Charging device

Abstract

To propose a charging device which is installed on the ground and performs charging of a vehicle from under the vehicle through a charging connector and can inhibit temperature rise of the charging connector.SOLUTION: A charging connector of a charging device according to the disclosure includes: a first portion including an electrode plug for electrically connecting with a vehicle; and a second portion which is located on the ground side relative to the first portion and includes an electrode for electrically connecting with the electrode plug and transmitting electric power to the electrode plug. The second portion further includes: an insulation case which covers and holds the electrode; a metal plate which contacts with the insulation case at the ground side; and a heat conduction plate which contacts with the insulation case and the metal plate. The heat conduction plate has heat conductivity larger than that of the insulation case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been progress in the development of charging devices that charge vehicles with a charging connector connection on the bottom surface of the vehicle through a charging connector from below the vehicle. This type of charging device makes it easier to align the charging connector when connecting it to the vehicle compared to the currently mainstream charging devices in which the connection is provided on the side of the vehicle. For this reason, this type of charging device is expected to become a technology for charging vehicles without requiring human labor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device that can be employed to charge the battery of an electric vehicle and can be adapted to charge from the underside of the vehicle. The charging device includes a first component including a contact element and a second component including a coupling element. Here, the contact element of the first component can be electrically connected to the coupling element of the second component. The first component further includes a base and an arm disposed on the base. The arm is configured to move around or along multiple axes to guide the contact element to the coupling element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0164758 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When charging using a charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector, the charging connector is located between the ground and the vehicle. In addition, since the connection part of the charging connector is on the bottom surface of the vehicle, changes in the load on the vehicle, etc., can increase the contact resistance and Joule heat.

[0006] In this manner, the charging connector is placed in an environment where the temperature is likely to rise, which may result in the charging connector reaching an abnormally high temperature that may not guarantee the performance or reliability of the charging device.

[0007] Conventionally, it has been considered to cool the charging device by additionally providing a cooling device. However, when attempting to perform rapid charging or charging in a bad environment, the device becomes large in size in order to provide a sufficient cooling function. For this reason, further technology is required to suppress the temperature rise of the charging connector.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a charging device capable of suppressing a rise in temperature of a charging connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The charging device according to the first disclosure is a charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector. The charging connector of this charging device includes a first portion including an electrode plug for electrically connecting to the vehicle, and a second portion that is on the ground side of the first portion and includes an electrode for electrically connecting to the electrode plug and transmitting power to the electrode plug. The second portion further includes an insulating case that covers and holds the electrode, a metal plate that contacts the insulating case on the ground side, and a heat conductive plate that contacts the insulating case and the metal plate. Here, the heat conductive plate has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating case.

[0010] The charging device according to the second disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the first disclosure. The insulating case is made of resin, and the heat conductive plate is made of metal.

[0011] The charging device according to the third disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the first or second disclosure. The heat conductive plate is in contact with the side surface of the insulating case.

[0012] The charging device according to the fourth disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the first or second disclosure. The heat conductive plate is press-fitted into the insulating case so as to be located near the electrodes. The metal plate is disposed so as to close the press-fit opening of the insulating case into which the heat conductive plate is press-fitted, and is in contact with the heat conductive plate at the press-fit opening.

[0013] The charging device according to the fifth disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the fourth disclosure. The thermally conductive plate is a leaf spring that is in partial contact with the insulating case.

[0014] The charging device according to the sixth disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the fifth disclosure. The heat conductive plate is a corrugated leaf spring.

[0015] The charging device according to the seventh disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the fifth disclosure. The thermal conductive plate is an L-shaped leaf spring whose bending angle is not a right angle.

[0016] The charging device according to the eighth disclosure is a charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector. The charging connector of this charging device includes a first portion including an electrode plug for electrically connecting to the vehicle, and a second portion that is on the ground side of the first portion and includes an electrode for electrically connecting to the electrode plug and transmitting power to the electrode plug. The first portion further includes an insulating case that covers and holds the electrode plug, a metal plate that contacts the insulating case on the vehicle side, and a heat conductive plate that contacts the insulating case and the metal plate. Here, the heat conductive plate has a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating case.

