. Similarly, although two press-fit ribs are provided, the design is not limited to this, and three or more press-fit ribs may be provided, and the number of press-fit ribs does not have to be the same as the number of slits.

[0044] Furthermore, while the cover has the cable integrated into it, it is not limited to this; the cover may be assembled to the housing without the cable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1. Charging connector 3 Housing 5 Cover 9. Fitting part 13 Frontage 47 Occlusion 49 Cylinder part 53 Slits 55 Bottom 57 Press-fit ribs

Claims

1. A housing having a mating portion with an opening formed therein into which a mating charging connector can be mated, A cover that closes the aforementioned opening, Equipped with, The cover has a closing portion that closes the opening and a cylindrical portion that extends cylindrically from the closing portion toward the fitting portion and is inserted into the fitting portion in close contact with it. The charging connector has a cylindrical portion, the tip of which is open, and a slit extending along the direction in which the cylindrical portion is inserted into the fitting portion.

2. The charging connector according to claim 1, wherein the width of the slit is set to gradually increase toward the opening.

3. The charging connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom portion of the slit, located on the opposite side of the opening, is positioned closer to the tip of the cylindrical portion than the closing portion.

4. Multiple slits are provided in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion. The charging connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adjacent slits are set to be spaced differently in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

5. The charging connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cylindrical portion is provided with a press-fit rib that is press-fitted into the fitting portion.

6. The charging connector according to claim 5, wherein the press-fit ribs are arranged in close proximity to the slit at different positions in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion with respect to the slit.

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