[0017] The charging device according to the ninth disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the eighth disclosure. The insulating case is made of resin, and the heat conductive plate is made of metal.

[0018] The charging device according to the tenth disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the eighth or ninth disclosure. The thermally conductive plate is press-fitted into the insulating case so as to be located near the electrode plug. The metal plate is disposed so as to close the press-fit opening of the insulating case into which the thermally conductive plate is press-fitted, and is in contact with the thermally conductive plate at the press-fit opening.

[0019] The charging device according to the eleventh disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the tenth disclosure. The thermally conductive plate is a leaf spring that is in partial contact with the insulating case.

[0020] The charging device according to the twelfth disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the eleventh disclosure. The heat conductive plate is a corrugated leaf spring.

[0021] The charging device according to the thirteenth disclosure further includes the following features compared to the charging device according to the eleventh disclosure. The thermal conductive plate is an L-shaped leaf spring whose bending angle is not a right angle. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the charging device of the present disclosure, the second part or the first part of the charging connector includes a thermally conductive plate in contact with the insulating case and the metal plate. This allows heat from the electrode or electrode plug to be transferred to the metal plate by the thermally conductive plate through the insulating case. As a result, the temperature rise of the charging connector can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a charging device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging connector according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which the thermally conductive plate is a corrugated leaf spring in the charging connector according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a case in which a thermally conductive plate is bent into an L-shape without being bent at a right angle in a charging connector according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging connector according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of a charging connector according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for illustrating the configuration of a charging connector according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a graph showing a comparison result of the temperature of the charging connector during charging in a normal usage environment for a charging device including a conventional charging connector and charging device 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a graph showing a comparison result of the temperature of the charging connector during charging in a hostile environment, between a charging device including a conventional charging connector and charging device 100 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, when the number, quantity, amount, range, etc. of each element is mentioned in the embodiments shown below, the idea of ​​the present disclosure is not limited to the mentioned number unless it is specifically stated or the number is clearly specified in principle. Furthermore, the configurations etc. described in the embodiments shown below are not necessarily essential to the idea of ​​the present disclosure unless it is specifically stated or the number is clearly specified in principle. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the same or corresponding parts in each drawing, and the duplicated explanation is appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0025] 1.Charging device The charging device according to this embodiment is a device that charges a vehicle via a charging connector from below the vehicle. Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the charging device 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a case where a vehicle 200 is charged by the charging device 100. Here, Fig. 1(A) shows a state where a charging connector 110 is not connected to the vehicle 200, and Fig. 1(B) shows a state where the charging connector 110 is connected to the vehicle 200.

[0026] The charging device 100 is installed on the ground 1 (on the ground). However, the charging device 100 may be configured to be able to change its orientation and move on the ground 1. For example, the charging device 100 has a plurality of drive wheels, and changes its orientation and moves on the ground 1 by appropriately operating the drive wheels. In this case, the charging device 100 may change its orientation and move on the ground 1 autonomously. In other words, the charging device 100 may have a control device, and the control device may control the change in orientation of the charging device 100 and its movement on the ground 1 based on information acquired by a sensor or communication.

[0027] The charging device 100 is connected to the power supply device 2 via a power cable 120. In addition, a charging connector 110 is provided at one end of the power cable 120.

[0028] Power cable 120 is a cable that transmits power supplied from power supply device 2. Power cable 120 may have an appropriate configuration depending on the expected power. Charging connector 110 is a connector for electrically connecting charging device 100 and vehicle 200. The configuration of charging connector 110 will be described in detail later.

[0029] The power supply device 2 is a device that supplies a predetermined power. For example, it supplies DC power with a rated output of 50 kW and a maximum output voltage of 500 V, or AC power with a rated output of 3.6 kW and a single-phase 200 V. The power supply device 2 typically has a configuration for controlling the power it supplies. For example, it includes a power conversion circuit, a control device, an HMI (Human Machine Interface), and the like. However, the power supply device 2 may be a power source that outputs a constant voltage. For example, it may be a commercial power source with an output voltage of 200 V.

[0030] 1(B), charging device 100 and vehicle 200 are electrically connected to each other by connecting charging connector 110 to charging inlet 210 provided in vehicle 200. Charging device 100 includes a connection operation mechanism 130 for moving charging connector 110 and connecting it to charging inlet 210.

[0031] In (B) of FIG. 1, an arm mechanism is shown as the connection operation mechanism 130. In this case, the arm connected to the charging connector 110 is operated to connect the charging connector 110 to the charging inlet 210. The connection operation mechanism 130 may be another mechanism. For example, it may be a mechanism that employs a telescopic structure. Note that the operation of the connection operation mechanism 130 is typically controlled by a control device provided in the charging device 100.

[0032] When charging vehicle 200 using charging device 100, first, charging device 100 and charging inlet 210 are placed facing each other as shown in Fig. 1(A). However, the positional relationship between charging device 100 and charging inlet 210 is such that charging connector 110 can be connected to charging inlet 210 within the operating range of connection operation mechanism 130. This is typically achieved by charging device 100 changing its orientation and moving on ground 1 according to the position of parked vehicle 200. Alternatively, it is achieved by moving vehicle 200 to a predetermined position and parking it there.

[0033] 1(B), connection operation mechanism 130 is operated to connect charging connector 110 to charging inlet 210. Then, power supplied from power supply device 2 is transmitted through power cable 120, and charging device 100 charges vehicle 200 via charging connector 110.

[0034] The series of operations of the charging device 100 may be performed autonomously by a control device included in the charging device 100.

[0035] The vehicle 200 includes a charging inlet 210, a charging control device 230, and a battery 240. The vehicle 200 is typically an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV). As shown in Fig. 1, the charging inlet 210 and the charging control device 230, and the charging control device 230 and the battery 240 are each connected by a power cable 220. In Fig. 1, the symbols (a, b) are added to the reference numerals of the power cables 220 in order to distinguish between the respective power cables 220.

[0036] The power cable 220 is a cable that transmits the power supplied from the charging device 100. The power cable 220 may have an appropriate configuration depending on the expected power.

[0037] The charging control device 230 is a device that converts the power supplied from the charging device 100 into charging power for the battery 240 and outputs the converted power. The charging control device 230 is typically an OBC (On-Board Charger).

[0038] Battery 240 is a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery, and stores power for driving vehicle 200. Battery 240 is typically a lithium ion battery. However, battery 240 may be another secondary battery, such as an all-solid-state battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery.

[0039] The power supplied from the charging device 100 via the charging connector 110 is transmitted to the charging control device 230 by the power cable 220a. Next, the charging control device 230 converts the power supplied from the charging device 100 into charging power for the battery 240 and outputs the converted power. Then, the charging power output by the charging control device 230 is transmitted to the battery 240 by the power cable 220b, and the battery 240 is charged.

[0040] The power supply device 2 and the charging device 100 may be configured for normal charging (for example, to supply single-phase AC power) or for rapid charging (for example, to supply high-output DC power). The vehicle 200 may be provided with separate charging inlets 210 and power cables 220 for normal charging and rapid charging. In this case, the vehicle may be configured not to perform power conversion by the charging control device 230 in the power transmission for rapid charging.

[0041] 2. Charging connector As shown in Fig. 1, in the charging device 100 according to this embodiment, the charging connector 110 is located between the bottom surface of the vehicle 200 and the ground 1. For this reason, the charging connector 110 is susceptible to heat generated by the vehicle 200 and heat reflected from the ground 1. In addition, if the vehicle height of the vehicle 200 changes during charging due to a change in the load of the vehicle 200 or the like, the contact resistance between the charging connector 110 and the charging inlet 210 increases, and Joule heat may increase. For this reason, there is a risk that the charging connector 110 may rise to an abnormal temperature that cannot guarantee the performance and reliability of the charging device.

[0042] The charging device 100 according to this embodiment has a feature in the configuration of the charging connector 110 in order to suppress a rise in temperature of the charging connector 110. The configuration of the charging connector 110 will be described below with reference to several embodiments.

[0043] 2-1. First embodiment Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of the charging connector 110 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2(A) shows a perspective view of the charging connector 110, and Fig. 2(B) shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110.

[0044] The charging connector 110 includes a first portion 111 including an electrode plug 111a, and a second portion 112 that is on the ground side of the first portion 111 and includes an electrode 112a.

[0045] The electrode plug 111a is a portion where the charging connector 110 connects to the charging inlet 210. The electrode plug 111a may adopt an appropriate standard depending on the configuration of the charging inlet 210. The electrode 112a is electrically connected to the electrode plug 111a and transmits power to the electrode plug 111a. The electrode plug 111a and the electrode 112a are typically formed of a metal material such as copper or silver. Note that the electrode plug 111a and the electrode 112a may be formed integrally.

[0046] The first portion 111 includes a first insulating case 111b and a first metal plate 111c.

[0047] The first insulating case 111b covers and holds the electrode plug 111a and insulates the electrode plug 111a from the surroundings. The first insulating case 111b is typically made of a resin material (including synthetic resin).

[0048] The first metal plate 111c is provided so as to be in contact with the first insulating case 111b on the vehicle side, and dissipates heat to the outside from the first portion 111. The first metal plate 111c is typically made of copper, iron, or aluminum, or an alloy thereof.

[0049] The second portion 112 includes a second insulating case 112b, a second metal plate 112c, and a heat conductive plate 112d.

[0050] The second insulating case 112b covers and holds the electrode 112a. It also insulates the electrode 112a from the surroundings. The second insulating case 112b is typically made of a resin material (including synthetic resin). The first insulating case 111b and the second insulating case 112b may be integrally formed.

[0051] The second metal plate 112c is provided to be in contact with the second insulating case 112b on the ground side, and dissipates heat to the outside from the second portion 112. The second metal plate 112c may be formed in the same manner as the first metal plate 111c.

[0052] 2, the thermally conductive plate 112d is provided at a position where it contacts the side surface of the second insulating case 112b and the second metal plate 112c. The thermally conductive plate 112d may be provided so as to contact all the side surfaces of the second insulating case 112b, or may be provided so as to contact only part of the side surface of the second insulating case 112b. Furthermore, the thermally conductive plate 112d may be provided in a plurality of pieces so as to contact the side surface of the second insulating case 112b, and may be given an appropriate shape.

[0053] The thermally conductive plate 112d is configured to have a thermal conductivity greater than that of the second insulating case 112b. Typically, the second insulating case 112b is made of resin, and the thermally conductive plate 112d is made of metal (copper, iron, or aluminum, or an alloy thereof, etc.).

[0054] The temperature of the second portion 112 increases mainly due to heat generated by the electrode 112a. The heat generated by the electrode 112a is transferred to the second metal plate 112c through the second insulating case 112b, and is released to the outside. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the second metal plate 112c is not in contact with the side surface of the second insulating case 112b. Therefore, by providing the heat conductive plate 112d at a position in contact with the side surface of the second insulating case 112b and the second metal plate 112c, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can be efficiently transferred to the second metal plate 112c. In other words, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can be transferred to the second metal plate 112c also by the heat conductive plate 112d located in contact with the side surface of the second insulating case 112b. This makes it possible to suppress a temperature rise of the second portion 112, and thus a temperature rise of the charging connector 110.

[0055] 2-2. Second embodiment The charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment is different from the charging connector 110 according to the first embodiment in that the position at which the thermally conductive plate 112d is provided is different. Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment. Note that, hereinafter, matters explained above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0056] In the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 112d is press-fitted into the second insulating case 112b so as to be located near the electrode 112a. The second metal plate 112c is disposed so as to close the press-fit opening of the second insulating case 112b into which the thermally conductive plate 112d is press-fitted, and is in contact with the thermally conductive plate 112d at the press-fit opening.

[0057] In the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can also be efficiently transferred to the second metal plate 112c by the thermally conductive plate 112d. That is, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can also be transferred to the second metal plate 112c by the thermally conductive plate 112d located in the vicinity of the electrode 112a. This makes it possible to suppress a temperature rise in the second portion 112, and therefore in the charging connector 110, as in the charging connector 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, in the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 112d can be configured by press-fitting it into the second insulating case 112b. This eliminates the need for a part to fix the thermally conductive plate 112d, and simplifies the assembly work during production. In addition, since the press-in hole is blocked by the second metal plate 112c, the thermally conductive plate 112d can be assembled sufficiently even if it is lightly pressed-in.

[0059] Meanwhile, the second insulating case 112b and the heat conductive plate 112d are made of different materials and have different linear expansion coefficients. Typically, the linear expansion coefficient of the second insulating case 112b made of resin is greater than the linear expansion coefficient of the heat conductive plate 112d made of metal.

[0060] For this reason, in the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, when the temperature of the charging connector 110 is high and the amount of expansion of the second insulating case 112b becomes greater than the amount of expansion of the thermally conductive plate 112d by a certain amount or more, a gap may be generated between the second insulating case 112b and the thermally conductive plate 112d, which may result in a decrease in the heat transfer effect of the thermally conductive plate 112d.

[0061] On the other hand, when the temperature of the charging connector 110 is low and the amount of contraction of the second insulating case 112b becomes greater than the amount of contraction of the thermally conductive plate 112d by a certain amount or more, there is a risk that cracks will occur in the second insulating case 112b due to the contact pressure of the thermally conductive plate 112d.

[0062] Therefore, in the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 112d may be a leaf spring that is in partial contact with the second insulating case 112b. Figs. 4 and 5 are conceptual diagrams showing an example in which the thermally conductive plate 112d is a leaf spring. Figs. 4 and 5 show a portion around one electrode 112a of the charging connector 110. Fig. 4 shows an example in which the thermally conductive plate 112d is a corrugated leaf spring, and Fig. 5 shows an example in which the thermally conductive plate 112d is an L-shaped leaf spring whose bending angle is not a right angle.

[0063] 4 and 5, the heat conductive plate 112d is in partial contact with the second insulating case 112b. Therefore, the heat generated by the electrode 112a can be transferred to the second metal plate 112c by the heat conductive plate 112d through the second insulating case 112b. Furthermore, the heat conductive plate 112d is a leaf spring, and has spring properties at the contact point with the second insulating case 112b.

[0064] As a result, even if the amount of expansion of the second insulating case 112b increases, the heat conducting plate 112d can maintain contact with the second insulating case 112b. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat transfer effect of the heat conducting plate 112d due to the expansion of the second insulating case 112b. Furthermore, when the amount of contraction of the second insulating case 112b increases, the heat conducting plate 112d deforms due to the springiness of the contact point with the second insulating case 112b. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the contact pressure of the heat conducting plate 112d and suppress the occurrence of cracks in the second insulating case 112b.

[0065] The heat conducting plate 112d may have another shape and may be a leaf spring that is in partial contact with the second insulating case 112b.

[0066] 2-3.Third embodiment The charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment includes a thermally conductive plate in the first portion 111. Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment. Note that, hereinafter, matters explained above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0067] In the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 111d included in the first portion 111 is press-fitted into the first insulating case 111b so as to be located near the electrode plug 111a. As shown in Fig. 6, a plurality of thermally conductive plates 111d are provided so as to be located near each electrode plug 111a. The first metal plate 111c is disposed so as to close the press-fitted opening of the first insulating case 111b into which the thermally conductive plate 111d is press-fitted, and is in contact with the thermally conductive plate 111d at the press-fitted opening.

[0068] The temperature of the first portion 111 rises mainly due to heat generated by the electrode plug 111a. The heat generated by the electrode plug 111a is transferred to the first metal plate 111c through the first insulating case 111b, and is then released to the outside. The heat conductive plate 111d can efficiently transfer the heat generated by the electrode plug 111a to the first metal plate 111c. That is, the heat generated by the electrode plug 111a can also be transferred to the first metal plate 111c by the heat conductive plate 111d located in the vicinity of the electrode plug 111a. This makes it possible to suppress a temperature rise in the first portion 111, and therefore a temperature rise in the charging connector 110.

[0069] Here, charging connector 110 may be configured so that first metal plate 111c contacts the bottom surface of charging inlet 210 or vehicle 200 during charging. The part of the bottom surface of charging inlet 210 or vehicle 200 that contacts first metal plate 111c may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. This allows heat to be dissipated also from the part of the bottom surface of charging inlet 210 or vehicle 200, and the temperature rise of first portion 111, and therefore the temperature rise of charging connector 110, can be further suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 111d can be configured by press-fitting it into the first insulating case 111b. This eliminates the need for a part to fix the thermally conductive plate 111d, and simplifies the assembly work during production. In addition, since the press-in hole is blocked by the first metal plate 111c, the thermally conductive plate 111d can be assembled sufficiently even if it is lightly pressed in.

[0071] In the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 111d may be a leaf spring that is in partial contact with the first insulating case 111b. For example, as described in the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment, the thermally conductive plate 111d may be a corrugated leaf spring or an L-shaped leaf spring whose bending angle is not a right angle.

[0072] As a result, even if the expansion amount of the first insulating case 111b increases, the heat conducting plate 111d can maintain a state of contact with the first insulating case 111b. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat transfer effect of the heat conducting plate 111d due to the expansion of the first insulating case 111b. Furthermore, when the contraction amount of the first insulating case 111b increases, the heat conducting plate 111d deforms due to the springiness at the contact point with the first insulating case 111b. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the contact pressure of the heat conducting plate 111d and suppress the occurrence of cracks in the first insulating case 111b.

[0073] 2-4. Fourth embodiment The charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment is configured by press-fitting one thermally conductive plate 111d into the first insulating case 111b. Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment. Note that, hereinafter, matters explained above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0074] In the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, one thermally conductive plate 111d is press-fitted so that a specific portion is positioned near each electrode plug 111a.

[0075] In the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment, the heat generated by the electrode plug 111a can also be efficiently transferred to the first metal plate 111c by the heat conductive plate 111d. That is, the heat generated by each electrode plug 111a can also be transferred to the first metal plate 111c by the heat conductive plate 111d having a specific portion in the vicinity of the electrode plug 111a. This makes it possible to suppress a temperature rise in the first portion 111, and therefore a temperature rise in the charging connector 110.

[0076] Fifth embodiment The charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment includes a thermally conductive plate 111d and a thermally conductive plate 112d in the first portion 111 and the second portion 112, respectively. Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the configuration of the charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment. Note that, hereinafter, matters explained above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0077] In the charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, a thermally conductive plate 111d is press-fitted into the first insulating case 111b, and a thermally conductive plate 112d is press-fitted into the second insulating case 112b. Here, the configuration of the first portion 111 is equivalent to that of the charging connector 110 according to the fourth embodiment described in Fig. 7, and the configuration of the second portion 112 is equivalent to that of the charging connector 110 according to the second embodiment described in Fig. 3.

[0078] With this configuration, the heat generated by the electrode plug 111a can be efficiently transferred to the first metal plate 111c by the heat conductive plate 111d, and the heat generated by the electrode 112a can be efficiently transferred to the second metal plate 112c by the heat conductive plate 112d. This reduces the temperature rise of the first portion 111 and the second portion 112. As a result, the temperature rise of the charging connector 110 can be further suppressed compared to the case where the heat conductive plate 111d or the heat conductive plate 112d is provided on either the first portion 111 or the second portion 112.

[0079] The configurations of the first portion 111 and the second portion 112 may be replaced with those of any of the above-described embodiments. For example, the first portion 111 may be equivalent to the charging connector 110 according to the first embodiment described in Fig. 2, and the second portion 112 may be equivalent to the charging connector 110 according to the third embodiment described in Fig. 6. Alternatively, a combination of other embodiments may be used.

[0080] 3.Effects As described above, the charging connector 110 of the charging device 100 according to this embodiment includes the first portion 111 and the second portion 112. The first portion 111 includes the thermally conductive plate 111d in contact with the first insulating case 111b and the first metal plate 111c, and the second portion includes the thermally conductive plate 112d in contact with the second insulating case 112b and the second metal plate 112c. This makes it possible to suppress a rise in temperature of the charging connector 110. In addition, the cooling function of the charging connector 110 is improved by the configuration of the charging connector 110 itself, without relying on an additional device. Therefore, when a conventional cooling device or the like is additionally provided, it is possible to achieve effects such as an improvement in the cooling function and the associated improvement in charging power, and a reduction in the size of the device.

[0081] 9 is a graph showing a comparison result of the temperature of the charging connector 110 during charging in a normal usage environment for a charging device including a conventional charging connector 110 not including a thermally conductive plate and the charging device 100 according to this embodiment (the charging device 100 including the charging connector 110 according to the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments). Note that FIG. 9 shows the comparison result at an outside air temperature of 25°C.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, in a normal usage environment, the charging device 100 according to this embodiment is able to suppress a rise in temperature of the charging connector 110, compared to the conventional charging device.

[0083] Fig. 10 is a graph showing a comparison result of the temperature of charging connector 110 during charging in a hostile environment for a charging device including a conventional charging connector 110 not including a thermally conductive plate and charging device 100 according to this embodiment (charging device 100 including charging connector 110 according to the fifth embodiment). Note that Fig. 10 shows the comparison result at an outside air temperature of 25°C.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 10, when charging in a hostile environment, the temperature rises abnormally to over 70°C in the conventional charging device, whereas the charging device 100 of this embodiment is able to suppress the temperature rise to around 50°C. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 ground 100 Charging device 110 Charging connector 111 Part 1 111a Electrode plug 111b First insulating case 111c 1st metal plate 111d Heat Conduction Plate 112 Part 2 112a electrode 112b Second insulating case 112c Second metal plate 112d Heat Conduction Plate 200 vehicles

Claims

1. A charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector, The charging connector is a first portion including an electrode plug for electrically connecting to the vehicle; a second portion on the ground side of the first portion, the second portion including an electrode electrically connected to the electrode plug for transmitting electric power to the electrode plug; Equipped with The second portion is an insulating case that covers and holds the electrodes; a metal plate in contact with the insulating case on the ground side; a heat conductive plate in contact with the insulating case and the metal plate; Further comprising: The heat conductive plate is The thermal conductivity is higher than that of the insulating case. A charging device characterized by:

2. The charging device according to claim 1, The insulating case is Made of resin, The heat conductive plate is Metal-based A charging device characterized by:

3. The charging device according to claim 1 or 2, The heat conductive plate is A position that contacts the side surface of the insulating case A charging device characterized by:

4. The charging device according to claim 1 or 2, The heat conductive plate is the insulating case is press-fitted to be located near the electrode, The metal plate is The heat conductive plate is disposed so as to close the press-fitted press-in opening of the insulating case, and is in contact with the heat conductive plate at the press-fitted opening. A charging device characterized by:

5. The charging device according to claim 4, The heat conductive plate is a leaf spring that is in partial contact with the insulating case. A charging device characterized by:

6. The charging device according to claim 5, The heat conductive plate is a corrugated leaf spring. A charging device characterized by:

7. The charging device according to claim 5, The heat conductive plate is an L-shaped leaf spring whose bending angle is not a right angle. A charging device characterized by:

8. A charging device that is installed on the ground and charges a vehicle from below the vehicle via a charging connector, The charging connector is a first portion including an electrode plug for electrically connecting to the vehicle; a second portion on the ground side of the first portion, the second portion including an electrode electrically connected to the electrode plug for transmitting electric power to the electrode plug; Equipped with The first portion is an insulating case that covers and holds the electrode plug; a metal plate that is in contact with the insulating case on the vehicle side; a heat conductive plate in contact with the insulating case and the metal plate; Further comprising: The heat conductive plate is The thermal conductivity is higher than that of the insulating case. A charging device characterized by:

9. The charging device according to claim 8, The insulating case is Made of resin, The heat conductive plate is Metal-based A charging device characterized by:

10. The charging device according to claim 8 or 9, The heat conductive plate is the insulating case is press-fitted to be located near the electrode plug; The metal plate is The heat conductive plate is disposed so as to close the press-fitted press-in opening of the insulating case, and is in contact with the heat conductive plate at the press-fitted opening. A charging device characterized by:

11. The charging device according to claim 10, The heat conductive plate is a leaf spring that is in partial contact with the insulating case. A charging device characterized by:

12. The charging device according to claim 11, The heat conductive plate is a corrugated leaf spring. A charging device characterized by:

13. The charging device according to claim 11, The heat conductive plate is an L-shaped leaf spring whose bending angle is not a right angle. A charging device characterized by:

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